Start Your Spring in Yuba Sutter!
by Leah Champagne
With Spring around the corner, it’s time to pull on your shorts, grab your hat and head over to Yuba Sutter for some sun and fun! There’s no shortage of activities in the sister counties when springtime rolls around. You’re sure to find a fun night away for you and your friends or an entertaining weekend for the whole family.
Let’s take a closer look at a few special events that only come around in March:
- The Bok Kai Parade in Marysville
- The Comedy Showcase at the Sutter Theater for the Arts
- The Home, Garden, and Recreation Show in Yuba City
Sample Chinese Culture at the Bok Kai Parade
The first weekend in March is marked by an interesting event in Marysville. The Bok Kai parade, scheduled for March 5, is the longest running parade in California. It got its start back in the 1850s when local Chinese immigrants decided to honor Bok Kai, a Chinese water god, in hopes of protecting the town from flooding. Members of the Bok Kai temple still march through the streets each year in this celebration.
This cultural event brings visitors from all over the world to the streets of Marysville to experience a snippet of Chinese lore. You can also visit the Bok Kai temple in Downtown Marysville, which is where the parade ends. The temple was built in 1854 by the first contingent of Chinese settlers in this region of California. They built it so they had a place to worship their deities, and today it’s a testament to the unique cultures that were brought with immigrants during the Gold Rush.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the intersection of D and 6th Streets. It will move south through town and end at the temple, which is located on D and 1st Streets. Grab a spot anywhere along the parade route to see colorful dancers, hear traditional music, and learn a little more about traditional Chinese culture.
Grab a Laugh at the Comedy Showcase
If you're looking for a more relaxing getaway, spend the night in Yuba City on March 25 and enjoy an adult evening at the Comedy Showcase. Nestled in three blocks of great eats and cozy pubs, the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts is hosting local and regional comedians for a single night of laugh-out-loud entertainment.
On the way to the theater, you can stop at Sutter Buttes Brewing for a delicious dinner and even better drinks. The restaurant prides itself on using local, fresh ingredients to make some truly inspirational dishes. Popular appetizers include their water tower onion rings or pretzel and beer cheese. For your main course you can pick from salads, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and even specialty items such as German cuisine. When you’re ready to try a brew with your meal, be sure to sample their well-known (and well-loved) Water Tower IPA.
Once you’re thoroughly stuffed from your dinner, walk off those carbs on your way to the theater and prepare your abs for a night of laughter. Local photographer Stoney Meagher will host the showcase, and it is an 18+ event. The show starts at 7 p.m., so buy your tickets in advance to avoid a wait at the door!
Find Inspiration at the Home, Garden, and Rec. Show
If you’re thinking of freshening up your home landscaping this spring or embarking on a home renovation project, Yuba City has something just for you. The Home, Garden, and Recreation Show, March 25 - 27, is an event tailored to home improvement that matches homeowners with vendors, conveniently located at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds.
This three-day event features landscaping inspiration, garden ideas, great food, and qualified companies. Businesses that specialize in home renovation, hot tubs, and pools will all be there. Plus, there will be motorcycles and ATVs for sale if you’re looking to purchase some big boy toys for your family. You can even peruse lawn art created by local artists to add a touch of flair to your home garden.
The event isn’t just about homeowners, though. There are also plenty of activities for kids so they can enjoy the show too. From fun jumps to face painting to balloon animals, your children are sure to enjoy the Home, Garden, and Recreation Show as much as you. And as long as they’re entertained, you can keep finding new ways to spruce up your home and garden.
Enjoy a Fun Family Weekend
You can certainly spend a whole weekend at the Recreation Show, but if you’d rather explore Yuba City, there’s plenty to see and do with your family. You could start off the morning with breakfast from Krinkle Donuts or a cup of joe from Steele House Coffee.
To keep the kids active and entertained, consider bringing them to the Feather River Parkway. This is a beautiful trail within the city that follows the Feather River. Let the kids run and explore nature while you stroll through the trees and view the beautiful river beside you.
When you make it back to town you can enjoy lunch at Linda’s Soda Bar and Grill, followed by a tasty treat from Cupcake Magic or Brock’s Ice Cream. This is the perfect treat to pick up your kids and make their afternoon extra special. To help burn off the sugar, you can take them go-kart racing or to the Playzeum in the afternoon before enjoying a family-friendly movie at the Cinemark theater to conclude an awesome day.
Whether it’s attending a Chinese cultural parade, enjoying an adult night out, or enjoying a fun-filled family weekend, celebrate spring in Yuba Sutter this March!