Ready Fest 2026
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Dyer Lake Park was filled with neighbors, families, sunshine, and the unmistakable spirit of a community that looks out for one another.
Ready Fest 2026 — hosted in the Mosquito community — welcomed many guests (how many? Some say more than 170, some say more than 200, but we aren't counting) throughout the day for an afternoon packed with preparedness resources, great food, kids' activities, and connections that could one day save a life.
After days of rain, the sun came out for us — and so did our community.
What You Missed (and What You Need to Know)
Ready Fest isn't just an event — it's a reminder that preparedness is a community effort, not a solo one. From agency demonstrations to informational booths, this year's gathering brought together some of the most important resources available to Mosquito area residents, all in one place, on one beautiful afternoon at Dyer Lake.
Important Messages for Every Resident
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office spoke directly to our community about evacuation procedures and what to expect during an emergency. Officers answered resident questions and delivered a clear, important reminder:
Follow directions from law enforcement and authorized traffic control — including the Mosquito Fire Protection District support group — during an evacuation. Do not default to heading to Swansboro Airport unless directed by law enforcement or authorized traffic control.
The right information comes from your emergency alerts. If you haven't already, sign up for El Dorado County emergency notifications at ready.edso.org — this is the single most important thing you can do today.
District Supervisor Lori Parlin introduced Fire Chief Wes Norman, representing both Garden Valley Fire and Georgetown Fire, who shared exciting progress on the two districts moving toward shared services — a significant step forward in strengthening fire protection for our region.
New: Red Flag Warning Program Unveiled
One of the standout moments of Ready Fest was the Mosquito Fire Safe Council's debut of its Red Flag Warning program. A dozen RED FLAG WARNING flags were displayed along Dyer Lake, paired with an educational exhibit encouraging residents to sign up for red flag notifications.
Why does this matter? When a Red Flag Warning is issued, time is critical — especially for households with animals, trailers, or other circumstances that require extra preparation time. The earlier you know, the more time you have to get out safely. Look for these flags in your community as an additional visual cue when fire danger is elevated.
The Mosquito Magazine was also distributed at the event, packed with preparedness tips specific to our community — including guidance on evacuation routes and why following law enforcement direction matters more than assumptions about where to go.
Kids Had a Blast 🎉
Ready Fest wasn't all serious business. Kids got to hold a real fire hose and spray water into Dyer Lake, learning firsthand how a nozzle works and what water pressure feels like — a hands-on moment that sparked plenty of big smiles (and some very wet shoes). Piñatas were cracked open, candy was shared, and laughter filled the park.
Attendees of all ages enjoyed BBQ burgers, brats, and sides while soaking in a much-deserved sunny day.
A Living Museum: The Mosquito Firefighters Historical Exhibit
One of the most heartfelt stops at Ready Fest was the Mosquito Firefighters Historical Exhibit — a display that brought the past to life and reminded every visitor just how deep the roots of this community's fire service truly run. Artifacts and photos of firefighters who have served this community were on proud display, honoring the dedication and sacrifice that have shaped who we are as a community.
But this display is far from finished — and that's intentional. We are actively looking to expand our collection. If you have photos, gear, documents, or stories connected to Mosquito's firefighting history, we want to hear from you. This is a living museum — not a static exhibit — built to ensure that every firefighter who steps up to serve this community knows and fully understands the history they are a part of. The stories of those who came before deserve to be preserved, celebrated, and passed forward.
Have something to contribute? Visit our registration page to share what you have: www.mosquitofire.com/history
Who Was There: Your Community Resource Directory
Organization | Link |
Organization | Link |
SCLAR - Large Animal Emergency Evacuation | |
El Dorado County Animal Services | |
US Navy Recruiting Office | |
CLORE Fire Defense Kit | |
Community Emergency Radio Association (CERA) | |
El Dorado & Georgetown Resource Conservation District | |
New English Roofing | |
Wild Peak Energy | |
Red Cross – Gold Country | |
AirMed Care Network | |
Mosquito Fire Protection District | |
Remote Hydrant | |
CAL FIRE Amador Eldorado Unit | |
US Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest | |
Garden Valley Fire | |
El Dorado Sheriff's Office |
Your Ready Fest Action Checklist
Leave this event inspired, not just informed. Here's what to do this week:
Sign up for emergency alerts → ready.edso.org
Sign up for Red Flag Warning notifications → www.mosquitofire.com/redflag
Make a plan for your pets and animals → EDC Animal Services
Get connected with community emergency radio → cerafund.org
Know your evacuation zone and route — and follow law enforcement direction, not assumptions
Thank You, Mosquito
Events like Ready Fest only happen because our community shows up — literally. Thank you to every agency, volunteer, sponsor, and neighbor who made May 30th a day to remember. Interested in getting involved in the community? Join us!
Start here: www.mosquitofire.com/community
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