Good morning, Redding.

The 77th Redding Rodeo drew 6,100 people for family night on Thursday and is running today with events that include a pancake breakfast later this morning and a parade on Saturday.

The rodeo association signed a new lease with the city to fund needed upgrades for the next 10 to 12 years—helping boost local spending to nearly $12 million during the week.

A 27-year-old Redding man was arrested on May 14 after sending explicit messages to an undercover decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl online and planning a meeting—he now faces charges of arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes.

48-year-old Matthew Piercey of Palo Cedro pleaded guilty to 27 counts of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of $35 million through companies Family Wealth Legacy and Zolla — he repaid only $8.8 million and faces a lengthy prison sentence in September as his accomplices also took plea deals.

Shasta County honored 16 fallen officers at the old courthouse in Redding on May 15 during the Peace Officer Memorial ceremony.

Local officials and Redding police chief noted a CHP helicopter flyover reminded the community of the risks of the job — future ceremonies will be held at a new location.

The 32nd annual Shasta County Veterans Memorial Service will take place on May 30 in Redding at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Grove (on the grounds of the Redding Civic Auditorium), where attendees can honor local veterans by laying wreaths and later receive a complimentary lunch, with Debbi Johnson available at 530-357-3380 to assist with wreath purchases.

Good News Rescue Mission in Redding will build a $17.8 million drug recovery center next to its shelter to offer 30 to 90 day treatment for 75 people and help those with drug and alcohol problems affecting about 14,000 in the county (funded by government grants).

The three-story, 28,000-square-foot building will be finished in 2027.

On Wednesday, five Redding-area clubs earned spots in the CIF Northern Section softball playoffs as brackets were released.

Four teams play their first-round games today at 4 p.m. — while University Prep holds a bye and will meet Durham on Tuesday.

Whiskeytown Bike Camping Adventure

3 AM – 7 AM — Redding Adventure Hub — Free entry — Experience a self-supported overnight bike camping trip with scenic rides and casual camaraderie.

Taste of Africa Festival

12 AM — St Joseph Catholic School — Cost varies — Celebrate the vibrant rhythms and flavors of Africa with music, dance, and food.

Bowl for Cancer

3-5 p.m. — Country Bowl — $50 for single player or $300 for team of six — Gather the community for a fun-filled bowling scramble to support childhood cancer research.

11th Annual Bacon & Brewfest

11 AM – 2 PM — Win-River Event Center — $25 + fees — Indulge in bacon-inspired appetizers and enjoy live music from the Jeremy Ryan Band.

Willy Wonka Kids - A Festival of Theatre & Dance

1-9 p.m. — Sequoia Middle School — Check for ticket info — Step into a world of pure imagination with whimsical performances by Redding Arts Project and Redding Ballet Theatre.

On-Site Tour at Redding Pilgrim House

9 AM - 7 PM — Redding Pilgrim House — Free entry — Explore senior living amenities and meet care providers dedicated to quality senior living.

Bigfoot Adventure Challenge Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Caldwell Park — Free entry — Celebrate outdoor adventures with food trucks, prizes, and community fun at Caldwell Park.

Taste of Redding 2025

12-4 p.m. — Sculpture Park — Food-only tickets available — Savor local cuisine, live music, and craft drinks while supporting community initiatives.

Aaron Lewis Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets starting at $25 — Experience the evolution of Aaron Lewis from hard rock to outlaw country in this intimate indoor show.

GRAND OPENING PARTY

Celebrate the Grand Opening of three businesses with live music, Dough Boys pizza, Kona ice, massage, face painting, giveaways and more! Donaldson Fine Art Center, Active Physical Therapy, & Made Strong Training! 1242 Center Street. 4- 8 PM.