Disneyland opens to great fanfare in Anaheim, California. A few hundred miles north, ideas are stirring with the Junior League of Sacramento, a civic-minded women’s service group. Studying the success of both Disneyland and Fairyland, a children’s storybook park in Oakland, the JLS begins laying the groundwork for a project…

Friends of Fairytale Town., Inc., is formed as an advisory board to the City of Sacramento on the project. The board commissions miniature scale models and seeks donations. The first brochure explains that the new park would “…depict classics in children’s literature and be among the child’s first contacts with…

The Little Engine That Could playset was created in memory of Dr. Lester Brownell who served on the Fairytale Town board of directors from the time of its organization till December 1965.   Photo Credit: Unkown

The Old Woman Who Lived In a Shoe slide, still the tallest at Fairytale Town, is introduced and quickly becomes the park’s reigning speed ride.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

The Hippo Drinking fountain was created and placed near Farmer Brown’s Barn.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

In its 18th year, Fairytale Town welcomed its 5 millionth visitor through the gates.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

King Arthur’s Castle was originally built with no roof. So, in 1980 a roof was installed to cover the royal court! This was a gift from the Junior League of Sacramento Inc. and was made possible by the generous donations from numerous businesses and people within the community.   Photo…

A dogwood tree was planted in front of King Arthur’s Castle in memorial to Helen Mering Ray, who inspired the creation of Fairytale Town. She was a founding board member from 1959 – 1981.   Photo Credit: The Sacramento Bee

Sherwood Forest was added to Fairytale Town with the help of a multitude of sponsors. The Forest is an open play area with a large round table for gatherings to take place.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

The Mother Goose playset was created by award winning San Francisco artist Lorraine Vail. The playset was unveiled on March 15 at a celebration featuring a juggler, magicians, and storytellers.   Photo Credit: Lorraine Vail

A gift shop was re-purposed and created into the Box Office. Fairytale Town would hand out admission tickets through the Box Office for the next 30+ years.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

Farmer Brown’s tractor is placed by his barn.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

Jack and the Beanstalk along with the Giant’s Foot were playsets created in memory of Franco J. Bilotta and with donations made by the community.   Photo Credit: The Goodness

The City of Sacramento and Friends of Fairytale Town, Inc. design a Partnership Agreement, making Fairytale Town a board-run, non-profit organization.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

Mr. McGregor’s Garden is opened and has up to 40,000 school children visit each year for hands-on learning at Fairytale Town. The Garden features four growing beds where seasonal fruits and vegetables are planted, and guests get to help water the plants! It also hosts birthday parties in the arbor-shaded…

The Urashima Taro Japanese Garden set is renovated thanks to the Sacramento Senator Lions Club. The Lions Club continues to maintain the garden today by volunteering their time during an annual work day in the Garden.   Photo Credit: Dina Heidrich

Sherwood Forest is renovated to include a playground-style climbing fort.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

Flanked by towering stacks of storybooks, the Mering Family Mother Goose Stage is unveiled, bringing a colorful outdoor backdrop to a year-round stream of performances including author readings, live music, dance performances, and more!

Fairytale Town installs the first phase of its latest playset; a winding Yellow Brick Road leading up to Humpty’s Gate. The Yellow Brick Road is made up of commemorative bricks purchased by hundreds of families and organizations.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

A second The Little Engine That Could playset is opened for double the fun! The latest playset was designed by local artist Shane Grammer, and reflects the imagery from the classic book.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town

Sherwood Forest is renovated once again to become a larger climbing fort for Robin Hood, his Merry Men, and visitors alike.   Photo Credit: Fairytale Town