Nothing beats the heat of summer like having a schedule packed full of fun ways to enjoy all that our region has to offer.

From fairs and festivals to rafting and riding, Style’s 6th Annual Summer Fun Guide offers ideas to make the first summer of the new decade tons of fun. As a bonus, check out our suggested mp3 downloads – chosen to fit thematically with each event. Play the songs in the car on your way to each activity, or keep them on a special playlist on your iPod to evoke the memories you’re bound to create this season. Here’s to having a blast and to your Memories Mixtape of Summer 2010.

GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR WILD SIDE

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Get the whole family to monkey around at the Sacramento Zoo. Visit the Zoo on Saturday, July 24 between 4-8 p.m. for their 26th annual Ice Cream Safari where your little animals can enjoy all-you-can-eat Baskin Robbins ice cream. saczoo.com
Download: “Heart Like a Lion” by Rebelution

The Sacramento SPCA sponsors the Doggy Dash and Pet Fest to benefit man’s best friend, and all his friends, too. This 2K/5K run/walk is capped off with entertainment for both the two-legged and four-legged including a Frisbee contest and a “mutt show.” Booths, games, food, and drinks make this fundraising event, held June 5 at William Land Park, a sure hit. Call 916-383-7387 or visit sspca.org for registration fees and times.
Download: “Walking the Dog” by fun.

In June and July, Kids ages 7-10 can become zookeepers at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary! Campers will prepare animal diets, make toys for the animals, and clean exhibits at the Zoo Camp. And, for the little ones ages 4-7, there’s the ABC Zoo camp to feed their love of learning and animals! For more information and to register, visit folsom.ca.us. and click on the Summer Activity Guide or call 916-355-7285.
Download: “Wild Thing” by the Troggs

Take a ride…a horseback ride that is. Equine Unlimited at 3984 Green Valley Road in Rescue will offer an Equestrian Day Camp for the 13th year, for ages 7-18. All instructors are experienced and qualified to instruct riders of all ages. Top quality equipment and mounts are provided for all participants. This is the place to establish fundamentals essential to successful riding. For all the details, call 916-718-8662.
Download: “Giddy On Up” by Laura Bell Bundy

The Grace Foundation is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual VET CAMP lead by Dr. Mike Russell, The Grace Foundation veterinarian. VET CAMP is a 5-day youth program designed for ages 12-17 interested in veterinary medicine and science in general. The program combines demonstrations, discussions and hands-on experience. For more details and the July camp dates, visit
thegracefoundationofnorcal.org
Download: “Who Let the Dogs Out” Bahamen

“Horse around” June 11-13 at the Western States Horse Expo at Cal Expo. This event features breed exhibitions, a mega-sized trade show, and 10 acres of horse trailers, food, live music and over 300 informational booths. Don’t miss out on the demonstrations and obstacle course! Check out horseexpo.com or call 800-352-2411 for additional information.
Download: “Long Ride Home” by Patti Griffin

GET SMART!
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND EXCURSIONS FOR KIDS

Riddle me this! Sharpen your sleuthing skills and try your hand at the Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt. A free PDF download on line gives visitors a list of riddles and a map that help participants explore the nooks and crannies of Old Sacramento. If you solve all the riddles, you can claim your free prize at the Trailmix.Net store at 116B I Street across from street from the Railroad Museum. Download the scavenger hunt directions and map online at oldsacramentoscavengerhunt.com.
Download: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

Fairy Tale Town hosts Sacramento’s Annual Puppet Festival this summer, showing “Little Red Riding Hood” from June 2-13 and “Riley the Wiley Rabbit” from June 16-27, with shows running each day in their Children’s Theatre. Tickets are just $2. Show times are weekdays 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., weekends 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
 Fair Tale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive in Sacramento. Call their 24-hour info line at (916) 808-5233 or visit fairtaletown.org.
Download: “I’m Not Your Puppet” (edited version) by Lighter Shade of Brown

Bodies Revealed is back in Sacramento by popular demand. The exhibit is located at 2040 Alta Arden Expressway, across from Arden Fair Mall. Visitors explore 14 full human body specimens and over 200 organs to gain a deeper understanding of them intricate, interwoven systems of our anatomy. A must-see for budding scientists. Tickets are $22 for ages 13-54, children 4-12 are $14, students with ID and seniors 55+ are $18. Call 888-263-4379 to check for ticket availability. bodiesrevealed.com
Download: “Breakable” by Ingrid Michaelson

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure at Roseville’s re|create Eco-Art Center. The center accepts donations of clean but unwanted waste from local businesses and uses it to help children create inspiring and interesting ecology lessons, and creative expression projects. Located at 414 Vernon Street, Suite 110, re|create offers drop-in craft sessions for $5 and a wide array of kids’ camps throughout the summer. Each week throughout the months of June and July, they will hold themed day camps for children ages 6-12. Some featured weeks include “Cars, Planes, Trains, Rockets, and More,” “Art From Storybooks,” and “Paper and Bookmaking.” Class registrations are $139 per kid, per week, with special discounts for siblings or signing up for multiple camps. Snacks and beverages are provided each day. Visit re|create Eco-Art Center online at recreate.org for more information about drop-in classes, to register for summer day camps, and other educational events. 916-749-3717, recreate.org
Download: “With My Own Two Hands” by Ben Harper

All sorts of fun activities are happening this summer at our local libraries in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado Counties. The Roseville Maidu Library just unveiled its new Family Place – a certification that includes new furniture and toys to encourage whole families to stay and play at the library. Another new addition is their program “1, 2, 3 Grow With Me,” especially designed for children ages 1-3, and provides art activities and circle time. Visit roseville.ca.us, or placer.ca.gov, for more information about library events in your neighborhood.
Download: “Pressed in a Book” by The Shins

In July and August, Epic Sierra’s experienced trip leaders will guide teens on Rocks, Rivers, and Ranges Travel and Service Adventure. For two weeks, participants ages 15-18 will complete a loop around the Sierra. Highlights include rafting on the American River, hiking and paddling in Lake Tahoe, exploring historical and mining sites in the eastern Sierra, canoeing Mono Lake’s mysterious salty waters, and backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Participants complete 15 hours of exciting outdoor service and restoration projects. For additional details and dates, visit epicsierra.org or call 530-621-1224.
Download: “Take Me to the River” by Talking Heads

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Lace up your sneakers and help support the arts of Sacramento at Race for the Arts. Benefiting our region’s nonprofit arts organizations, this 5K walk-run helps fund music, art, theatre, dance, and more. Bring the family and check out the live music, delicious foods, and informational booths. Race is held at William Land Park in Sacramento on August 28. Register online beginning May 21 through August 24, or in mid-June by picking up an entry form at all Fleet Feet stores, Raley’s, and Bel Air stores. Call 916-441-1751 or visit raceforthearts.com for more information.
Download: “Going the Distance” by CAKE

Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod Exhibit from now through July 5. The California Automobile Museum in Old Sac exhibits “Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod.” These are the vehicles that gave paved the way to the post World War II era of cool - reminiscent of what you see in the movies Grease or American Graffiti. Some stylish cars sure to be on display on display — a 1932 Roadster and a modified 1930 Ford A-V8. Located at 2200 Front Street, the museum is open Friday through Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Call 916-442-6802 or visit calautomuseum.org.
Download: “Greased Lightening” by John Travolta

Ahoy, mateys! Father’s Day weekend, June 19-20, is the Northern California Pirate Festival. Swashbucklers will enjoy watching entertainment from the high seas including singers and swordfighters on the Vallejo Waterfront. Best part of the festival? It’s free! Vallejo Waterfront, 289 Mare Island Way. 866-921-9277, norcalpiratefestival.com
Download: “A Pirate Looks at Forty” By Jimmy Buffett

Setting up shop for three weeks during July in a sectioned off portion of the Roseville Galleria’s parking lot, the Sacramento Capitals World Tennis Team plays to win. Any seat in the makeshift stadium is perfect for cheering on the area’s favorite, Lindsay Davenport, while she and her other teammates play in their high-energy matches. As one of the region’s summer-only spectator events, what’s not to love? gocaps.net
Download: “Hold It Now, Hit It” by The Beastie Boys

Stay cool by playing at one of the two water parks in our area — Raging Waters at Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, 916-924-3747, ragingwaters.com) or Golfland Sunsplash in Roseville (1893 Taylor Road, 916-784-1273, golfland.com). Have tots too young for those big slides? Swing by the Fountains at Roseville (corner of Galleria Boulevard and Roseville Parkway) or Livermore Park in Folsom (corner of McAdoo Drive and Riley Street). Each location offers water features suited for the little ones including spraying fountains and waterfalls on non-slip surfaces.
Download: “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

A new trend in water sports, Stand Up Paddling has become an exciting new way to stay cool for families of all ages. Easy enough for kids, but challenging enough for grown-ups, SUPing at Folsom Lake is a perfect way to spend an afternoon on the water while getting a great workout. Check out holoholo.tv/supfolsom.html for more information, including where to get equipment and even video tutorials that teach you how to properly SUP.
Download: “Float On” by Modest Mouse

The crack of the bat, the roar of the fans…nothing says summer like baseball! The Sacramento River Cats are back for another season and provide all the excitement of the majors, not to mention the ballpark hot dogs and fireworks over the Raley Field. (rivercats.com) Also check out the Marysville Gold Sox, a community team comprised of the best college players in the western U.S. The Gold Sox play at Appeal-Democrat Stadium in Marysville. Buy tickets online at goldsox.com.
Download: “Baseball Song” by Kenny Rogers

Pack a picnic and swing by one of the area’s many outdoor concerts in the park. Sunday nights at Royer Park is the spot for Roseville's Music in the Park Series, held at 190 Park Drive in Roseville. (rosevillemusicinthepark.com) Rocklin’s Chamber of Commerce puts on Evening in the Park Friday Nights during the summer months at Johnson-Springview Park, located at 5480 Fifth Street, Rocklin. (rocklin.ca.us) For First Fridays at Fountains in Roseville, Main Street shuts down for pedestrian traffic only to experience groovy street fair fun complete with artisan booths, sidewalk sales, beer and wine garden, car show and more; starts June 4.  thefountainsatroseville.com
Download: “Listen to the Music” by The Doobie Brothers

Sutter’s Fort History Live is happening now through July 31. Established in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter, the State Historic Park gives visitors the opportunity to meet “characters” who were part of the Gold Rush movement, and experience hands-on activities that simulate daily life during America’s westward expansion in the mid to late 1800s. Docents playing the roles of blacksmiths, bakers, doctors and vaqueros lead these activities and help history truly come alive. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for youth 6-17 years old, and free for kids 5 and under. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is located at 2701 L Street, in Sacramento. 916-445-4422, parks.ca.gov
Download: “California Dreaming” by The Mamas and the Papas

Float down the lower American River while beating the heat in your own little raft. River rafting has long been a popular Sacramento summer staple. Fill up a cooler with picnic goodies and plop it in a raft with you and your crew. Inexpensive raft rentals make this outing a reasonable one. Check out river-rat.com for rental prices and launching locations.
Download: “Ride the River” by Eric Clapton

Get your swing on at Bass Lake Golf Course in El Dorado Hills with their 2010 Three Day Junior Golf Camps. For boys and Girls (all skill levels), in age groups 7-8, 9-12, 13-17 - the camps take place Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., and price includes lunch daily. Emphasis is on developing short game skills, full swing mechanics, safety, basic golf rules, and proper etiquette. For more details and dates starting in June, visit basslakegolfcourse.com or call 530-677-4653.
Download: “Straight Down the Middle” by Bing Crosby

Make it a peach of a weekend! The Marysville Peach Festival is an event free to the public and offers live music, tons of stuff for the kids including two city blocks of amusement rides, and obviously, lots of delicious peach goodies to taste. The festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17. Call 530-749-3954 or visit marysvillepeachfest.com to learn more.
Download: “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Folsom Pro Rodeo returns this year bigger and better! This All-American celebration brings the Wild West to our region once again. Kick off the festivities on July 1, with the Bullipede and Cattle Drive. Watch costumed teams of five gallop across the finish line Western-style and see cowboys lead long-horn steers down historic Sutter Street! July 2-4, enjoy the Folsom Pro Rodeo featuring bucking broncos, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, mutton busting, rodeo clowns and more old-fashioned Western fun! Each evening includes live entertainment and is capped off with a breathtaking fireworks display. 916-985-2698, folsomprorodeo.com
Download: “Rodeo” by Garth Brooks

Buckle up for Fast Fridays in Auburn. Gather the family and head to the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn every Friday of the summer for thrilling speedway motorcycle racing. Capture the noise and excitement including fun half-time shows, food and activities. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with races beginning at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $8 for children and $10 for adults. Season passes are also available. 530-878-7223, fastfridays.com.
Download: "Fuel" by Metallica

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Old Folsom’s Historic District hosts the city’s Thursday Night Market, every Thursday evening of June and July from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Area vendors host booths, Sutter Street restaurants are open for food and drinks and entertainment abounds for each themed night. Take part in the “Folsom’s Got Talent” or “Trivia Champ” competitions to win prizes and stay to listen to live music. For more information, visit folsomtnm.com or call (916) 768-9781. And just up the hill, don’t miss Live on The Boulevard Free Thursday Night Concert Series at the Town Center. Every Thursday night, June 17-September 2, at the Steven Young Amphitheater, join the town for concerts, sidewalk sales, activities, good and more from 6-8 p.m. For a schedule of who’s playing and more details, visit eldoradohillstowncenter.com.
Download: “City Livin’” by G. Love and Special Sauce

Started back in September 2006, Movies on a Big Screen is an ongoing film festival that features a new independent film or documentary on Sunday nights. Shows are always $5, unless otherwise noted, and screened at Sacramento’s historic Guild Theater at 2828 35th Street on the corner of 35th and Broadway. Call 916-649-7900 or visit moviesonabigscreen.com for current shows and times.
Download: “Love Like in the Movies” by the Avett Brothers

Doesn’t a giggle-fest sound like fun? Catch a comedy show at any of the area’s stand-up clubs. Saturday Night Live alum, and movie star, Rob Schneider will be at Cache Creek Saturday, July 17. For more information, visit cachecreek.com. Also be sure to check up the lineups at the Punchline Comedy Club located at 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento; for more information, visit punchlinecomedyclub.com, and Tommy T’s Comedy and Dinner Theater 12401 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova tommyts.com.
Download: “Life, Love, and Laughter” by Donavon Frankenreiter

Do like they do in Sex and the City and brunch with the ladies. All over town, Sunday Brunch means a fun day when you start it off with bottomless mimosas at some of the best spots in town. Sweetwater, located at 1901 S Street in Sacramento (916-731-8857  sweetwatereats.com), L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen, at 1801 L Street in Sacramento, (lwinelounge.com, 916-443-6970), and Paul Martin’s American Bistro at 1455 Eureka Road in Roseville, (paulmartinsamericanbistro.com, 916-783-3600) are great choices.
Download: “Easy” by Lionel Richie

Looking to support local talent? Or, better yet—got some talent of your own? Whether you prefer being in the audience or on the stage, hop around town from one open mic night to the next to see all the talent our region has to offer. Strings Pizzeria in Rancho Cordova (stringspizzeria.com) hosts on Tuesdays at 7:30, and at Borders in Folsom on the first Friday of every month at 8 p.m. Sign up to show your talent (borders.com). For more information about area open mic nights, visit openmicsacramento.com.
Download: “Microphone Master” (edited) by Das Efx

Life is a cabaret! Come join in on the fun at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, located at 1000 K Street (at the corner of 10th and K), where all summer long they’ll be showing “Shear Madness.” This hilarious whodunit mystery keeps audiences on their toes by combining the spontaneity of improv with audience participation in helping to solve the crime, creating a different show each time you see it. For tickets and more information, call 916-557-1999 or visit californiamusicaltheatre.com.
Download: “Building a Mystery” by Sarah McLaughlan

Rock out at the Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews, and Blues Festival held at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno this June 25-26. Wash down all sorts of barbecue delights like ribs, chicken and burgers with beers from the Brew Brothers, a pub inside the Eldorado Hotel and other local microbrewers. And with your full tummy, stay and listen to the blues bands featured. 345 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV Free admission. (800-648-4597 or 775-786-5700, eldoradoreno.com)
Download: “Blues in the Bottle” by Lee Fields

All aboard! The Sacramento River Train runs along the stretch of the 16-mile “Woodland Branch” between Woodland and West Sacramento. The train was remodeled for leisure use and now offers many Saturday trips. One of the most popular is the Great Train Robbery trip that lasts a little over three hours and includes a Wild West show and a barbecue picnic lunch along the river. For more information, visit sacramentorivertrain.com.
Download: “Train Leaving Gray” by Mason Jennings