RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova’s Kids Day celebration looked a little bit different this year, but if the long trail of vehicles carrying giggling children was any indication, there is more than one way to have fun.

Due to continuing Coronavirus restrictions, the 31^st Annual Kids Day in the Park was transformed to the Kids Day Drive-Through Safari.  And though confined to their vehicles, Kids Day visitors still could see animals like a zebra and water buffalo up close, and for many, there was an opportunity to pet a real camel or even a snake.

Seven towering inflatable animals – including a 20-foot-tall elephant, 25-foot-tall parrot, 15-foot lion and more – provided children an opportunity to learn about wildlife while traveling “My City Safari,” sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova.  Following along with a safari passport, kids learned fun animal facts as well as information about their city.

“It is amazing what can happen when you have 65 exhibitors all trying to make a child smile,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council, which organized the event.  “It wasn’t our usual Kids Day, but it was fun nonetheless.”

The event is an opportunity for the Sacramento County Department of Health Services to observe National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and a chance for institutions like the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, George Washington Carver High School and Cordova Recreation and Park District to showcase their many services for kids.

Other exhibitors included faith organization, Rancho Cordova youth sports leagues, private schools, recreation programs and even the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center – all spotlighting offerings and resources for children ages zero to 12 and their families.