• Free play dates at Max's Miracle Ranch

    Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, weather permitting, at 3476 Smith Ave., Biggs. Farm tours, playground, train rides, horseback rides and 99 cent ice cream cones. Also story time where people are advised to bring blankets for comfort. Through Oct. 1.

  • American Legion Post No. 210 of Gridley annual Spaghetti Dinner

    Dinner 6 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 249 Sycamore St., Gridley. Adults $6, children $3. Raffle with prizes, live performances by local artists. Tickets may be purchased at Wheeler Ranch and Feed, Gridley Chamber of Commerce or through any American Legion member. To go orders always welcome. For information or tickets, call John Kusak at 868-5425.

  • Palermo 16th annual Talent Show

    Entry form and fee due by Friday, April 16, mailed to: Palermo Community Council, P.O. Box 293, Palermo, Calif. 95968. Entry fee $5 per person; ages 5 years and older can participate. Grand prize $100, $50 first place division prizes and other prizes and awards. Mandatory rehearsal 6 p.m. Friday, April 30. Tri-tip dinner fundraiser and talent show Saturday, May 1, with dinner 5-6:30 p.m. and talent show 7-10 p.m. at Palermo School Auditorium, 7350 Bulldog Way. Dinner $7 adults, children 7 and older, $3.50; children 6 and younger. No cost to watch talent show.

  • Children in Nature event

    California Department of Parks and Recreation host celebration of

    40th anniversary of Earth Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Lake Oroville Visitor Center, 917 Kelly Ridge Road. Free admission. Activities include guided nature walks, fly fishing demonstrations and children's activities, such as music and crafts. Activity booths are sponsored by Bidwell Bar Association, Oroville YMCA, Chico State University Aquatic Center, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and 4-H Clubs. Food and beverage sales available. Proceeds benefit the free Junior Ranger program offered by Department of Parks and Recreation each summer. 538-2219.

  • 25th annual Children's Faire

    First United Methodist Church in conjunction with the State Preschool are sponsoring this event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church, 45 Acacia Ave. There will be Old Time Fiddlers, Indian Dancers, The Great Zambini, Oroville Police and Fire departments, horseback riding and the Book Mobile. Also, games to play and ice cream and hot dogs available. Tickets are 10 cents each or 10 for a $1.

  • "Soup-er Saturday" at Thermalito Grange

    From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at 479 Plumas Ave. Cost $10 per person. People receive a soup mug, recipe booklet and all the soup and bread they can eat. Jon Shult will show and sell his artwork. Part of nationwide Grange Month celebration. During this month, join the Grange and not pay dues until January 2011. Only a small cost for application fee. Other part of day will be presentation of the "Farmer of the Year Award." Cheri Bunker, 532-4539.

  • Oroville Library Open House

    Oroville Friends of the Library host the event in honor of National Library Week from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at 1820 Mitchell Ave. Refreshments provided. Also, Movie and Popcorn: "The Blind Side" at 1 p.m.

  • Bake sale and free petting zoo

    The Palermo 4-H Club is partnering with Tractor Supply to host this event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at 2000 Feather River Blvd. Pet lambs, goats and many other animals, and purchase baked goods to benefit the club. For information, call Sylvia at 534-7500 or 533-0392.

  • Chicken enchilada dinner at Wyandotte Grange

    From 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at 4910 Foothill Blvd. Donation $7 adults, children under 12 $3. Public invited. Take out orders available. Bob, 589-3194.

  • Hi-Guy, Hi-Hon Community Dancers

    Community dance for Butte County adults ages 50 plus, from 6-9 p.m at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road. No partner necessary. Saturday, April 17, music by Cottonwood. $6 donation. Birthdays for month celebrated at first dance of month; we provide cake and punch. 534-0818.

  • Mother Nature Art Day

    Lake Oroville Visitor Center is hosting a nature-based art event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the visitor center, 917 Kelly Ridge Road. Bidwell Bar Association is sponsoring the event. Eco-friendly crafters are being sought for $25 a craft booth. 538-2219.

  • Oroville Exchange Club Search for Talent

    Children 6-18 years old enrolled in school who are amateurs at singing, dancing, playing instruments and presenting drama are encouraged to enter the Exchange Club's Talent Show. Submit forms with the $5 per person entry fee by Monday, April 19. No more than four people per act. Applications at Law Office of Joseph W. Baggett or 877-2500. Applications may be mailed to Oroville Area Exchange Club, P.O. Box 1046, Oroville, CA 95965, or drop them off at Wachovia Securities on Robinson St. Talent show rehearsal 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Competition 7 p.m. Friday, April 23. Arrive by 6:30 p.m ready to go. Both at Central Middle School Auditorium, 2565 Mesa Ave.

  • Cooking for Optimal Health series

    Series of nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, April 20-June 1, in Williams Hall, 1180 Robinson St. Certified instructors will teach how to select proper foods for better health, use of plant-based foods, nutritious desserts and healthy fast food. Space is limited, so call early, 534-0488.

  • Artists of River Town general meeting

    Gary Jensen will speak on the art of pressed flowers at the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at Centennial Cultural Center, 1931 Arlin Rhine Drive. Free public event. After talk, there will be a raffle and works offered for sale. 533-4140.

  • Earth Day nature walk

    Join Rex Burress at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 22, at Feather River Nature Center, Old Ferry Road and Montgomery Street, for the walk. Slow and easy for a couple hours looking for plants and creatures.

  • Butte County Retired Employees Luncheon

    All retired Butte County employees are invited to attend a no-host luncheon at noon Friday, April 23, at Western Pacific Brewery & Dining, 2191 High St. Fee $12.25 at door. To RSVP or for more information, call Anne Belser at 533-8086.

  • Annual California Country Hoe Down at Farm Sanctuary

    Registration deadline is April 23 for this two-day event, May 1-2, at 19080 Newville Road, Orland. Conference and festivities for all ages. Learn about current farm animal protections issues and campaigns from speakers, including Twitter Co-founder Biz Stone; Gene Baur, Sanctuary president and co-founder; Jonathan Balcombe, author of "Pleasurable Kingdom and Second Nature: The Inner Livs of Animals." Also hayrides, visit the animals, presentations and workshops on health, the environment and social justice. Saturday evening, barn dance with live music and contra dance caller. Free camping Saturday night. Registration $45 adults, $35 students, $20 children under 13. Includes catered dinner and continental breakfast. Information or registration, (607) 583-2225, ext. 221, or visit farmsanctuary.org.

  • Open House at Wyandotte Grange

    From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at 4910 Foothill Blvd. Meet the new sheriff. Free games for children with pinata at 11 a.m. Oro Dam Cruisers and Crafters. Become a Grange member for $3 for the rest of the year. Luncheon: Pull apart beef sandwich, slaw, chips, cookie and drink for $5.

  • Oroville Pageant Riders Spring Poker Ride

    Sign-ups start at 8:30 a.m. for the ride, Saturday, April 24, at the Lakeland Trail Head parking area and Dan Bebe Trail. Ride starts at 10 a.m. sharp. Cost of $20 per person includes lunch; those not riding may purchase lunch for $5. Cash prizes for first, second and third place; prizes awarded to riders under age 18; awards for oldest and youngest riders and rider who traveled the farthest to join ride. Raffle prizes drawn after lunch. 533-3717 or 534-7841.

  • Earth Day nature walk and trail clean up

    The public is invited to explore the historic chaparral hillside trails around Lake Oroville Saturday, April 24, and help pick up litter for Earth Day. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., meet at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Visitor Center, 917 Kelly Ridge Road, for directions, trail maps and hiking guides. Plastic trash bags and educational handouts provided. Hikers who pick up litter along the way will be awarded a free day use pass for future park access. The Bidwell Bar Association, Lake Oroville Mounted Assistance Unit, Lake Oroville Bicycle Association and Oroville Pageant Riders all pitch in to contribute to the annual clean up. 538-2219.

  • Fourth annual Surplus City Spring Mud & Crawl 2010:

    Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, gates open 9 a.m. at Riffles RV Park, 4515 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville. Amateur four-wheel drive competition with four classes; modified A, modified B, super modified and unlimited; 13 extreme rock courses. Cash prizes, trophies. Also food and commercial vendors and 4-WD vehicle displays. Big raffle benefits Disabled Sports USA Far West. Admission $10 adults; $7.50 children 7-12; free to ages 6 and younger. No ice chests, glass containers, pets or alcohol. On-site camping available. Reservations, information, 533-2500 or www.cj-jeep.com.

  • International Order of Odd Fellows breakfast

    Oroville Odd Fellows and Rebekahs lodges host the breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Sunday, April 25, at Odd Fellows Hall, 1470 Oliver St. Adults $5, children $2. Alan McGrew, 533-4482.

  • Spruce Up Downtown Oroville Day

    Oroville Downtown Business Association and the city of Oroville encourage community members to participate starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 25. Paint railroad trestles on Myers and Huntoon streets, pressure wash sidewalks, clean planters and green belt areas, plant flowers and paint some building facades. Meet at Mugshots Coffee House on Montgomery Street near Myers Street. At noon, there will repainting of the missing line on the Greenline route and filming of a video commissioned by the Oroville Tourism Committee. Meet at Montgomery and Huntoon streets.

  • Native Plant Garden Tour

    The Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will sponsor the tour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 25. Tickets are $8 donation for adults, children free with adults. Five residential gardens in Chico, Paradise and Durham; two public native plant gardens and two native plant nurseries featured. Native plant interpreters at each site. Proceeds go to preservation of California native plants in the four-county Mt. Lassen Chapter area. Tickets at Mendon's Nursery, Paradise; Floral Native Nursery, Little Red Hen Nursery, Plant Barn and Gift Shop and Lyon Books in Chico. Also available day of the tour after 10 a.m. at Chico Creek Nature Center, 1968 E. Eighth St. Rain or shine. 893-2886.

  • Oroville Exchange Club's Ugly Dog Contest

    Fve finalists will be chosen by a panel of dignitaries at a Chamber of Commerce mixer Thursday, April 29, at Chamber offices, 1789 Montgomery St., where KIXE will be filming. Public invited; hot dogs available. Prizes for five finalists and "doggie makeover" for top dog, who will be in the Oroville Exchange Club Fiesta Days Parade May 8.

  • Artists of River Town featured artist

    Features miniature paintings and fine-art jewelry of Diana Wyles through Friday, April 30, at 1435 Myers St. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. 533-4140.

  • Las Plumas/Oroville high school band spring dinner fundraiser

    Las Plumas/Oroville high schools Alliance Band concert, silent auction and tri-tip barbecue fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Southside Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road. $10 adults, $6 children under 10. RSVP for tickets at 589-4993. Also at Housers Music, Discount Books and at door. Helps raise funds for band's trip to Canada to march in Victoria Day Parade.

  • Oroville Republican Women's annual Oroville Home Tour and Garden Tea

    Tour on Sunday, May 2, beginning at 1 p.m. at 3525 Morningside Drive, Oroville. See four homes then enjoy a garden tea at the Bayliss Lavender Ranch on Highway 99 at Rio Bonito Road starting at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $20, with tickets available at the homes or in advance by calling 533-5395 or 532-7922.

  • Country dance featuring Sara

    From 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 7, sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1747, at 1901 Elgin St., Oroville. Donation $5 per person at door. 589-4786.

  • Feather Fiesta Days booth applications

    Applications available for booths at Feather Fiesta Days Saturday, May 8. The Annual Crafts Faire; spaces for crafters at Sank Park, 10 feet by 10 feet, $35. Sponsored by Oroville Docents Association. Call Carol Brown, 589-1299, for applications. The Goldrush Lot, in public parking lot A, is also accepting vendor applications for food, games, information and products booths; sizes and prices vary. This run by the Oroville Downtown Business Association. Mike Isch, 534-9005, or www.orovillechamber.net (events) for applications.

  • Swiss Steak Dinner at Yankee Hill Grange

    From 5-6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at 4122 Big Bend Road. Public invited for a donation of $7 adults, $3 children 10 and under and children under 4 free. 533-7101 or 534-0456.

  • PAWS ninth annual Poker Walk

    People of all ages may participate in their choice of two walks on Saturday, May 15, starting at the PAWS Place Thrift and Gift Shop parking lot, 2075 Baldwin Ave. Two-mile walk loops through downtown, along the river and back to the shop; or short 20-yard park walk next to lot. Registration and check-in 9 a.m.; last walker leaves at 9:30 a.m. Walkers pick up cards from five stations; top 3 poker hands win prizes. Also raffle prizes. Donation/entry fee $15 if pre-registered or $18 day of walk; includes refreshments. Dogs on leashes welcome if they play well with others. Second largest fundraiser of year for PAWS. Information or pre-registration, 534-5713, 679-0116 or visit the shop. Donations for thrift shop being accepted now, as well as towels and blankets for low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

  • 67th Annual Deep Pit Barbecue at Bangor Hall

    Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at 7500 Oro Bangor Highway. Meal includes barbecue beef, potato salad, beans, green salad and roll. Adults $10, children under 11 $5 and children under 3 free. Also, children's games, bounce house, water slide, raffles, horseshoe challenge, art exhibit and craft vendors. Music by High Noon. Bangor Community Park Association is looking for vendors/crafters for the barbecue. Tables are $10 each. For a reservation, call Kathy at 679-0109 or Debbie at 679-0807.

  • Oroville Christian School ninth annual Golf Tournament Best Ball Scramble

    This tournament has been cancelled until further notice. For information, call 533-2888.

  • Oroville Sunrise Rotary's annual Golf Tournament

    Tournament is Saturday, May 22, at Lake Oroville Golf Course. 8 a.m. shotgun start. Barbecue chicken lunch and awards. Fee: $75 (golf course members deduct $30). Make check payable to: Oroville Sunrise Rotary, P.O. Box 5476, Oroville, Calif. 95966. Price includes lunch and golf cart. 534-8806 or 521-8487. Event raises funds for charitable causes.

  • Pat Alley Memorial Dog Park opening

    Saturday, May 29, the program starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication at 10 a.m., followed by a dog costume parade/contest at 10:30 a.m. Four more dog contests from 10:30 -2:30 p.m.; prizes awarded. Low cost vaccine clinic by Butte Oroville Veterinarian Hospital, sponsor with the Feather River Recreation & Park District. The event ends at 4 p.m. Enter Riverbend Park, turn left and continue, going under Highway 162 bridge on very rough dirt road to pond where road deadends. Applications for dog contests and booth spaces (fee) available by calling 533-2011. For more information, e-mail Deanna Simmons at the Park District, deanna@frrpd.com.

  • Las Plumas High School class of 1980 reunion

    The 30-year reunion will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20. Please e-mail LPHS1980@gmail.com to receive information.

    Nonprofit groups and community organizations can submit items for "What's Happening in Oroville" by e-mailing the pertinent information to whatshappening@orovillemr.com, fax it to 342-3617 or mail it to: What's Happening in Oroville, P.O. Box 9, Chico, CA 95927. Please include your name and telephone number on all correspondence.