CHICO, Calif. - Chico Palio will kick off Artoberfest - Chico's month-long celebration of arts and culture - two weeks earlier in September to create a weekend of music, art and food.

            This year, Chico Palio has moved from the last Saturday in September to Saturday, Sept. 10 in order to optimize attendance and increase appreciation for all of the events occurring in September.

             The date change will create a weekend Chico will not soon forget. Friday, Sept. 9 will feature a Concert in the Park, followed by Chico Palio on Saturday, Sept. 10 and ending with Taste of Chico on Sunday, Sept. 11. Chico will buzz with entertainment, experience the excitement of a race built on creativity and satisfy cravings for delicious local food.

            Chico Palio is modeled after Italy's famous Siena Palio, one of the most prestigious and famed races in Europe. However, instead of a race based on the interaction between man and horse, Chico Palio focuses on the relationship between art and friendly competition.

            Along with creating a horse sculpture, groups and organizations will be encouraged to create a sign representing their name and organization. There are three ways to win Chico Palio - the foot race, People's Choice Award for Best Design and Judge's Award for Best Design.

             Chico Palio's horse sculpture race and design contests are a great way to get involved in this year's event. Palio wants to encourage Chico residents to sign up now to create your own Palio horse team! Show off your artistic flair and take part in friendly competition. Entry forms and horse requirements are available online at chicopalio.org or by calling (530) 228-2860.

"Chico Palio is a great way to learn about a new culture," said Assistant Director for Friends of the Arts, Kait Manning. "It's also a great way to connect with other members of the community on a fun and friendly level."

Chico Palio, Artoberfest's annual kick-off event, is a community and family oriented celebration of art and Italian culture. Chico Palio is funded, in part, by Friends of the Arts, a Butte County-based, non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.chicopalio.org.