Judy Andrews, Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - September and October are perfect months to spend outdoors in Fair Oaks. Check out the following attractions and ways to support the community—all brought to you by local service organizations.

The Fair Oaks Chicken Festival is happening on Saturday, Sept. 19. Hosted by the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District, this family favorite has been going strong for 21 years. The event runs 12-6 p.m. at Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.) and is free to attend.

The Rollingwood YMCA offers more than fitness, swimming, and tennis programs. Join them for a Community Blood Drive on Friday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Y will also host a special introductory session, Aviation 101, on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about flying, pilot training, and aviation careers. Both events are free and open to the public and will be held at the Rollingwood YMCA (9373 Winding Oaks Drive, Fair Oaks). Call the Y at (916) 988-1727 for more information.

Meristem invites all San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) students, including those from local charter schools, to the All Abilities Dance on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5-8 p.m. This family-friendly event benefits Special Education Advocacy PTA of SJUSD. The entry fee is just $10 per person and can be paid at the door upon entry to the dance. Located at 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd., Meristem is a nonprofit learning center and independent living program in Fair Oaks that empowers autistic and neurodiverse young adults ages 18 to 28.  

Treat yourself to the final Food Truck Mania of the year, happening Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5-8 p.m. at Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.). Kids will especially enjoy trick-or-treating and ghoul-tastic grub at the Boo Bash, presented in partnership with Food Truck Mania. Tickets for the Boo Bash are $2 per child and must be purchased in advance at www.forpd.org/526/Boo-Bash-Trunk-or-Treat.

Shop nearly 60 sellers or sell your own used household items at the Fair Oaks Community Garage Sale happening Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.). For more information and to register for booth space, please visit: www.forpd.org/615/Fall-Community-Garage-Sale.

The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation is hosting a free Aging Well Symposium Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangevale Community Center (6826 Hazel Ave., Orangevale). This event is designed to help seniors and caregivers access the resources needed to support aging loved ones.

The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank’s 6th Annual Farm-to-Fork Dinner is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 6-9 p.m. at the Food Bank Farm (6401 Main Ave., Orangevale). Seating is limited and will sell out in advance. Get your tickets soon at www.foodbank.farm/farm-dinner.

Get ready for the 7th Annual Community Food Drive on Saturday, Oct. 17. Food items will be accepted from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Divine Savior Catholic Church parking lot. Volunteers are also needed! All proceeds benefit the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank. For a complete list of acceptable food items or to volunteer, please visit www.ovfocf.org.

The Fair Oaks Farmers Market is the place to pick up locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables and meet local farming families. The market is open rain or shine every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.). Enjoy the many crafts and food vendors offering hummus, yogurt, dips, salsa, fish, meat, eggs, honey, bread, desserts, and much more.

See you in Fair Oaks!