Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Folsom’s iconic Rainbow Bridge at once-in-a-lifetime events planned in the Historic District Saturday, May 4.
The Rainbow Bridge will close to vehicular traffic to allow the community to explore the bridge on foot. The festivities kick off with a free festival that begins at 9:30 a.m. and rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
World-renowned slackline athlete Ryan Robinson – who was raised in Folsom – will attempt to set a world record by traversing the 1,919-foot span over the American River between Lake Natoma Crossing and the Rainbow Bridge on a 1-inch-wide line.
A festival with informational displays about the landmark bridge, guided walking tours, hands-on activities, and a display of vintage cars round out the morning events that are free and open to the public.
Three Folsom schools and several local engineering firms will participate in a Rainbow Bridge design contest. Students will build model structures and engineers will test the load capacity to determine the winner. The contest will take place in the Historic District Amphitheater at 8 a.m.
Beginning at 8:15 a.m., the Folsom Historical Society will have a docent-led walking tour of Sutter Street from the History Museum to the Rainbow Bridge. The walking tour will end at 10 a.m. for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tickets for the walking tour are $15 and available by calling the museum at 916-985-2707 or visiting the Folsom Historical Society website. Headsets are provided. The Folsom History Museum will also host Rainbow Bridge-themed coloring, painting, and clay art activities for younger children in June’s Garden located behind the museum from noon to 4 p.m.
Many Folsom businesses and Historic District merchants are offering a variety of special promotions, discounts, and merchandise, and a Historic District scavenger hunt is planned.
The Folsom Historic District Association hosts a Rainbow Bridge Centennial Tasting on the bridge from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring gourmet food and libations provided by Historic District restaurateurs. The evening also includes live music, entertainment, and special surprises. Tickets are available on the Folsom Historic District Association website.
The celebration wraps up with a free concert by the Folsom Lake Symphony in the Historic District Amphitheater from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Schedule of Events
| 8 a.m. | Bridge building competition judging in the Historic District Amphitheater |
| 8:15 a.m. | Guided walking tour of the Historic District by the Folsom Historical Society |
| 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Free festival at the Rainbow Bridge |
| 10 a.m. | Rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony, slackline athlete, Ryan Robinson, begins world record attempt |
| 1:30 p.m. | Bridge closes to allow for set up of FHDA event |
| 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Folsom Historic District Association tasting event |
| 8 to 9:30 p.m. | Free Folsom Lake Symphony concert in the Historic District Amphitheater |
Road Closures
Rainbow Bridge will be closed on Greenback Lane from Folsom Auburn Road to Scott Road from 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 through 7 a.m. Sunday, May 5. Access to The Cliff House of Folsom Restaurant will remain open. Motorists are encouraged to take Lake Natoma Crossing to Natoma Street to Riley Street as an alternate route.