:sharpen(level=0):output(format=jpeg)/up/dt/2011/07/5644c9608b8bbe9e519e30607810a20b.jpg "Henry Schein Supports Brazil Flood Relief Efforts with Donations and Fundraising")
Chico, a small city in Butte County, California, is known for its small-town charm and sense of community. In a recent City Insider column, Evan Tuchinsky described Chico as “a small town disguised as a city.” This sentiment was echoed by the author of this article, who experienced the town’s charm during an evening outing with his wife.
The evening began at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, where General Manager Nick DiGrazia hosted the annual fair preview. The fairgrounds showcased the backbone of America, with impromptu acts of kindness and support for a Durham High School student who had been badly burned in a shop accident.
Local officials, including Mayor Andrew Coolidge and fair board member Bob Mulholland, were present at the event. Michael Flores, deputy secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, also attended and spoke about the $30 million grant the fair received for a new events center.
The author’s nostalgic connection to the fair was further strengthened when he encountered servers wearing Future Farmers of America (FFA) jackets, reminiscent of his own youth. The evening continued with a visit to Shubert’s, a local ice cream parlor that has been a Chico staple for 86 years.
The Thursday Night Farmers Market at City Plaza provided a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. However, the author acknowledges that Chico, like any other town, is not immune to crime. Incidents such as a stabbing on Nord Avenue and a confrontation involving a California Highway Patrol officer near Hamilton High serve as reminders of the potential dangers that exist.
The author expresses concern about the normalization of such incidents and the overall increase in crime. While emphasizing that this is not unique to Chico, he hopes for a return to the days when the worst aspects of small-town life felt more distant.
In conclusion, Chico’s small-town charm and sense of community were evident during the author’s evening outing. However, the presence of crime serves as a reminder that no town is immune to such incidents.
