November 24th was the Christmas Preview in Downtown Chico from 4-8 PM. The streets were packed and full of people from all around Butte County, including some of Pleasant Valley High School’s teachers and students. One of PV’s favorite teachers, Mrs. Burton, was even there! When asked why she came to this venue, Mrs. Burton said “I love the holidays and this this is the first chance my wife allowed me to do Christmas stuff, and I’m able to do my shopping”. Mrs. Burton seems really excited about this upcoming winter holiday season and is ready to do some great preparation to get ready.
During the Christmas Preview, streets were packed with people! With all the roads closed off, Downtown Chico was wide and open, allowing for great opportunities to customers and vendors alike. When walking down the streets, one could see festive lights coruscating and vendors selling balloons with LED lights on them. Alan S, an enjoyer of this year’s Christmas Preview, mentioned how they “like the lights” and noticed “there’s a lot of shops setting up”. It seems holiday shopping was a major attraction at this event.
While at the Christmas Preview, lines to local shops were full. No matter where you went to, you could see eager people waiting to enjoy this holiday season! When at the Downtown Chico Welcome Center, the Photos With Santa line was ginormous. Groups of anxious parents were patiently waiting with their children so they could get these prized images. Adding to the holiday spirit, music was in the air! Winter Holiday classics were playing not only digitally, but also by local bands and musicians. When wandering around, one could hear an accordion playing festive tunes very diligently.
Accompanying the accordions, harps, and bands, was also the choir, singing pleasant winter hymns during the Christmas Preview. One of the volunteers for the choir, Maddie K, when asked if there was any particular reason they volunteered said “I like performing and this suits me, and music is really fun. I’m also helping with kind of replacing the choral men from last year, to keep the legacy”. Maddie K seems really happy about getting to volunteer not only for this event, but to additionally make sure there is still a choir to sing these precious hymns. And surrounded by shops, the choir perform for free to ensure that this precious deed was done. Kudos to you, local Chico Choir!
The Christmas Preview downtown seems to have been really fun to all, especially to PV students and teachers. No matter how long the lines were and how many goods may have been sold, people still remained happy. While enjoying festivities such as listening to the choir, eating cotton candy, or seeing The Grinch, one could also look in awe upon the scintillating lights glowing upon the scenery. With this preview being accessible to all, money and happy memories could be made despite one’s beliefs. The Christmas Preview is a very special event to both celebrators of winter holidays and not, allowing people to bond and reunite. Such as with various PV students and teachers going to this event and having fun while additionally supporting others financially.
