Johnny Appleseed Days return, and with them, memories of our area's history.

How 'bout them apples

The Paradise Chamber of Commerce is hosting Johnny Applesead Days on October 2nd and 3rd, marking this event as the oldest harvest festival in California. Understandably, it all began with the apples. If they could tell their story, it would consist of the sunshine that smiled upon them, the winds that whispered to them, the birds that sang around them, the storms that visited, and the motherly tree that held and fed them until their petals unfolded. The first was held in 1888, the “Fair” as it was known then. The welcoming community, like the fruit, wanted to tell their story. It would consist of genuine love and gratitude for the ever present and protective trees, the elevation with its rewards of cooler temps and the guarantee of four seasons, and the core of a community spirit with the courage and compassion to survive. The 2021 fall festival will celebrate Paradise's community spirit, along with the coveted orchard heritage, with apple pie and ice cream. It anticipates a crowd of 5,000 over two days.

The Chamber of Commerce’s Johnny Appleseed Days is an historical event involving the entire community. The 133 year history is rich with legend and myth, surrounding both the earliest beginnings of the fair as well as its namesake. As the legend goes, in the inaugural year, a feisty group of Ladies of the Temperance Society took over the lone local saloon, rolled the building across the street on logs, renamed it “Community Hall” and went on to host the very first “harvest” festival on this site. Over the years, the event turned into what could be called the County Fair and the community fought hard to make it official. Due to the lack of access to the ridge, they ultimately lost out to Gridley.

As for the namesake, it too is rich in a mixture of history turned myth. Johnny Appleseed, known far and wide as the larger-than-life figure, was actually born John Chapman on September 26, 1774. Although the legendary character of “Johnny Appleseed” is known chiefly through fiction, John Chapman was a genuine and dedicated professional nurseryman. He is best known for helping prepare the way for 19th-century pioneers by supplying apple-tree nursery stock. He sold or gave away thousands of seedlings to pioneers, whose acres of productive apple orchards became a living memorial to Chapman’s missionary zeal. Paradise’s Johnny Appleseed Days also serves as a living celebration of John Chapman, a long lost historical character.

goods and services from local businesses. The showcase piece shines a bright light on the Paradise Ridge Chamber of commerce, its members, and local residents who join together to prepare Do-it-Yourself apple pie kits with fresh apples from Noble Orchards and the super-secret Paradise Apple Pie Spice Mix. The beautifully packaged annual “Pie Kit” also includes a collectible tea towel printed with the 2021 logo. Not surprisingly, these were a sell-out in 2019! The town of Paradise cheerfully hosts artisans from all over the state and beyond as they offer a vast array of handicrafts. The ever-popular children's area will feature face painting and nostalgic games. Johnny Appleseed himself will be in attendance with fruit, stories, and a modern day glimpse of a real American icon. The Gazebo Stage in Billie Park, will feature hometown performances, who will surely entertain throughout the event. Over a 20-year span, 1,000 apple pies would be baked for slice and pie distribution. Due to the loss of multiple commercial ovens, the pies will be baked at Save Mart Supermarket who also kept the tradition of using apples from yet another local legend, Noble Orchards.

133 years later, it is still easy to hear the apples tell their story of sunshine, whispers, and motherly love. Through thick and thin,it is evident the community held fast to its love and gratitude, the aura of elevation, and their spirit of courage and compassion. The entire ridge is excited to once again host this magical event. Surely a can’t-miss time for all ages and the entire Northstate family. The event is enjoyed by scores of attendees each year, many of whom make Johnny Appleseed Days an annual family occasion. So, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Terry Ashe Park 6626 Skyway.

With a little more than a month to go, there are still booths available for you to become a part of the weekend festivities. For more information contact the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 530.877.9356 or email info@paradisechamber.com

—CALIFORNIA— The Worst Place Not To Stay Up To Date On Employment Laws

California has always been well known for having the most strict employment laws in the country, and 2020 was no exception. Retaliation claims, sexual harassment claims, and wage & hour violations increased dramatically over the past year, and employers who are already suffering from the pandemic are getting hit extra hard. Employees aren’t only leaving their jobs for unemployment benefits, but they are getting inundated with ads encouraging them to file employment law claims.

Protecting your business and taking preventative measures against labor law violations is always the best option financially. If you’re operating in California especially, you must stay in the know on wage & hour laws because they change constantly, and just one violation could impact an employer detrimentally.

Being a reputable employer not only protects you from costly litigation, but it attracts quality employees in a time where they are needed the most. The hiring industry has changed rapidly, and the tables have been turned on business owners throughout the past few years. There’s a multitude of benefits for business owners to cover their liability in the workplace, and investing in the future of your business is just as important, if not more important than what you’re doing today.

If there’s any place in the country not to be negligent in terms of labor law, California is #1. Know what you know, what you don’t know, and who knows what you don’t know. Call HRiq.

Shelby Chase is the owner/operator of HRIQ, a boutique HR provider in Chico. She can be reached at SHELBY@UPYOURHRIQ.COM WWW.UPYOURHRIQ.COM 530.200.2663