Children leap back in excitement as The Science Wizard triggers a fizzy explosion during a classic Mentos and Diet Coke experiment at the 2023 Summer Stroll in downtown Yuba City. The high-energy science show was a crowd favorite, and more exciting children's exhibits will return for this year’s event on May 31. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The annual Summer Stroll, hosted by the Yuba City Downtown Business Association, is back for its 16th year, this time with a fresh twist and a new date. The groovy-themed street festival will now take place on May 31, moving up from its traditional midsummer slot for a few strategic reasons.

“We didn’t want to conflict with the Yuba-Sutter Fair and we were also hoping for better weather,” said Cameo Arrasmith, coordinator of the Yuba City Downtown Business Association. “Also, people like to go on vacation during the summer, so this might be the perfect sweet spot for good attendance. Not only did we not want people to have to choose between the stroll or the fair, we also didn’t want to put our vendors in a bind who depend on both of these big events for their livelihoods. Now, they can do both, and hopefully it’s a win-win for everyone.”

This year’s Summer Stroll will still include the beloved lineup of local food, artisan vendors, community booths, and kid-friendly activities. But adding a new jolt of excitement is the debut of Pro Championship Wrestling (PCW).

“We were supposed to be at the Christmas Stroll last year but it got cancelled because of the rain,” said Zack Reeb, Pro Championship Wrestling’s CEO and Founder. “I am very excited they wanted us back and to be performing in front of my hometown family, friends and local residents that have never seen PCW and what type of entertainment we have brought to the Yuba-Sutter area and all of Northern California for the past 26 years. For this event, I’ll be wrestling a guy from Texas on my bucket list, under the lights.”

Children react with amazement during an interactive presentation by The Science Wizard at last year’s Summer Stroll in downtown Yuba City. This year the children's Summer Stroll exhibits and activities will take place in the Hart Plaza on May 31. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Reeb’s match will take place on Center Street, now newly illuminated by festoon string lights zigzagging overhead. The avenue is home to popular businesses such as Sutter Buttes Brewing, Fernando’s Cali Kitchen and Steele House Coffee, all of which are expected to be buzzing with activity during the event.

“They look amazing, and it really brings some charm to downtown,” said Sandee Drown, past president of the Yuba City Downtown Business Association and owner of The Happy Viking Sports Pub & Eatery.

The new lighting project was made possible in part to a sizable grant from the Caltrans' Clean California Grant Program. Funds from this will work to support various downtown enhancements, including the Center Street lighting, aimed at revitalizing and beautifying the area.

The Summer Stroll will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 31 on Plumas Street in Yuba City. The Kids Zone will be located at Hart Plaza and wrestling entertainment will be on Center Street. Performances will take place every hour, with the headlining fight at 8 p.m.

For more information about the Summer Stroll, visit yubacitydowntown.com/event/groovy-summer-stroll. For more information about Pro Championship Wrestling, visit pcwnorcal.com or contact Zack Reeb at 530-315-4020.