Sunrise Park District's 75th Anniversary Jubilee
Oct 14, 2025 03:50PM ● By Thomas J. SullivanCITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A joyous crowd came together on Saturday, Oct. 4 in Rusch Community Park to celebrate and remember a very special gift donated in 1950 by Fred and Julia Rusch: their home and 15 acres of their ranch land. The donation helped establish the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, well before Citrus Heights became a city.
The 75th anniversary jubilee of the Sunrise Recreation and Parks District was quite a party, providing a memorable opportunity for many to fully experience history, community and celebration all in one day.
It was an evening of fun for all ages. Available parking was rewarded for those who decided to come early and surrounding spaces in nearby neighborhood streets filled up fast.
The event included live music from popular favorites Apple Z and Aeromyth, an Aerosmith tribute band, both of which got dancers moving throughout the event before the night wound down with a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the evening sky.
The savory scents of multiple food trucks gave attendees plenty of choices to consider before heading over to the beer garden for a cold beverage.
Many brought lawn chairs to enjoy an evening picnic on the park grass while youngsters checked out the kids’ zone.
Parked under the trees, just over the bridge near the World War II Memorial, were plenty of cool, classic cars to see, including many decorated in a Halloween theme.
Citrus Heights Historical Society members conducted tours of the Rusch home and gardens, inviting visitors to step back in time when open ranchlands were part of a rustic, rural community, then known as Sylvan.
Event sponsors included the City of Citrus Heights; Sunrise Market Place which sponsored the evening’s live music; the Citrus Heights Water District; Perryman Painting & Remodeling; California American Water; the Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights and Sactown Real Estate.

















