First published by the Chico Enterprise-Record

Artoberfest kick-off needs 10 community teams with artistic flair

If you've ever wanted to run with the stallions, now's your chance.

Artoberfest, Chico's second month-long celebration of the arts in October will get underway at 10 a.m. Sept. 30 with the Chico Palio — a human race in elegant horse costumes.

Ten neighborhood or community teams are being rounded up to participate in this historic event.

Chico Palio is modeled after Italy's famous Siena Palio horse race. Following the Siena tradition, each competing team will be assigned a representative flag, designed by 10 local artists. The inaugural flags will feature physical elements of our community. Teams will design a "litter" — carried by two runners and fashioned into an artistic horse by members of their community team.

Individuals are also encouraged to enter the Chico Palio parade, happening that same morning. Entrants can dress in horse costume or create horse designs on wheels, sleds, bicycles or whatever the mind can imagine (no motorized apparatus will be allowed, however).

In addition to the neighborhood or community race winner, there will be a competition for the Best Designed Horse; the Best Designed Flag; as well as a Horse-Art-in-the-Schools program during September. The youth's artwork will be on display in October and judged by local arts specialists. Ribbons will be awarded to horse art entrants.

To become a participant or volunteer or for more information, call 228-2860 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it To download an entrance sheet and rules (PDF: 1.1 MB), go to www.artoberfest.org, and look for Chico Palio.