The Arc Store in Paradise Celebrates Johnny Appleseed Days
The Johnny Appleseed Celebration in Paradise is almost as old as Johnny Appleseed himself. On October 4th and 5th, the Arc Store in Paradise will have its first opportunity to join the town in celebrating its Johnny Appleseed Days Festival. It is the second largest event in town, and along with historical tradition provides plenty of fun and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
The History of Johnny Appleseed Days
The event was first celebrated as the “Harvest Home Festival” in 1880 and is known as the oldest harvest event in California. Shortly afterward in 1887, Paradise opened its first post office while the Butte County Railroad ran up the ridge serving mines and sawmills. The Maidu Indians were still prevalent in the area and a regular stage route went through Paradise, Coutelenc, Dogtown, (Magalia) Nimshew, Toadtown and Inskip. There was also a regular cattle road coming up the ridge roughly along Clark Road from Oroville and another one on Neal Road to Susanville.
In 1916 the Paradise Irrigation District created the Magalia Reservoir and apple orchards began springing up along the ridge. One of the oldest and best known being the Noble Family Orchards, founded around 1921, still operate here and supply the apples for the festival to this day. In 1937 the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce sponsored its first “Paradise Fair and Apple Show,” which lasted for five days. There was an apple pyramid built in the Memorial Hall that consisted of 15,000 apples. There was also a lot of fanfare when the event was visited by the cast members of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” who were filming in nearby Bidwell Park. [Source: OnTheRidge.com]
The fair was halted for World War II and resumed in 1951 as “The Paradise Arts and Crafts Show.” It finally became known as “Johnny Appleseed Days” in 1968 when the Chamber of Commerce hosted the event featuring over a thousand apple pies every year.
Johnny Appleseed Days in 2014
This year there will be local entertainment and vendor’s booths, face painting for the kids, and games for old and young alike. Johnny Appleseed will visit and regale people with stories and history you don’t want to miss. This will be the 126th festival and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday October 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday October 5, and will be held at Terry Ashe Park on the Skyway. Admission is free and around 7,000 people are expected to attend.
This fine event unofficially kicks off the holiday season in Paradise so if you’re looking for any kind of holiday decorating item stop on by. If you are up for some fun and adventure don’t miss the opportunity to come in and shop at the Arc Store in Paradise. We have a large selection of donated clothing that is clean, organized and sure to be pleasantly priced. Shop our Timeless Boutique section of clothes and experience upscale clothing and shoes from major manufacturers for any occasion. If the weather turns a little cold, we’ve got a large variety of jackets and sweaters on sale this month in our “It’s Getting Darker Earlier” sale. Our Halloween costumes are already selling fast but we still have plenty left for adults and children so come on in and share in the excitement. We also carry a selection of wigs and masks and accessories to complete your costume. The Arc Store is thrilled to assist the community with all their festivity needs. We have a wonderful store staffed with incredible people who will go the extra mile to insure your satisfaction.
