Summer music, arts series coming to Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
A summer music and arts series will be coming to the Marketplace at Birdcage shopping center later this year.

During a June 8 meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council approved a $10,000 grant award for Citrus Heights Arts, along with over $10,000 in smaller grants to four other nonprofit organizations.

Citrus Heights Arts Executive Director Gigi Rayford told The Sentinel she is grateful for the funding and pleased to have the support of the city and the support of Sunrise MarketPlace and the Marketplace at Birdcage.

The upcoming series will be free to the public and slated to take place on July 15 and August 19 at the Marketplace at Birdcage shopping center, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The events are set to feature local musicians, arts and crafts vendors, family activities like rock painting and corn hole, and an activities center for people to learn how to draw.

Food trucks will also be on site, and an indoor art gallery will be available to the public during the event. Artists and vendors can apply online at the Citrus Heights Arts website.

Rayford said her hope is to “build the awareness of the art and music culture already present in Citrus Heights” and to draw young families together through fun, family friendly community events.

Four other organizations were also awarded smaller grants by the City Council, including the Citrus Heights Woman’s Club, Royal Stage, The Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, and Junior Achievement of Sacramento.

In September 2022, City Council approved the Community Projects Grant, which allocates $50,000 in grants to community organizations based on predetermined eligibility and guidelines, with the goal of facilitating community projects that “engage citizens, improve the community, and promote community involvement and pride.”