Northern California Artists Inc encourage young artists during the Carmichael Founders Day Harvest Festival. Assisting children are Sacramento Fine Arts Center members Sally Durante (back left) and Angelia Gordon. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a fall-flavored anniversary in Carmichael Park last weekend.

The Founders Day Harvest Festival marked Carmichael’s 116th birthday, also the 80th anniversary of Carmichael Recreation and Park District. 

Founder Daniel Carmichael established his first colony in 1909. He sold 10-acre blocks to families escaping city life. The realtor added a second colony two years later. To this day, the much-enlarged town remains a proudly unincorporated part of Sacramento County.

Carmichael Park District was established in 1945 to serve rapid area growth after World War II.

Dancers, big band performances and a big classic car show were Founders Day Harvest Festival draws. A curated history exhibit displayed pictures of Carmichael from the colony’s early days. A pumpkin patch augmented the fall theme. Children were introduced to farmyard animals in a petting zoo. 

On Saturday, Oct. 18 pets will be the focus of a Barktober doggie festival in Carmichael Park. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the event includes demonstrations by Roseville Police Department’s canine teams. Doggie dance events will showcase master and canine coordination.

A pet-and-master costume contest begins at 11:15 a.m. Oct. 18.

The Barktober festival is open to everyone. Carmichael Park is at 5750 Grant Ave. For more information, visit online www.carmichaelpark.com/community-events.