Run for Food in Chico

It’s the season for giving and our team at Sweeney & Sweeney enjoys finding fun ways to combine charity and exercise. If you’re staying in town for Thanksgiving, we hope you’ll join us for the 9th annual Run for Food. This 5K run/walk will begin at Bidwell Park’s One Mile Recreation Area on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, November 27th at 9:00am.

What is now a Chico tradition, the Run for Food began in 2006 when community members and business owners came together to raise money for the Jesus Center. Funded entirely by community support, the Jesus Center helps those in need by providing daily meals, shelter for women and children, and assistance finding housing and work. All proceeds from the Run for Food are donated to the Jesus Center to support their mission.

The event will include both a timed 5K run and an untimed 5k run/walk. The course is paved and free of traffic, making it easily accesible for strollers, wheelchairs, and children. Registration for the event can be completed both online and in person depending on your preference. The cost for participating is as follows:

  • Untimed Adults – $30
  • Timed Adults – $35
  • Children 12 and under, untimed with bib & shirt – $25
  • Children 12 and under, timed with bib & shirt – $30
  • Children 12 and under, untimed, no bib or shirt – FREE

For more information, please visit www.runforfood.com.


Chico Christmas Preview

Ready or not, Christmas is coming! The Sweeney & Sweeny team couldn’t be more excited for the holidays. Whether you’re already feeling the holiday cheer or need a little boost to get you in the Christmas spirit, we invite you to join us for the 37th annual Christmas Preview in downtown Chico. Bring your family and stroll the streets on Sunday, November 23rd between 4:00pm and 8:00pm as the community comes together to welcome the holidays.

This free event offers something for everyone. Merchants show off their holiday décor inviting guests in for refreshments. Christmas carolers walk the streets filling the air with holiday jingles. Even Santa will be there! Stationed at the corner of 3rd and Broadway, Santa will stop by to visit and take pictures with the kids.

Business and organizations from all over town will flood the streets with holiday attractions including the following:

  • Free Train on Wheels rides via Max’s Miracle Ranch
  • A sneak preview of the play “Believe”
  • Fun photos on the Snapshots Photo Bus
  • Christmas Karaoke via Mix 95.1
  • Santa’s Sleigh Toy Drive sponsored by Mix 95.1 and The Chico Fire Department
  • Treats from Mary’s Gone Crackers
  • Holiday family photos at Nantucket Home
  • Bell-ringers for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
  • Limited edition T-shirts designed by Jake Early
  • Runaway Prevention info provided by Sixth Street Center for Youth
  • And much more!

A guaranteed good time for all, this Chico tradition is sure to put a smile on your face and a jingle in your step as you greet the holiday season with cheer. Click here for more information. Hope to see you there!


Halloween Safety Tips for Parents to Kids

Some of us have kids that are just hitting the age where they want to go out trick-or-treating by themselves. From the parental side of things, this can be a little scary. To help take some of the stress off your mind, try out these little tips.

Make up a set of ground rules. Have a set time when your kids have to be back make sure they know the areas that they’re allowed to go, and where not to go; don’t stray away from your group of friends; etc.

Remind them to stay on the sidewalks,  cross streets only at corners and crosswalks, and double check no cars are coming before crossing.

If your kids don’t already have their own, loan them your cell phone in case of emergency and so they can check in.

If they’re going out after dark, make sure they have glow sticks/necklaces/bracelets or flashlights so that they’re easily visible.

Make sure your kids know what the candy-consumption rules are before heading out, to avoid arguing and upset when they get home with their loot.

Halloween has a tendency to also bring out the crazies, so a refresher lesson in Stranger Danger may be in order.

If your kids have any allergies, remember to send them out with their medicine, just in case they dip into their stash early, and eat the wrong thing.

Even though you’ll still be worrying about your kids the whole time they’re out, try to have fun handing out Halloween candy at home or having a little Halloween get together of your own. We hope these tips help to alleviate some of your fears, and allow everyone to have a happy and safe Halloween, this season!


DIY Halloween Costumes for your Kids

Coming up with the perfect costume for your little one can be tough. And if funds are on the tight side, that can make things even tougher. Here are a few quick, simple, and cheap costume ideas for your kiddos.

  • Spelling Bee – leotard, pipe cleaners, hangers … not much goes into this getup, but it sure is cute!
  • Rocket Man – We all know your kid is out of this world, so why not show it off with the awesome rocket man costume?
  • Superhero – Superman, Batman, Spiderman … They’re all so overdone. Make your kid into their very own super hero!
  • Butterfly – This butterfly costume’s great, especially if you have a great eye for detail. Since you’re making the wings yourself, your munchkin can be any kind of butterfly they want!
  • Mad Scientist – What’s cuter than a little mad scientist, come on? And really, couldn’t get much easier.
  • Little Miss Sunshine – Both a great movie and a pretty good adjective for your little one. Very little prep for this costume, too.
  • Raining Cats and Dogs – If you like concept costumes, this one’s great. All you really need is a little hot glue for the stuffed critters on the umbrella!
  • Angel – So maybe our kids aren’t always so angelic, but at least they can look the part for a night! These wings are ridiculously easy and look great!
  • Pig in a Blanket – Another great conceptual costume, I’m thinking this would be the best for kids under 2. If they get worn out from trick-or-treating before you get home, they already have the blanket to snuggle with!

For more information (and pictures!) on how to put together the snazzy costumes featured, check out this awesome site! RealSimple From everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney, we hope you have a wonderful, safe, and fun Halloween this year!