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 4th 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 and 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 Bark at the Park Festival 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 Second 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" by Baha Men

“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 map online at oldsacramentoscavengerhunt.com.
Download: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

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. Docents playing the roles of blacksmiths, bakers, doctors and vaqueros lead these activities and help history truly come alive. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is located at 2701 L Street, Sacramento. Call 916-445-4422 or visit parks.ca.gov/suttersfort for more information.
Download: “California Dreaming” by The Mamas and the Papas

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 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; and weekends at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
 Fairy Tale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive in Sacramento. Call their 24-hour information line at 916-808-5233 or visit fairytaletown.org.
Download: “I’m Not Your Puppet” (edited version) by Lighter Shade of Brown

Are you the crafty kind…or do you have crafty kids? If so, the 14th Annual Craft Faire in Historic Downtown Placerville will boast over 100 artisans featuring their pottery, woodwork, quilted and decorating items, jewelry, soaps, candles and more, all from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.! It’s a sure-bet to spark some creativity for when you’re staying cool inside! For details, call 530-672-3436.
Download: “She’s Crafty” by Beastie Boys

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

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. In addition, 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

All sorts of fun activities are happening this summer at our local libraries in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado Counties. El Dorado County Libraries will start the season with waves of rave reviews in their Summer Reading Clubs. For a complete list of El Dorado County Library branches and dates for the kick-off parties, visit eldoradolibrary.org.
Download: “Pressed in a Book” by The Shins

See democracy in action and schedule a free tour of the State Capitol Building. After perusing the historic building and learning about the art, artifacts, and architecture, plus the method by which our state laws are made, head to the Basement Theater where visitors can view the film shown daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional summertime exhibits include “This Means War: California’s Role in the Spanish-American War” and “History of California State Parks: A Most Glorious Heritage.” Prior to your visit, be sure to show the kids the interactive history tools found online at the Kid Zone. (capitolmuseum.ca.gov/kids) There, kids can peak their interest in the history of California, the laws that govern our land, the key players in our state’s democracy, and the building where all the action happens. To schedule a tour, call 916-324-0333.
Download: “Change is Gonna Come” by Gavin DeGraw

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

The California Automobile Museum in Old Sac exhibits “Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod,” now through July 5. These are the vehicles that 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 – a 1932 Roadster and a modified 1930 Ford A-V8. Located at 2200 Front Street in Sacramento, the museum is open Friday through Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Thursday from 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

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 Placerville Aquatic Center to take advantage of the separate activity pool with water play features (cityofplacerville.org, 530-642-5232). Or round up the family and head to the Cameron Park Community Center Pool for an evening at the pool from 4-8:30 p.m. cameronpark.org.
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 hotdogs 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

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

Go back to a great time in literature for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in its 38th season. This summer tradition will showcase the comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), and live music from funk to classical on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. July 9 through August 22 marks the days to be surrounded by panoramic views of the lake, snow-capped mountains, world-class performing arts and educational activities for young thespians. For more details, visit laketahoeshakespearefestival.com.
Download: “Love Story” by Taylor Swift