CHICO, Calif. — Nearly a year after the Bidwell Mansion burned down, members of the Bidwell Mansion Association are working to bring holiday spirit back to the historic site.

On Monday, volunteers hung about 350 feet of garlands along the fence surrounding the ruins. The garlands once decorated the mansion’s second-floor balcony before last year’s fire. Association member Steve Schoonover said the effort helps soften the look of the fenced-off structure.

“It feels a lot better than every other time that I’ve come here,” Schoonover said. “The fact we’re able to add a little festivities to the place… usually you come here and it’s just the ruin and that’s depressing. But we’re doing something positive and that’s always good.”

The decorations come as a series of events are scheduled at th

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