2002 Newsroom Archive

2002 Winter Olympic Torch Coming to Sacramento on January 19, 2002

Olympic Torch to run through many neighborhoods in Sacramento,
including South Sacramento, Oak Park and Midtown

Sacramento California, January 9, 2002 - The 2002 Winter Olympic Torch will arrive in Sacramento at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2002. The torch make its way through the streets of Sacramento - passing many landmark locations like Sutter's Fort and the State Capitol - and complete its tour of the city at approximately 7:45 p.m. in Old Sacramento, at the 1849 Scene next to the State Railroad Museum.

"We are thrilled that citizens from the City of Sacramento and surrounding areas will represent our community as participants in the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay," said Mayor Heather Fargo. "Their stories of inspiration and lives of courage motivate all of us to do better, giving us the hope we need to accomplish our own goals. We are very proud of these torchbearers and the positive changes they have brought to our region."

That same evening a huge celebration will take place in Old Sacramento at the 1849 Scene, including music, entertainment, food, exhibits and children's play area. The entire community is invited to welcome the torch's arrival and to witness the lighting of the cauldron at the event. Beginning at 6 p.m. spectators will be entertained by the Black Irish Band, a lively group of musicians performing historic old west songs and instrumentals; Koyasan Taiko, a traditional Japanese percussion group that will rouse the crowd; and Pulse, an exciting dance ensemble made up of local teenagers and young adults. As a special opportunity, the Discovery Museum History Center and the California State Railroad Museum (both immediately adjacent to the 1849 Scene) will offer free admission to the general public from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. this evening only.

Torchbearers have been chosen from throughout the City of Sacramento and local communities. All were nominated by family members, friends and colleagues who wrote a 50 to 100 word essay, explaining how the nominee embodied the Olympic Spirit and provided inspiration to others and to their community. The nominations were gathered through the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Committee, Coca-Cola and Chevrolet during March and April of this year.

"The Olympic Spirit lives in the hearts of thousands of children across this great nation," said Mayor Heather Fargo. "These young heroes of our society bring out the best of what America is all about: the freedom to dream and the ability to achieve. The 2002 Winter Olympic Torch Relay is a wonderful way to experience this magic in our own communities."

The City of Sacramento's Department of Parks and Recreation is coordinating the Winter Olympic Torch Relay Celebration with the assistance of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sacramento Sports Commission, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Local Chevrolet Dealerships, KCRA-TV Channel 3, California State Railroad Museum and Foundation, Discovery Museum History Center, California State Parks, and Old Sacramento Management. For more details, visit www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation