Auburn Recreation and Parks District to throw 75th birthday bash Saturday

The Auburn Recreation and Parks District (ARD) is throwing a big birthday celebration Saturday, June 17, at Recreation Park with activities showcasing the agency's many offerings. When ARD was officially formed on July 1, 1948, the district and community were different places. When the agency opened, it had one park (Recreation Park) and use of the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Today, ARD owns or manages 11 major parks and three community centers as well as a host of related facilities, including pools, ballfields, racquet courts and more. ARD will commemorate its 75 years in the community with a day-long birthday party. The main event takes place from 5-10 p.m., but there are activities at Recreation Park (123 Recreation Drive) to enjoy throughout the day. The main event will feature free carnival games, bounce houses, live music, a classic car show, train rides, an ARD history museum and vendors, food trucks and a Rotary Club of Auburn Beer Garden. Earlier Saturday, ARD will host a free public swim, bike parade (with prizes for best decorated bike), a free come-and-learn pickleball session and a free Auburn Mermaids Water Show. Also celebrating days of the past, the event will feature a Classic Car Show honoring Auburn's 1959 Little League World Series team. Attendees can stroll through hand-picked classic cars on the historic Beggs Field. The car show will also feature an opportunity to meet the members of the 1959 team, check out memorabilia and vote for a favorite car. The schedule for Saturday's free event includes: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Indoor pickleball tournament 12-4 p.m.: Free public swim at Sierra Pool 12-1 p.m.: Kids bike parade 4:30-5 p.m.: Mermaids synchronized swim water show 5-10 p.m.: Main event - Live music, carnival games, kids area, train rides, food trucks, Auburn Winds performance, vendors, beer sales, car show and more. For more information on ARD's 75th birthday event, visit https://auburnrec.com/events/ard-75th-anniversary.