This year’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy will be presided over by an Honorary King and Queen, who will kick off the event and then greet guests in a magical fairy bower. We are fortunate to have John Frisch and Monica Woods serve as the event’s Honorary King and Queen. John and Monica will take on the roles of Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s play.

Before the event on June 9, we wanted to introduce John and Monica. We spoke with them recently to find out more about their history with Fairytale Town as well as a few of their favorite things.

John Frisch
Honorary King

John Frisch is the regional managing director of the Sacramento and Roseville offices of Cornish and Carey Commercial Newmark Knight Frank. John has been active in many community organizations. Currently he serves as the chair of the board of directors for the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Tell us about your history and experience with Fairytale Town. I joined the Fairytale Town board in 1980.  It was the first real community board that I ever served on, and I not only learned a great deal about Fairytale Town but about the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department, which ran and maintained the park back in those days.  We eventually became one of the first public parks to “privatize,” and in many ways became the City and County’s model for future public-private partnerships. I eventually retired from the board around 1996.  It was one of the best boards that I ever served on!

What is your favorite feature of the park?  The Three Little Pigs!

What are you most looking forward to at A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy?  Just seeing the magical joy on the faces that all kids and adults get when they visit Fairytale Town.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?  Rocky Road!

What is your favorite Shakespeare play?  Romeo and Juliet.

If you could be any fairytale character, who would you be?  Peter Pan!

Monica Woods
Honorary Queen

Monica Woods is KXTV News 10’s chief meteorologist. She is actively involved in the Sacramento community. Monica served a term as president of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento and sat on the organization’s Board of Directors for three years.

Tell us about your history and experience with Fairytale Town. We were regular weekly visitors while the kids were not in school. We visit less frequently now, but every time we do the kids want to make sure to visit everything!

What is your favorite feature? King Arthur’s Castle. I love to imagine what it might have been like to be a part of that time.

What are you most looking forward to at A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy? Seeing the kids’ excitement!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?  Mint Chip!

What is your favorite Shakespeare play? Romeo & Juliet.

If you could be any fairytale character, who would you be? Cinderella.

Thanks John and Monica for being our King and Queen!