Families flock to Folsom Lake on Labor Day to catch the unoffical last day of summer

FOLSOM, Calif. — On Labor Day, many families have made it a tradition to beat the heat by visiting the waterways at places like Folsom Lake. It’s one of the last opportunities they have to enjoy the sun and spend time with their loved ones. 

On Monday, the coolers were fully packed with cold drinks, and the sun was out in full force at Folsom Lake. 

“It’s been hot. It’s definitely we’re saying goodbye to the summer,” said Anela Freeman, who was a visitor from the Greenhaven Pocket area. 

“It’s been pretty, pretty intense, I guess you could say,” said Bruce Lofgren, who was visiting from Antelope. 

But despite the heat, families left the comfort of their air conditioners to spend the day taking in the fresh air. 

“Came out here to just come by the water. Do something a little different. Come out of our area. We normally walk over by the levee in Greenhaven but this gives us the opportunity to do something different with our three dogs,” said Freeman. 

It’s a different change of scenery near the water, where her dogs can cool off. 

“And what we don’t do is actually cool them off by watering them because it makes their bodies regulate and warm up from the cool water,” said Freeman. 

For Lofgren’s granddaughter, Nancy, it’s her first time visiting the lake. 

“My wife and my granddaughter, we’ve been camping in the backyard. We decided to come for a swim for a few hours,” said Lofgren. 

“Trying to get a break from the heat,” said his wife. 

This time of year is also one of the last chances to visit the Lake before the water starts to go down. 

Some visitors are already noticing the change. 

“The water should be at the rocks and all that. It’s way too low. That’s why it’s not busy today,” said Matthew, a Folsom Lake Visitor.

But before the summer officially ends, families are trying to make the most of it, if it means one last dip in the water, or a last chance to take the paddle boards out. 

“Use your lifejackets and enjoy the last kind of weekend of the summer,” said Lofgren’s wife. 

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