KM Dance Arts students are among entertainers at the Carmichael Founder’s Harvest Festival. The annual event marks the town’s birthday.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Hundreds of families enjoyed a fall-flavored anniversary in Carmichael Park last weekend. The Founder’s Harvest Festival marked Carmichael’s 117th birthday.

In 1909, Founder Daniel Carmichael established his first colony between the American River and Fair Oaks Blvd. The Sacramento-based realtor and politician sold 10-acre blocks as self-sustaining farmlets. His pioneer settlers traded city life for a rural existence, and a community quickly grew.

Initial land sales were so successful that Carmichael expanded his venture with an adjacent subdivision in 1911. To this day, his much-enlarged town remains a proudly unincorporated chunk of Sacramento County.

One-year old JJ Maher and mom Katie match autumnal outfits to visit the Funny Farm Petting Zoo during Carmichael Founder’s Harvest Festival. Critters are dwarf goats Toby and Waylon.

Sponsored by Carmichael Recreation and Park District, the founding anniversary festival is celebrated every fall in Carmichael’s most central park. 

Dancers and big band performances were last weekend’s draws. A car showcased classic vehicles. More than 30 vendors offered crafts. A petting zoo introduced children to farmyard animals and food trucks fed grazing families.

Hay bales and a pumpkin patch augmented the autumnal theme. Kiwanis Club volunteers sent kids home with scores of orange pumpkins.

Emeliia Kuzaeva (3) and mom Svetlana enjoy Pikachu encounters. The cavorting Pokémon icons amused hundreds of kids during Carmichael Park festivities.

Pets will this Saturday (Oct. 17) be the focus of a ‘Barktober’ doggie festival in in Carmichael Park. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the gathering will include demonstrations by Police canine teams.

Doggie dance events and a ‘musical sits’ game will showcase master and canine coordination.

The main event is a pet-and-parent costume contest at 12:15 p.m.

Anyone may attend the fourth annual Barktober festival. Observers are welcome. Dogs and masters must be well-behaved and on-leash.

For information, visit www.carmichaelpark.com/community-events