Star Spangled Drive-In event slated for Friday

Normally this week, the Folsom community celebrates Independence Day with fireworks around its annual Pro Rodeo. Although COVID-19 put the brakes on these area events this year, however, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce has put together a special socially-distanced fireworks event slated for this Friday night.South of Highway 50, a large number of empty parcels that are part of the Folsom Ranch housing development are being converted to host the first ever Star Spangled Drive-In on Friday night while Rancho Cordova will host a similar event the following night. "The Greater Folsom Partnership understands that the Folsom community is looking for an opportunity to come together right now," commented Joe Gagliardi, CEO/president of the Folsom chamber. "Our community is ready to focus on the positive and to celebrate."This socially-distanced evening provides families and friends a festive event to celebrate safely. Two large interactive screens will provide visuals with sound streaming over an FM station in your car. "We have rolled out our most creative team effort to ensure a fun night for all," added Gagliardi. Gates will open at 7 p.m. at the entrance of Alder Creek Parkway. The evening will kick off with a showing of the family favorite movie, "Trolls," followed by an interactive entertainment program at 8:30. Live fireworks cap off the evening. According to the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, attendees should plan to bring their own picnic and beverages as there are no food vendors onsite to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Attendees will be required to stay with their vehicles, which will be parked with more than six feet between others throughout the event. "We have worked out a plan to have people be able to park and watch the production from their cars. At the same time, we will provide a full car parking space between each parked car to honor social distancing," explained Mary Ann McAlea, vice president of the Greater Folsom Partnership. "We are encouraging participants to support our local businesses by bringing take- out from local restaurants and having a picnic during the fireworks show."The chamber encourages all to break out their 4th of July outfits and grab some décor for their cars as there will be a contest for the most festive with various prizes donated by local businesses supporting the event. The event costs will be incurred by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of sponsorships from its community partners and area businesses. Costs for the event's traffic control and fire prevention are also being incurred by the chamber as event permits cover the necessary costs to ensure a safe environment. Tickets are currently on sale for Friday's event. Pre-sale tickets are $40 per carload, so for a family of four, it's basically $10 per person and so forth.Tickets at the gate will be $50. The chamber is using the Rodeo website to promote the event, recognize sponsors and sell tickets. That site is www.folsomprorodeo.com.For further information on the event or to learn how a business can be a sponsor, contact the chamber at 916-985-2698. Big video screens will show a movie, as well as interactive contests and activities using live camera work."We'll be able to transmit the sound through the radio stations into people's cars. The video screens will be able to transmit the actions going on," said Gagliardi.The chamber wanted to give people a venue to celebrate the holiday but thought about how the event could support local businesses as well."To celebrate in a way that recognizes the county health order but also to help have a reason for maybe people to do some takeout for one of our local restaurants," said Gagliardi.The show got the endorsement of the Folsom City Council, Fire and Police departments.The event will take place on Friday and will take the pressure off agencies overloaded on the 4th of July.It is a different way of celebrating the 4th of July but officials said the response has been encouraging. "We're excited about it. It's our first time doing it this way," said Gagliardi.The gates will open at 7 p.m. Friday. The event is also slated to be televised live on local broadcast television, KCRA's MyTv. Check local listings for specifics. Click on folsomprorodeo.com for more details about the event.