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Giant Pumpkin Festival returns to Elk Grove ParkThe Gist: Tens of thousands of visitors will head to Elk Grove Park on Oct. 3 and 4 for the city's 32nd annual Giant Pumpkin Festival. The weekend features hollowed-out pumpkin boat races across the lake, carnival rides, food trucks, and a weigh-off with a $7,000 top prize, honoring the legacy of last year's record-breaking champion, the late Brian Werner. Admission is free. Why It Matters: It is Elk Grove's largest festival and a signature tradition bringing neighbors together to celebrate local growers and autumn fun. From watching Volkswagen-sized gourds lifted onto scales to cheering on paddle racers in giant pumpkins, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience for local families.
Rhoads School prepares for 50th celebrationThe Gist: The historic Rhoads School in the Regional Park just received a gentle softwash cleanup to get ready for a big community milestone. The cleanup readies the building for an Oct. 10 celebration marking 50 years since the schoolhouse was relocated to the park from Sloughhouse Road. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for free tours, food trucks, history displays, photo opportunities, and more. Why It Matters: It honors decades of local history preserved and maintained by Elk Grove community members, from the teens who sanded and repainted it in 1976 to the living history program operating today. Named after Donner Party rescuer John Rhoads, the schoolhouse stands as a beloved symbol of neighborly spirit and heritage.
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Plant-based comfort and cool autumn resets
Head to the Boulevard for meals that feel both grounding and extra crisp! RĀW Superfood To-go blends Eastern wellness traditions with plant-based cooking, offering everything from fresh açaí bowls with house-made granola to cold-pressed juices. For a heartier seasonal lunch, their savory banh mi and chipotle mushroom burgers hit the spot without weighing down your afternoon.
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✈ Insider Travel
Skip the Resort. Stay in a Centuries-Old Sicilian Village Instead.Casa Gratteri offers beautifully restored homes in Gratteri, a hidden mountain town in Sicily with sweeping views, deep history, and zero crowds. Full concierge service, a private chef on request, and modern finishes throughout. This is the kind of trip people talk about for the rest of their lives. 
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More days for walks and tail wags
Autumn brings crisp air, pumpkin treats in the freezer, and pet-parents stocking up on cozy essentials. Across two spots in Laguna West and Elk Grove East, Pets To Go shelves stay loaded with grain-free meals, bird supplies, and constantly rotating enrichment toys. Drop by for wellness clinics, self-service dog washes, small animal boarding, or simply to visit adoptable cats. Bonus: local delivery is free on orders $40 or more!
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