Around Here -November/December Holiday Events

Ahh, the holidays.  My favorite time of year! If you are like me and love to stay busy during the holidays, take a look at this list of family friendly activities that are happening in our area during the next 2 months!

November: 

Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday November 4th from 10-5PM - Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in El Dorado Hills. Free Admission. Talk with local artists and peruse original art, gifts and cards. 

Friday, November 9th, 10AM -9:30PM - Ice Rink opens in Folsom. Open all holidays. 

Saturday, November 10th, 11-2PM - Decorating Ginger Bread Houses For Kids  at Jo-Ann Fabric in Folsom!

Friday November 16th - Sunday January 6th  - Global Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Cal Expo is aglow with this spectacular light show, in which giant lanterns (some as tall as 70 feet) are illuminated by hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Check website for exact dates and times. 

Saturday, November 17th, 11-2PM - Hands-On Holiday Tag Making at Jo-Ann Fabric in Folsom. 

Saturday, November 17th, 10-4PM - Christmas Craft Faire at the Cameron Park Community Center. Hand made crafts, gifts, decorations & jewelry. 

Saturday, November 17th, 12-3PM - Stagecoach rides on Historic Main Street in Placerville. Free rides on the 3rd Saturday of every month, check website for exact dates. 

Monday, November 19th - Friday, November 23rd - times vary - Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer the Musical at the Harris Center in Folsom. 

Starting Friday, November 23rd through December 24th - Photos with Santa at the California Welcome Center in EDH. Check website as times and dates vary. 

Friday, November 23rd, 5:30-8PM - Festival of Lights in Placerville. Lighting of the Christmas Tree, shopping, and beverages served at the Bell Tower. 

December:

Saturday, December 1st, 7-12PM - Santa Run & Pancake Breakfast at the Cameron Park Community Center. Breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, eggs, orange juice and coffee. 

Saturday, December 1st, 4PM - Christmas Tree Lighting in EDH Town Center. "Stuff Your Stocking" game for kids, live music, carriage rides and Santa will arrive to light the tree. Carriage ride dates to be continued throughout December. 

Sunday, December 2nd, times vary - Folsom Lake Symphony presents Holiday Spirit at the Harris Center. Songs include Sleigh Ride, March of the Toys, Carol of the Bells, and selections from the Nutcracker, among others. 

Sunday December 2nd at 1PM - Hangtown Christmas Parade (Placerville). 

Friday, December 7th & Saturday, December 8th, 10AM - 4PM - 7th Annual Holiday Home Tour in Folsom. Features four charming historic homes beautifully adorned for the holidays, two festively decorated historic churches, with added stops at the Folsom History Museum, Pioneer Village and the Murer House. 

Saturday, December 8th (10-5PM) and Sunday December 9th (10-4PM) - Homes for the Holidays Tour in El Dorado Hills and Placerville.  Enjoy wine and chocolate tasting and a raffle. 

Sunday, December 9th, Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th, times vary - "Christmas Radio" concert featuring the Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills. 90 Minute concert featuring the season's most loved Christmas songs from across the genres. 

Sunday, December 9th (all Sundays through December, 1:30-6PM, 2 Wednesdays in December, 5-9PM) - Nevada City Victorian Christmas. A magical setting of hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels and carolers dressed in Victorian attire, and a myriad of visitors sharing holiday cheer and good tidings. Hand-crafted candy, jewelry, pottery, perfume, and dolls. 

Saturday, December 15th  - 55th Annual Santa Run tradition through El Dorado Hills. Event will finish with a fireworks show, cookies, and hot chocolate. Santa and Mrs. Clause will collect canned goods and unwrapped new toys for Toys for Tots. 

Saturday, December 15th, 12-3PM - Stagecoach rides on Historic Main Street in Placerville. Free rides on the 3rd Saturday of every month, check website for exact dates. 

December 30th at 7:30PM - Christmas Tree Lighting in Folsom in the center of the ice skating rink. 


Does your family love Christmas Parades? Here is a list of the parades taking place in or around El Dorado County this season:

November 18 - 56th Annual Holiday Parade in Roseville 

November 25 - Holiday Parade of Lights in Elk Grove 

December 1 - Festival of Lights Parade in Auburn

December 2 - Hangtown Christmas Parade

December 8 - Santa Parade in Downtown Sacramento


Contact me with any questions! Have a wonderful holiday season!
sarah@sarah-ratliff.com | 530-391-1576

New Price - Shingle Springs!

29+ Acres on Meder Road

Shingle Springs

Nearly 30 acres of usable acreage in the heart of Shingle Springs. Excellent location close to HWY 50 and Ponderosa High School. Zoned RE5 so possible split! EID lines run along Meder Road. Build your dream home here! 

Contact me for more information! 

530-391-1576

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

Just Listed!

5725 Lakotah Lane

Placerville

Make this 3 acre parcel your today! Beautiful treed property within walking distance to the American River and Gold Discovery State Park!  Property borders Lakotah and Hwy 49 for easy access to rafting and river fun!

Contact me for details!

530-391-1576 | sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

Around Here - Halloween Activities

Looking for some fun, family friendly Halloween inspired activities to do this month? I absolutely love Halloween so I have put together this list as an easy guide for those of you who love the holiday too! 

October - Friday and Saturday nights take the Haunted Hangtown Ghost Tour from 8:45-11:30PM in historic Placerville - meet with a paranormal investigator and explore the stories of the old buildings. 

October - Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10PM - Nightmare Forest takes you on a haunted forest trail through Gold Rush Country. 

October 17th - November 4th - Pumpkin Nights at Gold Country Fairgrounds - over 3000 hand carved pumpkins PLUS seasonal beverages and treats and a screening of Coco! This is one that I have missed in years past, and is definitely on my list for this year. 

Pumpkin Nights, Auburn

October 19th, 20,21, and 28th - Safe and Super Halloween from 5-9PM at Fairy Tale Town, Sacramento  - treat stations, costume parade, hands-on activities and  take photos with different dinosaur species. 

October 20th from 1-4PM - Cameron Park Halloween Carnival and Pumpkin Patch at Cameron Park Lake - Old fashioned carnival games, a pumpkin patch maze, crafts, bounce house, costume parade & more! 

October 27th - Festifall and costume contest from 1-4PM in Historic Folsom. Trick or treating, jump houses & prizes. 

October 28th from 2-5 PM in the Quail Business Park, Folsom - Healthy Halloween - inflatable obstacle course, princess makeovers, costume contests and a magician.

October 31st - Halloween Spooktacular from 3-6 PM at El Dorado Hills Town Center. Trick or treating from local businesses and a costume contest. 

October 31st  from 4-6PM - Trick or Treat on Main Street in Placerville + costume contest and carnival. 



Looking for a Haunted House? You can probably find something to scare you in the links below!

Preston Castle, Ione - constructed in 1894, this real life castle turns into a terrifying haunted house at Halloween! Open Weekends starting October 12 

Preston Castle, Ione

Heartstoppers, Rancho Cordova - Sacramento's longest running haunted house - Open Fridays and Weekends now through October 31st. 

Cemetarium, Citrus Heights - Full Scare and "Low Scare" for families - Open October 19th Novemeber 3rd. 

Ultimate Terror Scream Park, Sacramento - 3 New Attractions including The Optic Surgeon, Paranormal Playground & Cabin Sickness. Open September 28 - October 31st. 

Fear Farm, Davis - Haunted Corn Maze, evil clowns & zombie paintball - Open Now through October 31st. 

Fright Fest, Six Flags, Vallejo - Tons of haunted attractions, scare zones, shows, rides and more! Open September 21 - October 31st. 

Wussmaker at Scandia - Haunting is their passion and thrill! Open Weekends now through October 31st. 


Have a spooky Halloween!

Sold!

Sold by the Discover Joy in Real Estate Team, October

3300 & 3318 Tranquil Creek Road, Placerville

6530 Northbrook Way, Fair Oaks

1017 Hanover Court, El Dorado Hills

5924 Sutter Avenue, Carmichael

6201 Magpie Lane, Shingle Springs

Get Your Home Ready For Winter Now

If you are someone that likes to be proactive, you may have already gotten a head start on some of these things. If you aren't, this is a great place to start! You can read through this list and start checking off items so you and your family are prepared for the fall and winter months. 

1. Test your smoke alarms.

2. Get a chimney inspection - if you have a wood burning fireplace, it's a good idea to get your chimney inspected and swept before you use it 

3. Clean your gutters and downspouts to remove leaves and other blockages. Check to make sure all your downspouts are in place and are angled so they run away from the house. 

4. Get a roof inspection - last year, I had several friends who founds leaks (surprise) in the middle of winter when it was pouring! Don't be one of those people! Get your roof checked early. There are several companies who will come out and do an inspection for free too! 

5. Make sure your landscape drains are cleaned out and draining properly. 

6. Restock essentials! In case of a power outage, you'll want to have to have candles, flashlights, snacks, and bottled water on hand. 

7. Heating and Cooling System - Change all filters. 

8. Water Heater - Drain the water heater until it is clear of sediment and refill with clean water. This will extend the life of your water heater. 

9. Check your foundation for moisture and cracks that are expanding. 

10. Exterior - caulk windows where you see cracks and touch up any exterior paint where it is cracking/peeling. 


Have a great holiday / winter season!