You know Spring is here when people leave their homes to fill the downtown and the park.
Its the 35th Annual Endangered Species Faire sponsored by The Butte Environmental Council. In the 70s, the emerging environmental movement realized early on that the way to win the hearts and minds of the public was by educating the kids. To do that, it has to be FUN! So, most of all, The Endangered Species Faire is a celebration.
The Faire wasn't the only thing happening yesterday. As I left my downtown apartment I noticed a lot of families heading to Main Street. Something was going on.
The Pioneer Day Parade. It was also this weekend. The Pioneer Day Parade was born out of the ruins of Pioneer Week, an event sponsored by the Fraternities and Sororities of CSUC. Though it started in 1917 with a parade, by the 1970s it was just an excuse for the Frats and Sororities to take a week of from classes and party.
From Wikipedia:
On 25 April 1987 police riots broke out during the Pioneer Days celebration. President Wilson announced an end to the 70 year old tradition, saying he took Pioneer Days "out back and shot it in the head."
Now, it is just a parade that anyone can march in and have fun. Including politicians.
Driving the blue car is CA-01's Tea Party Representative Doug LaMalfa. A farm subsidy glutton. Again from Wikipedia:
Since 1995, Dsl Lamalfa Family Partnership has received payments totaling $5,132,156 in federal commodity subsidies.
He was mostly ignored, as he lost in Chico.
Time to move on to the Faire.
Crossing Chico Creek I notice it's barely moving. Usually at this time of year it is still flowing freely with snow melt.
Another distraction. As I pass by the Chico Park and Rec. offices and meeting hall, I saw a sign outside announcing a show by the Chico Bonsai Society, so I stopped in.
The training for these trees (that's what they call it) began in 1980 (left) and 1964 (Right). Truly beautiful things.
Ah yes, the Faire.
Crossing the creek again at One-Mile Dam.
A couple of the dozens of booths.
The band.
The People
This year the Endangered Species Faire had a great turnout and proved that environmental education is lots of fun! Just like always.
If you would like more on the Endangered Species Faire, Here is a link to a diary I did on the 32nd Annual Faire three years ago in 2011.