FAIRYTALE TOWN IN WILLILAM LAND PARK..THEN, NOW AND WHAT'S TO COME AFTER 50 YEARS!

For those of us who grew up in Sacramento, Fairytale Town was a magical place. The Crooked Mile, the multitude of curling, dizzying and fast slides, the "moat" and pirate ship...there was always so much to do! And then there are the animals! Did you know that the 3 Little Pigs, Bo Peeps sheep, the goats of Billy Goats Bluff, a cow and burro all lived there when they weren't working? Watch out for the geese! Speaking from personal experience, they will chase you!

Fairytale Town opened in 1959...the same year Barbie was introduced and Alaska and Hawaii became the last states to join the United States. It's funny to realize that gas was 25 cents and a loaf of bread was 20 cents. We hadn't landed on the moon yet and we were still learning how to type on a typewriter. Eisenhower was President and Elvis was king. In 2009 there are lots of plans to celebrate it's 50th Anniversary!

In preparation for the events of the coming year, there will be new concrete walkways, fresh paint and an updated logo. The Round Table now appears to be faux marble. The Jolly Roger is going to have a new dock and there are new shingles on the Crooked House. The Moat, the Rabbit Hole slide, King Arthur's Castle, and the pig and goat houses will be getting some sprucing. There are "glints of gold" in various places around the park.

The following are some of the events to look forward to in 2009:

March 7th - Fairytale Town will be looking to the public for memorabilia of the times of their youth spent at Fairytale Town to be shared with the public at various areas in Sacramento.

June 7th, 24th and 28th - Enjoy a Children's Concert Series featuring matinee performances by their favorite children's bands.

August 3rd through August 31st (Mondays only) - Be one of the first 50 guests and enjoy the park for only 50 cents admission!

August 29th (evening only) - Go back to 1959 for a rip-roaring, sock hopping, rockin' and rolling' celebration for the whole family!

December 5th through December 13th - Fairytale Town will put don it's lights to celebrate the holiday season with festivities, hot chocolate and so much more!

Now, if someone would like to give back to a place that has given us so much, they do have a "wish list". If you would be so inclined, here are a few items they would love to have:

6 New Benches

12 new tables for the Dish and Spoon Cafe'

A fresh coat of paint on the Children's Theater roof

Backdrops for the Mother Goose stage

New costumes

A website overhaul

If you do anything, come, bring your children, grandchildren or great grandchildren...there just isn't a better playtime to be found for those little ones!

Paula Swayne

Windermere Dunnigan Realtors

4215 Freeport Blvd

Sacramento CA 95822

Direct phone 916 425-9715

Office phone 916 454-5753

www.PaulaSwayne.com