Metro Chamber Foundation Announces 2026 Leadership Sacramento Class Project Recipient – Fairytale Town

Celebrating 40+ Years for Leadership Sacramento, the Inspiring Program  Provides Regional Impact Through Community Service 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Every year the Leadership Sacramento program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation puts out an RFP for applications to be the recipient of their yearlong service project or ‘Class Project.’ With many deserving applicants this year, the Metro Chamber Foundation is excited to announce Fairytale Town as the chosen beneficiary of the 2026 Leadership Sacramento Class Project.

More than 250,000 children and families visit Fairytale Town in a typical year. Fairytale Town has offered children and families a safe place to imagine, play and learn for well over six decades (and counting!). With 26 playsets themed on nursery rhymes and fairytales, a flock of live farm animals, two performing arts stages and beautiful gardens, this beloved destination has been the site of cherished memories for countless families. Of all the beloved spots in Fairytale Town, the Crooked Mile is the kids' number one favorite, stretching back to the park's opening in 1959. Millions of children have enjoyed walking the winding elevated pathway, and the new upgraded fencing will beautify their journey while maximizing safety.

"Making sure every child in our region can enjoy the joy and learning at Fairytale Town is a strategic priority, and this partnership with Leadership Sacramento Class of 2026 will be transformative for the park,” said Kevin Smith-Fagan, Executive Director of Fairytale Town. “When the class is done, Fairytale Town will be more inclusive, more fun, more utilized and more valuable to families. It's an incredible impact, and it's going to endure for decades."

The Leadership Sacramento program is designed to give participants behind-the-scenes access and exposure to topics, people, and places they may not experience anywhere else. Each month, Leadership Sacramento explores a new subject. Now in its 41^st year, the goal to give class participants a unique experience that furthers their knowledge of that subject, demonstrates the impact the subject has on the region, and provides information and connections to enable immediate community action. The program culminates in the completion of a community betterment project benefiting a local nonprofit. Over the past 10 years, the classes have invested more than $2 million in local community nonprofits.

“While the subject of this years’ Class Project is playful and fun, the increase in accessibility will be both impactful and invaluable for many children and their young-at-heart family members,” said Savannah Fox, Program Manager of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation. “Each year, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch and witness the leadership program project from inception to completion, all while developing the next generation of regional leaders.”

With leadership and oversight provided by the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, the 2026 Leadership Sacramento program is chaired by Kelley Lincoln of Boutin Jones, Inc. and Todd Koolakian of Sacramento Children's Home.  In addition, support is provided by knowledgeable and involved alumni who are subject matter experts on relevant topics.  

With more than 1,300 alumni of the program, the network of the program is wide-reaching. Operating as a cohesive cohort that moves through the program together throughout the year, Leadership Sacramento allows participants to meet and network with business leaders from a variety of industries, provides invaluable personal and professional development opportunities, and offers the potential to expand networking connections for participants.

Donations to the 2026 Leadership Sacramento Class Project will help to ensure every visitor to Fairytale Town can play, imagine, learn, and belong, regardless of ability, and can be made via this link. To learn more about Leadership Sacramento, please visit www.metrochamber.org/leadership-sacramento/. And, to learn more about Fairytale Town, please visit www.fairytaletown.org.

About Leadership Sacramento
Leadership Sacramento, founded in 1985, is a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation that develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow. This year-long interactive program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the issues that impact the region’s economy. Leadership Sacramento is available to a select group of participants chosen through a competitive application process, hosting monthly day-long sessions, and culminating in the completion of a community betterment project. Learn more at https://metrochamber.org/foundation/programs/leadership-sacramento. 

About Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation

The Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation creates equitable paths to leadership, community development, and employment for people in business. Connected to the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Chamber Foundation facilitates five programs and supports the growth of leaders in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. For more information, please visit https://metrochamber.org/foundation/. 

About Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce leads with a collective voice that brings members together for business to prosper by providing opportunity, service, and solutions for a thriving regional economy. Established in 1895, the Metro Chamber is the largest, most prominent, and established voice for business representing members and their workforce in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. The Metro Chamber provides businesses and individuals with the programs, services and advocacy needed to build vibrant communities, a ready workforce, connected region and strong business. For more information, please visit www.metrochamber.org.

About Fairytale Town

Fairytale Town is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit children’s park and educational center in Land Park whose mission is to promote the imagination, creativity, and education of children. Established in 1959 and celebrating its 65^th year, Fairytale Town is home to more than 25 three-dimensional play sets based on favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes, a family of 22 rare and miniature breed animals, three interactive learning gardens, and two performing arts stages. Fairytale Town is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, March through October, and Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, November through February, weather permitting, and unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462.