Archive for the ‘Chico holidays’ Category

Fourth of July in Chico

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

It’s almost Independence Day, and Chico does it up right. (Well, I wish we could also set off fireworks at home, but understandably it’s a fire hazard so they’re forbidden countywide.)

Tonight, July 3, is a fireworks show at the Outlaws game. Seats are being sold on the field for the first time ever, and the show can also be viewed from other nearby locations such as the Chico High football field.

CARD is sponsoring the traditional festivities in Bidwell Park, and I’m pasting in the info here:

Saturday, July 4 - One Mile Dam Recreation Area - Bidwell Park

Celebrate the 4th of July with CARD, Do-It Leisure, the Chico Rotary and the Chico Parks Department.

7:30-11:00 AM Pancake Breakfast (Do-It Leisure)
7:00 AM Independence Day 5 K $25 Reg. Fee (Chico Running Club)
9:00-12:00 PM Horseshoe Contest: sign-up at the pits @ 8:45 AM
9:00 AM Fife & Drum Band
9:30-10:35 AM Chico Community Concert Band
10:00-3:00 PM Booths Open (Food, Activities, Crafts)
10:45-11:30 AM “Let Freedom Ring” (Guest Speaker)
12:15-12:45 PM Pie Eating Contest (Purchase $1 tickets at the event. (Sponsored by Marie Callenders)
1:00-2:00 PM Free Family Games With Prizes (CARD)
1:00-3:00 PM Midnight Blues Society
2:00-2:15 PM Raffle Winners Announced

Spring Jamboree, aka Easter Egg Hunt, at Caper Acres

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

The scramble for eggs begins at Caper Acres on Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m. The Spring Jamboree includes the egg hunt, an Easter Bunny visit and more. Visit the CARD Web site for more info, and have fun!

Children’s Christmas Party at Elk’s Lodge Dec. 21

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Advance signups are required for the Children’s Christmas Party to be held Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chico Elk’s Lodge (Manzanita Place) at 1705 Manzanita Ave. Kids 12 and under can enjoy crafts, snacks and Santa. To reserve a spot, call 343-1431 by Dec. 16.

Victorian Christmas at Stansbury Home

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

The historic Stansbury Home is hosting a Victorian Christmas event Friday, Dec. 5 from 6-9 p.m. and again on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, between 1 and 5 p.m. There wil be entertainment, refreshments, a raffle and carriage rides. The nonprofit Stansbury Home Preservation Association maintains the 125-year-old home in downtown Chico at 5th and Salem streets. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children at the door, or save $1 by buying tickets beforehand at: Brambley Cottage, Cal Java, Grace Jr. or Zucchini & Vine.

Community Tree Ceremony Lights Up City Plaza

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Tree LightingChristmas in Chico wouldn’t be the same without a tree all lit up in the plaza. The annual lighting of the community tree on Chico’s City Plaza will be held Dec. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. The event includes a short address by the Mayor Andy Holcombe, and the lights go on around 6 p.m. If your kids are not big fans of mayoral speeches, I’m sure Mr. Holcombe won’t mind if you show up just for the tree lighting. But older kids should enjoy performances by the Children’s Choir of Chico, Sound of the Foothills and the Yule Logs.

Chico Nursery School Shopping Day

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

I’m biased because my kid goes to Chico Nursery School, but honestly this Shopping Day event is so fun! It’s Friday, Dec. 5 from noon to 7 p.m. Kids get to pick out handmade presents for their family with the help of a “personal shopper” while parents can’t peek and can instead visit the silent auction and huge bake sale. There are so many great things to bid on this year, and huge deals to be had! There’s also a Greenline Cycle Bike Raffle for only $1 a ticket. The presents are $2 each, and there’s something for everyone in the family. Santa will be on-hand from 3 to 5 p.m. so bring your camera! All proceeds go to benefit the nonprofit parent cooperative preschool.

CARD’s Breakfast with Santa

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

What could be more fun than breakfast with Santa Claus? Somehow, the Chico Area Recreation District has convinced the jolly old elf to take time out of his busy holiday schedule to enjoy a pancake breakfast with local children. This year, it’s Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the CARD Center at 545 Vallombrosa Ave. Kids also get to visit Mrs. Claus and make crafts with the elves. It’s $8 per person. You must sign up for the event in advance, and in fact, it’s already filled up this year. (So, why am I posting this? Because there’s a wait list!) Call 895-4711 or visit the CARD Web site.

Christmas Preview Features Santa, Shopping and Goodies

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Christmas PreviewYou wait for it all year and it’s here! Christmas Preview! Kids love it and it’s somehow, magically, more exciting than claustrophobic seeing so many people enjoying Chico’s downtown. The Downtown Chico Business Association event will be held Sunday, Nov. 23 from 4 to 8-ish, and the weather is supposed to be great. Shops open their doors and show off their holiday wares while giving out free treats, samples and coupons. There’s also great live entertainment: Watch for the Yule Logs and Sounds of the Foothills on the streets, and don’t miss the live music at Chico Paper Co. at 345 Broadway. Santa will be hearing kids’ wish lists and posing for pictures at Third and Broadway. My tips: Get in the Santa line early, and plan on a later bedtime because your kid should be all hopped up on cookies and cocoa. The Nutcracker dance is always a favorite, and it’s almost as fun watching the little kids’ eyes light up as they watch the performers in the shop window.