Sports & Recreation picks
Relive the Crocodile Mile
Backyard waterslide
Plan the ultimate summer party and rent a giant, blowup waterslide or Slip ‘N Slide to relive the days of the Crocodile Mile. Check out Sacramento Bounce House & Party Rentals for options, then call up some friends to pitch in on the 18-foot-high, double-lane waterslide or surf some inflatable waves on the 35-foot-long, two-lane waterslide. Rental fees start at $199 but it’s totally worth it. Throw a barbecue and organize some next-level relay races where friends run, jump and glide into pools of cool water at the end of each bouncy slide to help escape the sweltering sunny rays of the season.
(877) 916-5867, https://sacramentopartyjumps.com. S.R.
Horses, of course
Western States Horse Expo
One does not need a horse to be admitted to the Western States Horse Expo, nor a horse person to enjoy it. The expo is like the state fair of horses, and that’s not just because it takes place where the California State Fair is held. Besides being the place to find the most bedazzled Western wear and rhinestone cowgirl purses this side of Texas from two exhibition halls’ worth of vendors, it is also the place to watch riding demonstrations and swoon from visiting the barn full of all different breeds of horses, plus an impressive fine art show. So if your daddy never bought you that pony you asked for every year or need to finally stop being afraid of the pretty, pretty ponies, the Horse Expo is excellent therapy.
9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 11; $10-$45; Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; https://horsexpo.com. S.
Burst some bubbles
Bubble Run Sacramento
Bored with your usual marathon? The upcoming Sacramento Bubble Run will let participants run a 5K with the added joy of colorful foam bubbles. Organizers bill the event as “the running equivalent to the whimsical bubble room in Willy Wonka’s factory.” Here’s how it works: approximately every three to five minutes new waves of participants will start, running through four “bubble bogs” comprised of varying shades of colored foam. The event page recommends participants wear white for maximum color exposure from the bubbles. Whatever your attire, it all makes for the perfect family friendly event for the avid jogger, walker or simply those looking to have some colorful fun. Even better, a portion of your registration proceeds are donated to various charities.
8-10 a.m., Saturday, June 3; $50; Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; http://bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/sacramento-ca-2017. M.K.
Run for a really good cause
Sloppy Moose Running Club
Members of the Sloppy Moose Running Club don’t aim to get into Olympic shape. Instead, they jog more to indulge in a weekly suds session every Thursday night New Helvetia Brewing Co., where they have their own beer, the Sloppy Session IPA. But in a reverse of the usual order, they’re pregaming at the brewery before moving briskly through Sacramento and finishing on the field before a Sacramento River Cats game against the Memphis Redbirds.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25; $20; 1730 Broadway; www.facebook.com/SloppyMooseRunningClub. J.F.
Tree pose beneath the trees
Free yoga in the park
Get together with friends and strangers alike for a free, weekly yoga class in Fremont Park. Every Tuesday night at 6 p.m., Yoga Moves Us will lead a 60-minute, vinyasa-style session with all levels of yogis welcome to participate. Bring a mat, some water and meet up at the corner of 16th and P streets to stretch and relax under the canopy of trees. The Tuesday series runs through May 30 but Yoga Moves Us will also offer other free series around town through the summer. Check their website for all the details.
1515 Q Street, www.yogamovesus.org. S.R.
Find some joy
Oak Park Joyland misters
Active from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Oak Park Joyland misters are a fun and free way to cool down and enjoy the summer heat. Located on the south side of McClatchy Park, three large animal heads spray clouds of mist near the butterfly garden to provide park attendees with instant relief. Just push the silver button next to the giraffe to start the cool water antics. This park also has two playgrounds for the kids and a shaded picnic area with a large barbecue grill. Stroll through and enjoy a light mist on a hot day.
3500 Fifth Avenue; www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/Parks/Park-Directory/Fruitridge-Broadway/McClatchy-Park. S.R.
Snuggle cuteness
California State Fair
Of all of the wonderful things the annual California State Fair has to offer—fried foods! Exciting rides! As Seen On TV gadgets!—one of its enduring attractions is its petting zoo. Technically geared toward kids, it’s a favorite among most adults, too, because who doesn’t need a regular hit of snuggling baby goats, deer and lambs? After, be sure to grab a frozen wine slushie and then visit the photo booth to capture that warm and fuzzy feeling on film.
Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 30; $6-$10; Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; www.castatefair.org. R.L.