Fair Oaks Fiesta: A Look Back, A Tribute Forward – Share Your Favorite Memories
The Fiesta may be on pause, but the memories? They’re alive and dancing in our hearts. Let’s celebrate the spirit of Fair Oaks with your favorite photos, stories, and a little toilet bowl race nostalgia.
It’s wild to think that the last time we danced in the street, browsed artisan booths, and rooted for our favorite toilet bowl racer (yes, really) was way back in 2019. That was the 38th annual Fair Oaks Fiesta—and if you were there, you know it was a good one.
Even then-Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (now a Congressman) joined in to help kick things off. The sun was shining, the music was playing, and our little Village felt like the center of the universe for a weekend. I had just arrived and snapped this photo of our Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce CEO, Kim Pitillo, who painstakingly put this event on every year with the help of the board of directors and many, many volunteers. It was no small feat—pulling off the Fiesta took months of planning, coordination, and pure heart.
We are sincerely grateful for all the effort that went into making those memories possible. You can learn more about the Chamber and their ongoing community work at fairoakschamber.com.
And then… everything paused.
What Happened?
First came the pandemic in 2020, which shut down just about everything, including the Fiesta. Understandable, right? But then came the long-awaited renovations to Fair Oaks Village and Village Park, and those have kept us from bringing the event back ever since.
We’re now five years without our beloved Fiesta. That’s five springs without toilet bowl races, local bands, and the kind of neighborly hugs and high-fives that only happen when the whole town shows up for something joyful.
And let’s be honest, it’s been hard. This event wasn’t just a date on the calendar. It was ours. A piece of Fair Oaks history and heart. Something generations looked forward to. And yes, the toilet bowl races were the stuff of legends. (If you know, you know.)
A New Season is Coming
Here’s the good news: Village Park is expected to reopen this June, and with it, we’re gearing up to bring back some of our favorite community traditions—starting with Concerts in the Park this summer.
Even more exciting? We now have a brand-new amphitheater and Big Box Theatre, ready to welcome music, performances, local talent, and fresh ideas. There’s a sense of something new blooming in Fair Oaks, like we’re on the edge of a creative renaissance.
While there’s no official date yet for the return of the Fiesta, I can feel the momentum building. I truly believe we’ll see it again. Maybe it won’t look exactly like it did in 2019, but that’s okay. Fair Oaks has always been about blending tradition with a touch of reinvention.
More Than an Event—It’s Who We Are
The Fair Oaks Fiesta was a love letter to our town. Set in the heart of a village with roots dating back to the 1890s, surrounded by oaks and the hum of history, it brought our community together in the best way possible.
Fair Oaks started as an agricultural colony, blossomed into a citrus-packing powerhouse, and evolved into the charming, quirky, big-hearted town we all know and love today. The Fiesta reflected all of that. It was music, it was laughter, it was families and friends and “I haven’t seen you in years!” moments.
Looking Ahead
We don’t know exactly when the Fiesta will return. But what we do know is that our community is resilient, creative, and full of heart. And when the time is right—when the grass is settled, and the Village is ready, I have no doubt we’ll come together again, whether it’s for Fiesta 2.0 or something brand new and just as magical.
So hang onto your memories. Share your stories. Dig up those throwback photos of you and your kids with corn dogs and face paint. Let’s keep the spirit alive while we build what’s next.
And hey… if the toilet bowl races make a comeback, I’ll be front row, cheering like it’s the Kentucky Derby.
Let’s Keep the Spirit Alive – Days Gone By: A Fair Oaks Fiesta Tribute
Even though the Fair Oaks Fiesta hasn’t returned yet, the memories live on—and they deserve to be celebrated.
So I’m launching something special through the Days Gone By Project: a photo and memory contest dedicated to the best moments from past Fair Oaks Fiestas. Whether it’s a snapshot of you and your kids eating ice cream on the curb, a candid of the toilet bowl races, or a favorite shot of the live music, we want to see it.
Share your favorite Fair Oaks Fiesta photo or memory—from any year—and tell us the story behind it. What made that moment special? Who were you with? What do you remember most?
The best entries will be featured on the I Love Fair Oaks blog and social channels, and we’ll even have prizes for the top submissions—because yes, you deserve more than just bragging rights.
This isn’t just a contest—it’s a celebration of who we are. Of where we’ve been. Of how Fair Oaks has always been about people coming together in the most meaningful, quirky, joyful ways.
How to Enter:
Choose one of these that is easiest for you.
- Email your photo and short memory to media@ilovefairoaks.com
- Post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag @ILoveFairOaks with the hashtag #DaysGoneByFairOaks
- Upload your images and paste your story on our Day’s Gone By Fair Oaks, page
Entries are open now through May 31st, 2025, and we’ll announce the winners in June—right around the time the Village Park is expected to reopen. How’s that for timing?
Let’s honor the past while we step into the next chapter—together.
Ready to enter? Got questions? Want me to help you scan an old print? Just reach out. I’m always here for you, Fair Oaks.
Ready to enter the contest and share your favorite Fiesta memories?
Let’s honor the past while we step into the next chapter—together.
Scroll down for entry details and official contest rules!
Enjoy this set of images from the last Fair Oaks Fiesta.
The Fair Oaks Fiesta in Fair Oaks, California, is a beloved town tradition that began in 1981 and takes place every year on the first weekend of May. Organized by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the event is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the unique character and spirit of the town.
The Fiesta brings thousands of people from all over the Sacramento area to enjoy various activities. Visitors can check out a car show, watch live music performances, sample delicious food from vendors, browse handmade goods at a vendor fair, and participate in special activities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Fair Oaks Fiesta!
The event also serves as an important reminder of what makes Fair Oaks unique. It’s more than just a weekend celebration – it’s an opportunity for local businesses, community groups, volunteers, and visitors to experience firsthand the great things this small town can offer. From its diverse population to its rich history, the Fair Oaks Fiesta gives people from all around the area a chance to come together, make connections, and create lasting memories.
Hilarious Toilet Bowl Race during Fair Oaks Fiesta!
A popular event during the Fair Oaks Fiesta is the Toilet Bowl Race.
This amusing competition involves teams of three racing down a track while sitting on oversized toilet seats attached to something with wheels.
The goal is to be the first team to cross the finish line with the best time! They have to make a pit stop and toss an egg into a bucket before they can continue.
Participants must dress up in costumes and create creative themes for their teams.
With the car show, lively music, good food, vendor booths and lots of fun, it’s no wonder why this event has become a crowd favorite!
There were so many great booths to visit.
The Housewives of Fair Oaks Glasses are a must-have! I’m going to stop by the Mail House and pick some up for myself and maybe for housewarming presents for my Fair Oaks homebuyers. (My sister worked as a casting producer on BRAVO. She helped cast the Housewives. I’m not kidding.)
Do you have a baby shower coming up soon? You must visit Nana’s Gone Loopy. Her stuffed animals, bags, and blankets are made for comforting little ones. Easy to keep clean and ready to be drooled on. This will be your baby’s security blanket.
Official Rules & Disclosures – Days Gone By: Fair Oaks Fiesta Photo & Memory Contest
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Eligibility:
Open to residents of California, age 18 or older. Entries must be submitted by individuals. Businesses or organizations may not enter on behalf of others.
How to Enter:
Choose the option that’s easiest for you:
- ? Email your photo and short memory to media@ilovefairoaks.com
- ? Post on Instagram or Facebook and tag @ILoveFairOaks with the hashtag #DaysGoneByFairOaks
- ? Upload your images and paste your story on our official page:
? Days Gone By: Share Your Fair Oaks Stories
Entries are open now through May 31st, 2025, and we’ll announce the winners in June—right around the time the Village Park is expected to reopen. How’s that for timing?
Winner Selection:
Submissions will be reviewed by the I Love Fair Oaks team. Winners will be chosen based on creativity, nostalgia, and overall community spirit. Selected entries may be featured on the I Love Fair Oaks blog, social media, or other digital materials. Finalists and winners will be notified via email or social media.
Prizes:
Fun Fair Oaks-themed prizes will be awarded to selected winners. (Think local gift cards, spotlight features, and a few special surprises!)
Use of Entries:
By submitting your photo and story, you grant permission for I Love Fair Oaks to share your content on its blog, social media, and promotional materials. We will always credit your name (first name + last initial) unless otherwise requested.
Not Affiliated With Facebook or Instagram:
This contest is hosted by I Love Fair Oaks and is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
Need Help?
If you’d like help scanning an old photo or submitting offline, email media@ilovefairoaks.com—we’re happy to help!
