Santa Claus to sleigh ride through Folsom

Santa's sleigh will visit Folsom neighborhoods this year, beginning on the traditional First Day of Christmas, Dec. 13.Heralding arrival of the sleigh to a neighborhood will be lights-and-siren by members of the city police and fire departments.Santa and Mrs. Claus will distribute candy canes to children and will collect donations of toys and non-perishable food from parents. The Twin Lakes Food Bank and the Folsom Police Officers Association annually distribute such items.A list of stopping points for Santa's sleigh will post today through Dec. 21 at the city of Folsom Web site.The sleigh procession will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 through Dec. 18. In case of rain during that period, additional dates will be offered, Dec. 19 through Dec. 21.Local artists featuredin gallery openingFolsom Focus, sponsored in part by the Folsom Patrons of the Arts, is hosting an opening reception 6-8 p.m. Friday at 48 Natoma Street. The gallery will showcase artwork by local artists Judy LewLoose, Joan Sexton, and Joann Wilson. For more information, call 355-7285.Pony Express ridesSaturday in FolsomThe local chapter of the National Pony Express Riders Association will bring Christmas mail from Old Sacramento to the Folsom History Museum 3:45 p.m. Saturday. The museum will offer free admission for anyone wanting to greet the riders. Posters of the Pony Express Trail will be given to all visitors as well. Three Rivers Choraleperforms holiday concertThree Rivers Chorale presents a holiday music concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Trinity Church of Folsom, 803 Figueroa Street. General admission is $10. For more information, visit www.threeriverschorale.com or call 995-2419.Folsom Democratic Clubholds inaugural holiday partyThe Folsom Democratic Club holds its inaugural holiday party Saturday at 6 p.m. at the home of Nancy and Russ Lindgren in Folsom. Food and soft drinks will be provided. Kids are welcome. For the address call Muriel Brounstein at 351-1736.Powerhouse holdingdocent meetingThe December meeting for docents and volunteers of the Folsom Powerhouse is 9-11 a.m. Dec. 15 at the T.P. Building, CA State Parks just off Folsom Dam Road near Folsom-Auburn Road. For more information, call 985-4843.Holiday Brunch atCliff House RestaurantThe Women's Connection of Folsom hosts a holiday brunch 9:15-11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Cliff House Restaurant, 9900 Greenback Lane. The event includes hors d'oeuvres and holiday treats workshops, flute music, and motivational speaker Jody Smith. Cost is $15. Contact Karen at 988-4252 for reservations.The Art of Christmasbenefits local charityChristmas cards featuring artwork from local artists are now on sale. For a donation of $20, a package of 24 full-color cards can be purchased. For $10, a package of 8 can be bought. All proceeds go to Powerhouse Ministries. The cards are on sale at Oak Hills Church, 1100 Blue Ravine Street, and at the Wine Gallery/Fine Art Gallery, 627 Sutter Street in Folsom. For more information, call Betsy Murray at 530-306-9649 or Oak Hills Church at 983-0181.Zoo throwing holidaybash for the animalsEnjoy free hot drinks and treats while watching animals open festively-wrapped gifts at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary's annual Holiday Party for the Animals, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a canned food donation. Pictures with Santa are also available for a donation to the Wild Canine Exhibit.