FAIR OAKS, Calif. — The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) is working Saturday to support arts and culture through cocktails and appetizers.
The FORPD’s second annual Garden Gala for the Arts at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center runs 5-9 p.m. The event is hosted by FORPD and the Fair Oaks Recreation Foundation, its nonprofit entity supporting scholarships and events, according to FORPD spokeswoman Jen Schuler.
Schuler said last year’s Garden Gala was held to raise money for construction of a new black box theater, and this year’s is to build excitement for the project and get programs into the new facility. Saturday’s event will also help replace old seating in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, she said.
“Events like the Garden Gala are more than just celebrations,” Schuler told ABC10. “They are vital to the lifeblood of our community. They bring together individuals from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for the arts.”
The event will feature a cocktail hour and a separate dinner, according to the FORPD. Tickets for the cocktail hour are $50 per person; tickets for cocktails and dinner cost $149 per person. An entire breakdown of ticket prices can be found HERE.
The event features:
- Appetizers and cocktails from Shangri-La.
- Wine from Element 79 Vineyards.
- Beer from Fair Oaks Brew Pub.
- Cuisine from Food Simply.
- Horticulture Garden exploration guided by UC Master Gardeners.
- Live music by The Potential Jazz Ensemble and Tori Bonacich.
“The improvements made by funds raised at this week’s event will enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of the arts for everyone in Fair Oaks… meaning the new weatherproof stadium seating will now be fully ADA accessible and feature cup holders,” Schuler said.
Schuler said she hopes Garden Gala attendees will leave the event with excitement for facilities to come, which has had plenty of room to grow since the black box theater’s construction started around COVID.
“It’s been a bit of a wait,” she said.
