Fremont and Roosevelt Parks Farmers Markets had good crowds and good food on hand for opening day. Here's some snapshots:   For more info, go HERE.

It's the night before Christmas Eve, my spirits needed a little lift, so I swang by the Ice Rink across from the Westfield Downtown Plaza. It was Hawaiian Night, advertised by the Downtown Sac Partnership as "Ice Rink Luau (Bust out the grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts for a free skate rental between 4-8 pm)". I hung around about an hour and I didn't spot anyone dressed for a luau. I guess getting a free skate rental didn't matter much. Lots of kids and adults were having a grand time. I've been taking photos at the Ice Rink since I arrived in Sacramento in 2006. It's always a light, fun moment being an observer ( I never was good at rollerskating or ice skating - weak ankles). And th

With the stormy weather happening, it's feeling like fall. And what comes after fall? WINTER! Which means ice skating. Construction is happening now on the new Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Rink – Sacramento’s original outdoor ice rink.  A worker holds a section of the plastic pipes which will carry the freon that keeps the ice fozen as, ...well, ice! “We’re thrilled to welcome back the ice rink to the heart of Downtown and celebrate 19 years of holiday magic,” said DSP Executive Director Michael Ault. “It’s amazing how quickly we can transform a public park into an icy wonderland. We should be making ice by this coming weekend.” Crews position the freon-carrying tubes so they line up

Chalk artists Stephanie Olivera and Jen Cimeglio transformed the façade of 1018 J Street by painting a temporary chalk mural as part of a live Second Saturday show. The two-panel mural features a Japanese theme and spans approximately 320 square feet. A new mural will be painted live every Second Saturday throughout the summer to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Chalk It Up! on Labor Day weekend. Jen Cimeglio and Stephanie Olivera, the chalk artists.   The mural marks the beginning of West of 16th Street and East of the River – a series of downtown arts-related events and programs that showcase Downtown’s public art, cultural history and architecture through temporary art exhibits,

New this year, event-goers will be introduced to the Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights. The Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights will run two 10-minute light shows throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. November 25 - January 3 6:30 and 8:00pm shows Front and K Street, meet at the tree!     Mayor Kevin Johnson kicked off the Tree Lighting and the inaugural Theatre of Lights tonight.   Everyone gathered around the big Christmas tree at K and Front Street.   Lights and sound! And, yes, it's Santa Claus. Tour a railroad car Take a ride on the steam engine train from Old Sac       For more information, call (916) 442-8575.   SacP

From the quiet streets of Old Sac, the sun begins its arrival on a chilly morning two days before Thanksgiving. Watch SacPress for upcoming holiday events happening in Downtown and Old Sacramento.   SacPress photo | Kati Garner  

A worker uses a plumb line to make sure Westfield Downtown Plaza's  Christmas tree stands straight. It was delivered by crane early this morning.  The tall tree was lowered into a hole in the concrete in front of the plaza.   Huge planks of wood are used as shims to straighten the trunk. This worker walked the circumference of the tree, using his plumb line from all angles, to ensure the tree stands upright.   This year will be a brighter holiday for Sacramento. The first-ever Carnival of Lights will delight visitors with a dazzling display of lights throughout the Central City from the waterfront through Midtown starting the week of Thanksgiving through January 3. The Carnival of

  Matteo Amato makes his own pizza at Il Fornaio restaurant in downtown Sac. The Italian Restaurant and Bakery participated in the first annual Downtown Kid's Week. Sponsored by the Downtown Sac Partnership, families from around the region are invited to join in the fun by exploring the cultural treasures in their own backyard and taking advantage of special and activities at participating Downtown Kid's Week businesses. This year's event ran from July 11 through 18. Photo | Kati Garner