PARADISE, Calif. — For some people like Doug Crowder, Nov. 8 is a difficult time. Nearly one year ago, a wildfire started in Butte County and burned the town of Paradise and much of the nearby community of Magalia to the ground.
A year after the fire, Crowder finds himself setting up tents for an event he set up at the Magalia Pines Baptist Church. It was a struggle to find the proper words for it, but it's an event he ultimately refers to as a commemorative event - one that's meant to feed people, provide them needed supplies, and offer them a chance to tell their story.
"We don’t want it to be just a party thing…, but we don’t want to be in mourning either," said Crowder.
Since the fire happened, Crowder and his church have been a recovery center in Magalia. He says they've served about 85,000 meals and recently gave out their 4 millionth bottle of water.
For their big event, "Comin' on Strong", the church is preparing to hand out even more meals, and they're not alone.
Much like Crowder, communities in and nearby Paradise are setting up commemorative events to mark the one year point since the Camp Fire changed life for everyone in the city.
Camp Fire Commemorative events
Comin' On Strong
Date: Nov. 7
Time: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: The event takes place at Magalia Pines Baptist Church on 14098 Skyway in Magalia.
More info: This event is a community cookout with live music. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit "Tell Your Story" booths and signup for Thanksgiving turkeys and a raffle for generators.
Camp Fire Memorial at Magalia Community Church
Date: Nov. 8, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Where: The event is located at Magalia Community Church on 13700 Old Skyway in Magalia.
More info: There will be a dedication for the Camp Fire Memorial at Magalia Community Church.
Camp Fire Remembrance: Chico City Plaza
Date: November 8, 2019
Time: 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Where: Chico City Plaza
More info: 85 birds will be released at the Chico City Plaza to commemorate the Camp Fire. There will be a short remembrance with music and a moment of silence.
Camp Fire Remembrance: 85 Seconds of Silence
Date: Nov. 8
Time: 11:08 a.m.
More info: Communities throughout Butte County are encouraged to observe a moment of silence on Nov. 8. The event takes place at 11:08 a.m. for 85 seconds, which is meant to commemorate the 85 lives lost in the Camp Fire.
Paradise Commemoration Ceremony
Date: Nov. 8
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: The event is at Paradise Alliance Church on 6491 Clark Road in Paradise.
More info: The Paradise Alliance Church and the Town of Paradise invites people to the church to mark one year since the Camp Fire. RSVPs can be made HERE.
Town of Paradise Commemoration Ceremony
Date: Nov. 8
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
More info: The Town of Paradise will be commemorating the one-year marker since the Camp Fire. Events include:
- A ribbon-cutting for the Building Resiliency Center at 6295 Skyway
- Unveiling of the Phoenix Key Project at 6295 Skyway
- Groundbreaking at Hope Plaza at 6148 Skyway
The Ridge Lives On: Remembrance & Celebration Fair
Date: Nov. 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: The event is located at Pine Ridge School on 13835 W. Park Drive in Magalia.
More info: Activities for the even include food, vendors, face painting, a bounce, a robotics demonstration, arts & crafts, music, and games.
Joy Will Find a Way
Date: Nov. 10
Time: 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: The event is located at Paradise Performing Arts Center located at 777 Nunneley Road in Paradise.
More information: This event aims to bring Butte County's resilience after the Camp Fire into a narrative of remembrance, recover, and resurgence. The show takes place at the Paradise Performing Arts Center at 777 Nunneley Road. More information is available HERE.