California State Parks to Commemorate One Year Since Bidwell Mansion Fire
Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Bidwell Mansion following this summer’s exterior clean-up. Photo from California State Parks.
CHICO – Almost one year after an arson fire severely damaged the historic Bidwell Mansion, California State Parks invites the public to the temporary reopening of the visitor center and gift shop to commemorate this solemn anniversary at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park from Dec. 11-13. This temporary reopening will provide the public with their first opportunity to visit the park’s visitor center and gift shop since the devastating fire on Dec. 11, 2024, and will include several events to mark the occasion.
Visitor Center Temporary Schedule and Events
Thursday, Dec. 11:
Visitor Center open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
o General’s Store (gift shop operated by Bidwell Mansion Association) open
o Reimagine Bidwell Mansion booth to offer information about park recovery process
o 4 p.m.: Community Remembrance and Appreciation Reception for Mansion Fire First Responders and Investigators
Friday, Dec. 12:
Visitor Center open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
o General’s Store open
o Reimagine Bidwell Mansion booth to offer information about park recovery process
o 11 a.m.: Facebook Live Event with the Daughters of the American Revolution to unveil a new monument at the park honoring Annie Bidwell. Follow or visit the Bidwell Mansion Facebook to join the event.
Saturday, Dec. 13:
Visitor Center open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
o General’s Store open
o Reimagine Bidwell Mansion booth to offer information about park recovery process
o 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Bidwell Mansion Association Victorians to spread holiday cheer reminiscent of the Victorian Era
Reimagine Bidwell Mansion
California State Parks launched the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion effort in September to gather community input on how the park will be revitalized. The planning effort will continue through next year and result in a Vision Plan that will integrate extensive community, tribal and stakeholder engagement with technical feasibility and existing conditions studies to identify the best path forward for the park. Please visit ReimagineBidwellMansion.orgfor the latest updates.
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