Placerville’s Class of 2025 is ready to shine; the whole town is gearing up to celebrate milestones, memories, and new beginnings. Whether you’re lining up caps and gowns or setting up the perfect party, this guide pulls together local dates, gift ideas, planning essentials, and fun spots around Placerville to make graduation season unforgettable.
Top Graduation Ceremonies in Placerville
Graduations mark years of hard work; here’s where to cheer on your favorite grad:
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El Dorado High School Ceremony
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Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
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Time: 6 PM
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Venue: Thalheimer Auditorium on campus
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Ponderosa High School Ceremony
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Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Time: 7 PM
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Venue: Anschutz Pavilion at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds
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Mother Lode Virtual Academy Graduation
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Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
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Time: 5 PM
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Venue: Placerville Veterans Memorial Hall
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Check school websites or contact the district office for cap and gown pick-up details, speaker tryouts, and RSVP links.
Gifts That Hit the Mark
Picking a gift is easier with a curated guide; here are crowd-pleasers from the season’s top list:
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GraduatePro Diploma Frame With Tassel Holder
Sturdy mahogany frame with gold trim and built-in tassel slot to show off achievement. -
Homesick New Job Scented Candle
Leather, cedar, and vanilla notes help grads unwind after the first day on the job. -
Amazon Basics 65-Piece Home Basic Repair Tool Kit
Essential wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers in a handy bag for first apartments. -
AuKing Mini Projector
Mirrors phones or laptops for movie nights or game streams in any room. -
Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven
One appliance to fry, bake, broil, grill, or reheat-perfect for quick meals. -
Amazon Gift Card
Flexible funds from $25 to $2000 let grads pick what they really need.
Party Essentials Check List
Hosting a send-off bash? This simple checklist covers must-haves:
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Invitations and RSVPs: set a deadline to know the head count
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Venue prep: clear space indoors or reserve Monument Hill Park picnic area
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Seating and shade: rent chairs or set up pop-up canopies with proper permits
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Tables and linens: coordinate colors to match school theme
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Food and drinks: mix finger foods, local sandwiches from Hangtown Grill, and cold beverages
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Music and games: playlist of favorite tracks plus yard games like corn hole
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Photo station, backdrop at Main Street’s historic buildings or Western Placerville Park
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Trash and recycling: label bins clearly so clean-up is a breeze
Local Spots to Raise a Glass
After the ceremony, keep the celebration rolling at these Placerville favorites:
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Hangtown Grill: hearty comfort food on Main Street makes family dinners easy
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Cultivate Catering: customize hors d’oeuvres trays for any party size
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Hawkins House Brewing: share local craft beers in a laid-back setting
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The Independent: modern pub fare and specialty cocktails for small crowds
Picture-Perfect Backdrops
Capture smiles and mortarboards against these Placerville scenes:
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Historic Main Street: colorful storefronts and vintage signs frame every shot
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Western Placerville Park: lush lawns and covered pavilions give shaded options
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El Dorado County Courthouse Plaza: ivy-clad building steps provide classic charm
Bring wireless speakers and a ring light for instant portraits; graduates love sharing moments on social feeds.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
Graduation season in Placerville blends hometown pride with personal milestones. With ceremony dates locked in, gift ideas at hand, a solid party checklist, and our town’s best venues, celebrations will come together with ease. Here’s to a season of caps in the air, proud smiles, and memories that last a lifetime.
Sources: goodhousekeeping.com, foryourparty.com, flc.losrios.edu, umhs.eduhsd.k12.ca.us
Header Image Source: Patricia Beatrix Villanueva on Unsplash
