Chico Artoberfest

Chico Palio is the official kick-off for Artoberfest

Palio" is an Italian word that means a competition between neighborhoods and communities.

Chico Palio is modeled after Italy's Siena Palio horse race, which is centuries old and undoubtedly the most famous in Europe. Instead of racing horses, however, we race humans carrying horse sculptures. Instead of intense physical interaction between man and beast, we will feature competition in the form of pageantry, creativity and, of course, a physical race.

In addition to the race winner, competitions  this year feature the Best Designed Horse. In addition, there will be kindergarten and first-graders from Hooker Oak Elementary School and Neal Down Elementary School who will lead the charge with a kazoo parade. Mothers and daughters from the National Charity League are volunteering to help with some of the creative crafts we'll have on hand. And ... presenters of October arts and culture activities (Artoberfest) will share about their organizations, events and history!

10 a.m.-3 p.m.                 Arts & Culture Booths with Hands-On Activities

10 a.m. -10:15 a.m.         Chico Creek Dance Full Horce Hip Hop

10:15 a.m.-11 a.m.          Children's Choir of Chico

11 a.m.                            RACE PREPARATIONS BEGIN

11 a.m.-Noon                  Chico Community Ballet

11:30 a.m.--Noon            Mayor's Arts Awards, Window Art Project

NOON-12:30 p.m.            Race

12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.          Pleasant Valley High School Jazz Ensemble

1 p.m.-1:45 p.m.            Ballet Folklorica

1:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m.      Chico Creek Theatre Company's "Guys n' Dolls"

2:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.      TBA

2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.           "Thrill the World" Dance Opportunity For ALL!

3 p.m.-6 p.m.                 Chico Palio Community Banquet ($12 per adult; $10 per child (5 years and older); $45 Family Pass (limited to two adults & three children).