Good morning, Redding.

On May 24, the 84th Happy Valley Strawberry Festival drew about 4,000 people to West Valley High School at Cottonwood as vendors served strawberry shortcake, ice cream, and music during warm weather — the event used 4,000 pounds of strawberries and 360 gallons of ice cream.

Local school clubs, Cal Fire, and other groups worked together to make the festival one of Shasta County's longest-running celebrations.

On May 25, Redding police investigated a high-speed crash when a white Subaru traveling over 100 mph failed to navigate a curve on Buenaventura Boulevard and struck a building at 4075 Railroad Avenue, hospitalizing 32-year-old Corey Walter of Shasta Lake City, with officers suspecting alcohol or drug impairment.

On May 25th, 1950, Shasta County undersheriff Earl Sholes and deputy Dan Heryford were fatally shot while transporting prisoners from Seattle when the convicts overpowered an officer and seized his gun—law enforcement caught the men the next day and a jury convicted them of first-degree murder.

The Shasta Renaissance and Fantasy Faire drew record crowds over the weekend with over 5,000 visitors on Saturday and even larger numbers on Sunday—organizers are now reviewing plans for future expansions, including a possible second weekend or joust.

Redding Electric Utility is planning to cut power in some high-risk areas if wildfire conditions become dangerous this summer—data from 20 years is under review to decide which areas will be affected.

The agency will finish its plan in June and notify customers by July as part of its state-mandated wildfire mitigation update.

State Department of Finance estimates show that Redding and 21 other northern California cities lost residents over the past year even as the state grew overall.

Redding, which had a small boost during the pandemic shutdown, lost 81 residents since January 1 and now has 93,534 residents according to the report released in May.

Shasta County’s new Registrar of Voters, Clint Curtis, held a private town hall at Redding Public Library (May 24) and said he will run for the seat in June 2026 while scheduling a mock election (in 90 days) to train his team and document the process.

He also made negative remarks about Assistant Registrar Joanna Francescut and some press members were turned away from the event.

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.

ALABAMA with Special Guest Eddie Montgomery

7-10 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets starting at $84.25 — Enjoy an outdoor country music show featuring legendary band Alabama and special guest Eddie Montgomery.

Brews by the Bridge 2025

5-9 p.m. — McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens — $30 Presale / $35 at the Gate — Enjoy an evening of craft beer, live music, and local food benefiting community education programs.