The year 2019 marks the 200th year since the birth of John Bidwell. He was born in Chautauqua County, New York, on August 5th, 1819.

In honor of General Bidwell’s Bicentennial, the Bidwell Mansion Association has lots of great activities planned for this year.

Here is what you can look forward to:

John and Annie at the 2019 Pioneer Day Parade

Saturday, May 4th: The Pioneer Day Parade. John and Annie will be honorary grand marshals. What will they be riding on? a horse-drawn buggy? a horseless carriage (as Annie would have called an automobile)?, a hay wagon? something else? Come on down to the parade and see.

After the parade visit the BMA booth at City Plaza and plant a casaba melon seed to take home and put in your garden. It was Bidwell’s favorite!

Mmmmm – casaba melon!

Monday, May 27th: Memorial Day ceremony at Chico Cemetery, with a tribute to General John Bidwell, who served in the Mexican War and as a brigadier general in the California Militia during the Civil War.

Saturday, June 22nd: Annie’s Birthday Tea Party inside Bidwell Mansion. Two seatings at 11:30 and 2:30 for a classic tea, with tiny sandwiches, delicious scones, fresh fruit, tea and lemonade.

Wear your favorite fancy hat! Tickets will be on sale soon.

Saturday, July 13th: Annual Slice of Chico sidewalk sale downtown with free watermelon and casaba melon, in honor of John Bidwell’s business legacy.

Also Saturday, July 13th: Twilight Family Night at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Games, stories, snacks, and a camp fire!

The Birthday Boy!

Sunday, August 4th: Bidwell Bicentennial Birthday Bash at Bidwell Mansion SHP. Celebrate Bidwell’s 200th with birthday cake and Shubert’s ice cream.

Also, music by the Chico Community Band, dramatic vignettes inside the mansion, and games on the lawn.

Much more to come throughout the year!