... I pitched an idea for an event that celebrates the arrival of John Sutter and the subsequent founding of the city of Sacramento. While Old Sacramento annually hosts Gold Rush Days around the Labor Day weekend, I am not aware of an event that celebrates the city's founder and his fort. Is he too controversial? I hope not. A city should be able to celebrate its history and events such as this help promote civic pride and a sense of community. 

Proposal
A celebration of the founding of the city of Sacramento that highlights the lower American river and Sutter’s Fort and encourages folks to come out for the day and participate in period attire.

A family event commemorating the landing of John Sutter in this area in August of 1839 and the subsequent building of Sutter’s Fort and the eventual establishment of California’s first incorporated city in 1850.

In cooperation with:
City of Sac Dept of Parks & Rec - Sutter’s Landing
Sacramento County - Discovery Park; The American River
CA State Parks - Sutter’s Fort

When
Annual event held mid-August which is when Sutter arrived in the area (August 12) or in conjunction with Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend). Breakfast kicks off at 8:00am at the fort; race begins at 9:00am at Sutter’s Landing.

Where
Sutter’s Landing Park (28th and B) at the river front. This is the site of the old city dump; currently there is a skate park and a dog park is planned for development. Sutter’s Fort is the other point of activity. Wagons and carriages can run the 1 mile distance between the two locations. Parking is available at Sutter’s Landing Park and throughout midtown.

What Takes Place
• a kayaking race on the American River that starts and ends at the 28th Street river access point. It can go to Discovery Park and back or even go down the Sacramento River and back (whatever the kayaking community wants to stage). There could be a one-mile run to Sutter’s Fort after the kayaking.
• Kids games/activities at the 28 Street river access point – identify the animal tracks in the sand, name the trees, rock skipping, history of Native culture in the area, basic kayaking and canoeing
• orienteering course and treasure hunt for gold for kids and families
• a pioneer pancake breakfast at Sutter’s Fort (8am – noon).

Additional Considerations
Organizers and participants might be encouraged to dress up in period attire. If the Sutter Scramble takes place during Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend), the hay wagons and carriages can transport participants to Old Sac for that event.