Fourth of July fizzles

For the first time in 50 years, the Independence Day celebration at One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park won’t happen.

Historically, Chicoans have gathered on the Fourth of July for music, games, food, arts and crafts booths and food-eating contests. However, the event is no longer financially viable, according to Ann Willmann, general manager of the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD), one of the event’s sponsors. Each of the sponsoring groups—also including Do It Leisure and Chico Rotary—has undergone significant changes, while fewer people have attended the event itself, she said. Also, the city no longer provides funding.

“When you have responsibility for a tradition, you want to take it seriously, but you can’t do that to the detriment of the groups involved,” Willmann said.