GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - As the one-year anniversary of the deadly Camp Fire looms on the horizon, communities across Butte County are organizing commemorative and remembrance events to honor those lost and to recognize the tragic events of the November 8th blaze.

The Camp Fire was the deadliest fire in California, taking a known 85 lives, burning over 300,000 acres and approximately 18,800 structures. In honor of those lost, multiple organizations, including the Paradise Chamber of Commerce and Chico Interfaith Area Council, are urging all residents of Butte County to pause, no matter where they are or what they are doing, and participate in a collective 85 seconds of silence beginning at 11:08 am on November 8th.

Gridley has committed to be a part of this remembrance movement. According to Gridley Unified School District Superintendent, Jordan Reeves, all Gridley schools will participate in the moment of silence.  Members of the Gridley Camp Fire Relief Group are building a commemorative event around the 11:08 am moment of silence and hope to have light refreshments, prayer ceremony, and the bells of the Sacred Heart Church and Gridley Christian Church ring for the first time in year, breaking the silence after the 85 seconds of reflection. While the details of the event are still be finalized, the citizens of Gridley are urged to attend and if unable to make it to the still unknown location, participate where-ever possible.

Other community events include the Chico Interfaith Area Council commemorative event to be held at Chico City Plaza, November 8th from 10:45 – 11:15 am.  After the 85 seconds of silence there will be uplifting music and birds will be released.  In their program the CIAC says, “Together, we will rejoice in Butte County's strength and resilience.”

Of course, Paradise will be home to commemorative events that will span the whole day.  From 8:00 am -5:00 pm a parade of flags in honor of the Camp Fire fallen will be placed along the skyway in Paradise as a reminder of those lost. From 10:30 to 11:30, the Phoenix Key Tribute Project will be revealed at the Building Resiliency Center located at 6295 Skyway. The sculpture by artist Jessie Mercer is made from the keys of homes lost in the blaze and will make its public debut just before the 85 second memorial. A song written with the students of Ridgeview High School accompanied by music by therapist Erin Haley will be performed, followed by a speech by Mercer.

The Paradise Alliance Church will host a variety of events, offering a free community meal by World Central Kitchen from 2:30 until 6:00 pm, a Camp Fire Art Display with art celebrating remembrance, recovery and resurgence hosted by the Paradise Art Center, and of course be the home of the Paradise Commemoration Ceremony to honor heroes, those lost and continue the healing process together as a community.

For more events and information please visit the Paradise Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.paradisechamber.com/events/calendar.