Parade of Lights, A History

2019 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Chico Parade of Lights! The Parade’s history actually dates back to 1918 when high school seniors were invited to view the Chico Normal School campus. Special displays were built to depict the heritage of the campus within the community. Over the years more activities were added. Members of the faculty and townspeople would dress up in Western attire and join the students in celebrating our past. These activities would culminate in a Pioneer Days parade through downtown Chico.

In 1988, the Pioneer Days parade was cancelled. In 1989, Beverly Crosby and Sue Johnston were asked by the then Mayor of Chico to continue the parade tradition. Thus began the Chico Parade of Lights 29 years ago.

The 2019 30th annual Chico Parade of Lights theme “Move to the Music” invites you to celebrate everything related to music!

Entries can highlight songs, musicians, singers, bands, musical genres, musical eras, musical instruments, musical theater or movies, dance moves, or anything else related to music!

And of course, as many lights as possible!

This year, as we have done in the past and will strive to do in the future, we endeavor to keep the best of Chico’s heritage in place and continue to etch our mark in the history of Chico by celebrating “Move to the Music!”