RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Summerfest marked its 23rd year at Stonehouse Park when a lively county fair unfolded from Oct. 3 to 5. It is the second-largest community event of the year in Rancho Murieta, surpassed only by the July 4 celebration.

Sherry Carrillo, a member of the nine-person committee that has organized Summerfest since 1999, except during the pandemic, commented on this year’s event. Despite an unprecedented October heat wave, she said it went well.

“The Friday night attendance was a lot lighter than last year, but the cornhole tournament was such a hit on Saturday in the 5 o’clock blazing sun. But we had record-breaking attendance Saturday night,” she added.

Setting up a full-fledged carnival inside the gates makes Summerfest both unique and extremely convenient for residents. The carnival featured rides ranging from a merry-go-round and swirling strawberries for younger children to high-velocity attractions like The Zipper for older kids and adults. Attendees of all ages tested their skills at a dozen carnival booths, where friendly workers eagerly helped them win colorful prizes.

Two new events this year were trivia night and the cornhole tournament. Summerfest also featured two nights of live entertainment, a lively bingo game, a poker tournament, a wine and beer garden, and food trucks offering everything from street tacos to desserts.

Carrillo said the idea is to have something for everyone because Summerfest is truly a community event.
The three-day celebration began on Thursday with a wine and dinner gala featuring a disco theme that attracted between 400 and 450 sponsors and their guests.

“It was such a fun theme. More people dressed up than ever,” Carrillo said.

For the third consecutive year, Raley’s served as the presenting title sponsor for Summerfest 2024. During the gala, Carrillo introduced two Raley’s representatives: Karen Burns, the team leader for the Bel Air Market in Rancho Murieta; and District Team Leader Michael O'Connors, who oversees 16 stores.

Burns was the first to speak.

“I just want to let you know we are truly honored to be an integral part of the Rancho community, serving as a central spot where neighbors, family and friends can come together,” she said.

When O’Connors took the microphone, he called for a round of applause for the store, to which the crowd responded enthusiastically.

“Rancho Murieta is such an amazing community; we are proud to support it with our Bel Air,” he said. Turning to Burns, he added that she had also managed the Murieta Market before the Bel Air opened. “Just a huge thank you,” he said. “You have done an amazing job.”

The other sponsors included more than two dozen companies and families, with a few new names joining this year. Among the Diamond and Platinum sponsors were Rancho Murieta Homes and Land, Notaries to You, West Coast Equine Foundation, Murieta Inn and Spa, the Angel Wing Vineyard, CMCS (Randy and Erika Kremer), Zeta Broadband, Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost and Pac Machines.

“The sponsors are so generous and kind,” Carrillo said. “We are so fortunate because without their help, we wouldn’t be able to operate at the same level with a carnival and everything else that we do.”

Summerfest also relies on more than 100 volunteers. In a win-win arrangement, volunteers from local organizations are paid $10 an hour, which goes toward their specific cause or charity. Carrillo praised the Pleasant Grove High School wrestling team, saying, “I can’t say enough about the coach. The wrestling girls and boys are so polite and helpful, just a great group of kids.”

Many other volunteers selflessly give their time without any compensation. Among them is Travis Glunt, who grew up in Rancho Murieta. He and his partner Quade Cole make the drive from Utah each year to give back to the community.

Summerfest also benefits from a strong partnership with the Rancho Murieta Association Maintenance Department. Until this year, former Maintenance Manager Rod Hart and his staff handled up to 10 issues a day during the event. His successor, Troy Schaffner, took over this year and even stayed in his camper for a week to oversee logistics.

Carrillo noted that all the maintenance employees are invested in Summerfest. She was glad that Rod Hart, now the RMA general manager, could enjoy the event with his family for the first time. In previous years, his family attended under his wife’s supervision, as he was always occupied with work.

“I’m pretty sure that without RMA Maintenance, Summerfest wouldn’t happen,” Carrillo said.

The Brass Ring Amusement carnival rides continued to entertain for a third year. Teens lined up for The Zipper and the Star Tower, while younger children, accompanied by parents or grandparents, were drawn to the Dumbo ride and the swirling strawberries.

Summerfest also offered activities separate from the carnival to enhance the fun. These included bungee-jumping, mechanical bull riding, archery tag and giant bubbles. Although the Shadow Glen Riding Stable, which usually operates a petting zoo and pony rides, couldn’t attend this year due to the extreme heat, they plan to return next year.

The Saturday Bingo game, sponsored by the RMA Recreation Committee, was packed as usual. The poker tournament attracted around 68 players, though some left early to join the cornhole tournament.

Live entertainment at the beer garden stage added to the festivities on both Friday and Saturday nights. Big Crush, a 12-member band featuring three dancers, rocked the stage on Friday with vocalists performing today’s hits and classic tunes. DJ Louie Giovanni performed on Saturday, and his high-energy sets packed the grassy dance floor, Carrillo said.

The Summerfest Committee has organized the event since 1999. Summerfest is a 501(c) nonprofit with no paid directors, officers or staff. This year’s committee members include Sherry Luman-Carrillo, Mike Martel, Jasmine Schmelz, Sid Williams, Lori Ogden, Kim Doughty, Jake Killian, Chloe Carrillo, Makayla Oei and Desiree Harper.

To date, Summerfest has raised approximately $1 million, with proceeds going back into the community to support educational and recreational projects for youth and families.