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Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge

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The Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge was built across the Feather River in 1856. Its towers were manufactured in New York and transported to California. Soon after the initial gold discovery in California in 1848, General John Bidwell found gold near the Middle Fork of the Feather River. His discovery brought hordes of miners to the scene and Bidwell Bar was born. Five years later with its 3,000 population, Bidwell Bar became the first county seat of Butte County.

The bridge was the first of its type west of the Mississippi River. To avoid being submerged when Lake Oroville was created, the bridge was dismantled and relocated in Bidwell Canyon on the south end of Lake Oroville, 1.5 miles downstream from its original location.

Location: Oroville California

(Grass Valley) Alta Sierra Biblical Gardens
(Oroville) Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge
(Oroville) C.F. Lott Historic Home in Sank Park
(Oroville) Lake Oroville
(Grass Valley) Nevada County Fairgrounds
(Oroville) Oroville Dam


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12/05 Coming to The Oroville area
Arden Fair Sacramento CA March30-April18 Open the doors to Arden Fair and step inside. Here you'll find contemporary fashions, jewelry, accessories and brand name merchandise at over 165 specialty stores, plus Nordstrom's, Macy's, Sears, and JC Penney. Arden Fair also has a number of terrific restaurants, everything from fast food to fine dining. And it's completely enclosed, so it's always a comfortable 70 degrees inside no matter what it's like outside.
California Exposition & State Fair Sacramento CA June12-28 The Cal Expo is the site of the California State Fair. All year Satellite Wagering, Waterworld USA, Paradise Island Fun Center and an RV Park are just a few of the features of the Cal Expo.The first State Fair was held in 1854 in San Francisco at the old Music Hall. The fair offered premiums (prizes) for its competitions and included such agricultural exhibits such as 2-inch-long peanuts, 72-pound beets and a 10-pound carrot that was longer than 3 feet. Horseracing was part of that first fair and has continued to be a part of the fair ever since.
California Wool and Fiber Festival Boonville CA September13-15 From the source to the fiber, come follow the thread of fine wool craftsmanship.
The Rio Vista Bass Derby Festival Rio Vista CA October11-13 Rio Vista is proud to host the oldest fishing derby on the West Coast. The festival is a three-day derby for bass, catfish and sturgeon. The festival also boasts music, food and fun for fishermen and non-fishing children and adults as well. The events include a carnival, live music and dancing, classic car show, a pancake breakfast, parade and BBQ. A large fireworks display is also featured on Saturday night.