Carol Arbini-McFarland couldn’t wait to get up and move Saturday morning in Rosemont Community Park. She sat in her seat at the Rosemont Community Association booth outside, handing out free tickets to patrons of the Celebration of Community festival, and planning what she’d do when she got a break from work.
“I just go up and down and see what booths there are,” she said.
Arbini-McFarland, an RCA board member, had a lot to choose from. Dozens of booths from local businesses, city agencies and community organizations lined park walkways, advertising goods and services. People displayed their vintage cars, while karaoke, live salsa lessons, and dance routines by the Rosemont High cheerleading squad enlivened a stage nearby. Children and teenagers slid and jumped in bounce houses and played outdoor football.
And Arbini-McFarland would be in good company when she finally left her shift — a sea of residents enjoyed the event under the hot summer sun.
The RCA and the Rosemont Community Foundation throw the event jointly each year. They held this year’s from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park, behind Albert Einstein Middle School.
Organizers said they wanted to showcase positive influences in Rosemont’s community. Booths and attractions included those from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Activity League, a juvenile crime prevention program; the local neighborhood watch; pony rides from Pony-Up Fun; and flowers and gardening tips at the Green Acres Nursery and Supply table.
“The response has been fantastic with people telling us how much they love us,” said Greg Gayton, Green Acres’ store manager.
Sacramento Latin dance instructor Nicole Lazo displayed Central American art and purses at her table when she wasn’t giving lessons on stage. She hoped to capture children’s interest at the celebration. “This is another way to get the word out about what I do,” she said.
Arbini-McFarland said Saturday’s event was the fourth of its kind, and each one has been held in August. She was happy with the attendance and said that organizers try adding new features each time.
“There are just so many things RCA has tried to do in the community, and this is our way of trying to bring the community together,” she said.
