Dear Caesar Chavez Day (Chico edition),
What do these Chico traditions all have in common?
1.
Pioneer Days
2.
Greek Week
3.
Halloween
4.
St. Patty’s Day
5.
Labor Day
If you answered “I can’t remember” it’s probably because you
have partaking in one of the aforementioned events at some point and time in
your life. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of calling Chico home
or visiting our community these are all celebrations that the city along with the
past Presidents and current of Chico State have either stopped or attempted to
curb from happening over the last 27 years. From former Chico State President
Robin Wilson proclaiming that he took Pioneer Days “Out back and shot it in the
head” to current President Paul Zingg attempt to kill St. Patty’s Day by having
Spring Break coincide with the celebration of all things green. With each effort
to squash a celebration or tradition another emerges. Take away Pioneer Days
which dates back to 1917 and it is replaced by Greek Week. Remove Labor Day and
the party moves to Memorial Day. Attempt to control the residents and the revelry
of Halloween or St. Patty’s day and they will find another holiday to make their
own. This evolution has now brought us the new “It” holiday in Chico….Caesar
Chavez Day! Yes, Chico State is not called the “Harvard of the West” because someone
thought it would look good on a bumper sticker. The past and current student
body are always progressing and staying one step ahead of the establishment. Take
away our costumes and green beer and we will replace it with sombreros and bad tequila!
The drive downtown on Sunday afternoon and again on Monday resembled something out
of an ill-advised trip to Juarez for Spring Break. You know what though…I like it.
Sidewalks and yards were dotted with revelers in their best interpretation of
traditional Mexican attire which usually amounted to Chevy’s issued head wear, a
blanket with a hole in it that passed as a poncho, a shot glass bandoleer and a
fake stash that would make Tom Selleck proud. The only thing it lacked was the
constant pestering of the purchase of some “chicla” and a zebra that looks suspiciously
like a donkey. The only bad decisions that were being made were there
consumption of Keystone Light and cheap tequila. The best part is that as much
as Paul Zingg and campus groups like to point out the racism associated with the
celebratory activities taking place on the holiday, white, black and brown all
shared in this attire. You see, the Chico party spirit sees no colors, only
fun. The essence of Chico, the locals and students who call it home is its ability
to adapt to whatever it encounters. This town is what Robert Earl Keen was
singing about when he dropped the words “The road goes on forever but the party
never ends.” If they succeed in their attempt to kill Caesar Chavez Day I’m
looking forward to what holiday is chosen next. My vote is for Boxer Day, now
that is something I can get behind eh…..
PS. Happy hump day peeps on this first Wednesday in April
and remember….If Canada wasn’t our hat we would have to comb our hair more
often.
#caesarchavezday #chicostate #paulzingg #empireliving
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