A Vibrant Celebration of Community and Creativity
The streets of Chico came alive with music, art, and a sense of community during the First Bloom event, a special preview for the upcoming Thursday Night Market. Held at City Plaza, this gathering brought together families, visitors, and local vendors in a celebration that promised to set the tone for an exciting season of events.
Organized by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA), the First Bloom event served as a “first taste” of what’s to come with the Thursday Night Market, which is set to begin in April. Megan Gaddis, the DCBA promotions manager, described the event as a “first of its kind,” emphasizing its role in drawing people into the community and generating excitement for the market ahead.
“We’re looking to go bigger and more exciting, so that we can draw out not only community members, but also visitors from as far as Sacramento to Redding,” Gaddis said. “We really want to be here to support not only our vendors, but our local businesses, our community members and just show our surrounding communities that Chico is here to stay, and we’re thriving.”
A Blend of Music, Art, and Community Spirit
The event featured live performances by the Cana Road Band, a local blues and rock group that captivated the crowd with their energetic sets. The band’s performance was a highlight of the evening, adding to the festive atmosphere that filled the plaza.
In the center of the plaza, the Chalk of Hope Project made its mark through colorful and creative chalk art. This grassroots initiative, started by Chico resident Cristy Fox, aims to spread positivity and inspiration through public art. Fox began the project by creating chalk art on her own neighborhood sidewalks, inspired by the idea of leaving behind messages of hope.
“It started so small, I saw a gal making footprints in the snow. We don’t have snow, but we do have sidewalks and chalk, and I thought I could do that,” Fox said. “So this started because I wanted to give people a little hope, and then my son, Matthew, thought maybe it could be more than just my neighborhood.”
Fox and her son were present at the event, offering chalk to children and adults alike. They encouraged everyone to contribute to the growing collection of art, which was displayed throughout the plaza. While the project doesn’t seek to make money, any donations are given to charities, including the Young Center, which supports immigrant children and families.
Matthew Fox shared his family’s vision for the project: “We’re just trying to reach out and create a community of hope, even if there’s zero money donated, we just want to create positivity in the world around us. A lot of the social media space can be negative, so we’re trying to create a more positive influence on everybody and get a community built around that.”
Local Vendors Bring Color and Flavor to the Event
Surrounding the Chalk of Hope Project booth were various local vendors showcasing their unique wares. One such vendor was Nate Lowe, a Grass Valley native who sells nature and fantasy-themed glass art under the name N8turalist Glass. Lowe has been traveling to Chico during the spring and summer months to participate in events like these.
“I always wanted to do something on my own and not work a regular job,” Lowe said. “But I always try different things here and there throughout my life, but none of it ever really took off until I found glass art.”
Lowe’s pieces often take hours or even days to complete, with each artwork being assembled piece by piece. He described the process as both time-consuming and rewarding, highlighting the intricate details that go into each creation.
Another notable vendor was Buttercup Ink, run by Chico local Kelsey Lopin. Lopin, who sells handmade art prints, greeting cards, stickers, and dried flowers, began selling at the Thursday Night Market last year. She had previously worked as an art teacher but made a career shift to focus on her passion for art.
“I used to be an art teacher, and then one day, I just kind of made a switch, now here I am at these events,” Lopin said. “I’m still surprised by it, but I’m loving every second of it.”
Lopin emphasized the importance of community support, noting how the turnout for the First Bloom event made her even more excited for the upcoming Thursday Night Market. “It’s been awesome to see the community come out,” she said. “It’s been nice to chat with everyone and get a taste of what Thursday Night Markets are about to be.”
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Season
With music, art, and a strong sense of community, the First Bloom event was a promising start to what promises to be a vibrant and engaging season of events in Chico. As the Thursday Night Market approaches, residents and visitors alike are eager to experience the energy and creativity that the city has to offer.
