Chico Summerfest presents an August lineup you won't want to miss.

Come out and play!

With hand clapping music, trucks full of food, and entertainment for all ages, the Summer Music Jam follows on the success of the Spring Music Jam that hosted over 1,300 attendees, 200 entertainers, food vendors, and staff. The mind behind these music fests is promoter Forrest Melton, whose goal is to not only provide quality entertainment, but to be able to donate funds to a number of local organizations.

Melton’s emphasis is to provide people with a safe place to have fun. “I love gathering people together so they can come out and play,” he said. And Melton has a wealth of experience doing just that. He began back in college at Chico State where he organized spring break trips to Mexico, Utah ski trips in the winter, and eventually trade shows and food and wine festivals. These events have culminated into the Spring and Summer Jam Music Fests which are held at the Patrick Ranch on the Midway. Blue Sky Event Services is the umbrella organization that helps promote and put on the productions.

“I wanted to bring a new look to Chico,” said Melton. “Using successful tribute bands with stages for local music acts will generate money we can donate to local charities.” The Spring Jam saw the Rotary Chico Sunrise hold an auction for a seven-day Mexico getaway. “A big part of our proceeds go to local groups,” said Melton. “We also get local sports involved like the Pleasant Valley Wrestling Club and the Chico Mighty Oaks Rugby Club.” Other beneficiaries include Seeds of Love and the Hope Common Church.

One thing is for sure—you will not get bored at the music fests. There will be musical entertainment from local and out-of-thearea bands. The Summer Fest will feature Invincible, a Pat Benatar cover band at 4:00; and Long Time, a tribute to Boston at 6:30. A separate stage will feature local groups over the course of the day including Yurkovic and River Road Band. There will also be demonstrations by Azad’s Martial Arts and the Chico Dance Troupe among others. You can play ping pong, pool, air hockey, bocce ball, and corn hole to your heart’s content. A special Kid’s Zone will even feature a bounce house.

Food trucks will line the festival with a variety of dining options, and there will be craft beer and wine available at select locations around the grounds. Sponsors and vendors will be on hand with tables and booths to show off their services and sell their products. Also, come dressed in your best Hawaiian themed outfit and enter the costume contest!

The Summer Fest will take place on Saturday, August 20, from 1:00 to 9:00pm. For ticket information visit BlueskyFestivalsAndEvents.com.