It’s nearly the weekend Fresno! It’s the last weekend of the summer and there are plenty of events going on around town. Live music? Safari night? A water lantern festival? YES! Get out there, enjoy and use #fresyesinsider on all your social media posts!

Friday 

• Electric FAIRy Tale 2019- Chukchansi Park:1800 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 92721 @8pm-2am Event Link
• Safari Night- Fresno Chaffee Zoo: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @6pm-11:59pm Event Link
• LMC Presents Lubelski (Desert Hearts/ Percomaniacs)- Fulton 55: 875 DIvisadero, Fresno, CA 93721 @9pm-1:50am Event Link
• Mega 97.8 80s Mega Jam- Woodward Park Rotary Amphitheater: 7755 N Fiant Rd, Fresno, CA 93720 @7pm-10:30pm Event Link
• The Killer Dueling Pianos September- Engelmann Cellars: 3275 North Rolinda Ave, Fresno, CA 93723 @6pm-10pm Event Link
• Painting Party at Tower Blendz- Blendz: 802 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @5:30pm-7:30pm Event Link
• California Wine Month Celebration- San Joaquin Parkway and Conservation Trust: 11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno, CA 93730 @6pm-9pm Event Link
• LIVE Music W/ Gary Ore!- Tactical OPS Brewing: 1131 Railroad, Clovis, CA 93612 @7pm-10pm Event Link
• Friday Night Farmers Market- Old Town Clovis: 456 Clovis Ave, Ste2, Clovis, CA 93612 @5:30pm-9pm Event Link

Saturday 

• Fresno Water Lantern Festival- Woodward Park: 7775 N Friant Rd, Fresno, CA93720 @4:30pm-9:30pm Event Link
• Post Malone Save Mart Center- Save Mart Center: 2650 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710 @8pm-11pm Event Link
• Carnaval 2019 (FREE Event)- Mosqueda Park: 4670 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93702 @11am-3pm Event Link
• TS Oktoberfest in Downtown Fresno!- Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company: 745 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 @12pm-11pm Event Link
• Bulldog Fiesta Football vs. Sacramento State- Bulldog Stadium: 1600 E Bulldog Lane, Fresno, CA 93710 @7pm-10pm Event Link
• Paws 4 Metal- Fulton 55: 875 Divisadero St, Fresno, CA 93721 @8:30pm-1am Event Link
• Taking it to the Streets: Food, Art & Music Festival- City of Clovis – Activities & Special Events: 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 @10am-9pm Event Link
• September Saturday Farmers MArket- Old Town CLovis: 456 Clovis Ave, Ste 2, Clovis, CA 93612 @9am-11:30pm Event Link

Sunday 

• Tower Yoga Anniversary Party- Tower Yoga Fresno: 1277 N Wishon Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @2pm-8pm Event Link
• B95 HomeGrown Showcase- Full Circle Olympic: 1426 N Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @6pm-9m Event Link
• Ice Dogs vs. Cal State Northridge- Gateway Ice Center: 2473 North Marks Ave, Fresno, CA 93722 @4:30pm-7:30pm Event Link
• Pilates W/ Amy Litman and Chelsy Wilson- Lululemon Fresno: 712 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704 @10am-10:50am Event Link
• San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust- Education Docent Training: 1st-5th Grade Trips: Lost Lake Park @ 9am-1pm Register Here

-Jason

Cultivating more than 250 crops, the San Joaquin Valley is the most productive agricultural region in the world. The Valley produces one-third of the entire country’s agricultural production and the area is considered some of the most important farmland in the world. These products include grapes, citrus, peaches, and nuts.

The frozen fruit market is a growing business due to the rise in demand for frozen fruit and the rise in disposable income. Consumers like having frozen produce in their freezer for use at any time. Freezing produce is a great way to preserve the fruit or vegetable’s nutritional value. Once harvested, freezing produce immediately will ensure that it doesn’t undergo chemical changes that cause spoilage or deterioration. In fact, scientists found more beneficial nutrients in frozen produce, as compared to fresh produce. They also reported no loss in nutrients from freezing products.

Wawona Frozen Foods, located in fertile Clovis, began as a small farm more than 50 years ago. Today, Wawona operates as growers, processors and major supplier of fruit and fruit products. 100 million pounds of fruit products, in fact. Wawona is proud to be the largest freestone peach freezer in the country. Wawona was started by Bill Smittcap’s father upon leaving the Marines after World War II.

Major brands, such as McDonald’s, Marie Callendar’s, Yoplait, Mrs. Smiths, and Bryers Ice Cream, use fruit from Wawona in their products. In 2016, it was reported that Wawona peaches were being used in McDonald’s summer peach smoothies. McDonald’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hary said the company selected Wawona because of its quality. The next time you dig into a Marie Callendar’s Peach Pie, you can thank Wawona for the fresh fruit. Wawona grows Freestone and Clingstone peaches and offers them as halves, sliced, diced and pureed. In addition to peaches, Wawona also sells and distributes strawberries, which are juicy, plump and delicious. Wawona’s mixed fruit varieties include the spectrum blend, California gold, premier blend, festival blend, tropi-cal blend, 3-berry blend, and 4-berry blend. Wawona’s Spectrum blend is colorful and comprised of white peaches, yellow peaches, strawberries, honeydew, pineapple, and blueberries. California gold is a mix of peaches, honeydew, cantaloupe, and red grapes. Wawona’s premier blend is comprised of honeydew, red grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, and peaches. The festival blend includes mango, papaya, pineapple, and strawberries. Wawona’s tropi-cal blend is comprised of mango, peaches, pineapple, and strawberries. The berry blends includes blackberries, blueberries, red raspberries, and strawberries.

Wawona’s produce is also used in baby foods, yogurts, and schools across the United States. Wawona creates products for schools across the country that provide nutrition to students and are economical. Understanding that students can be picky eaters, Wawona delivers their produce in a fashion that allows it to be converted into cups with shortcake, cobblers, and fruit pastries, as well as fruit cups. It has been reported that Wawona makes over 50 million cups per year for the USDA school lunch program.

The family-owned and operated business is committed to delivering the best frozen fruit products and is very transparent about their processes. Wawona’s website explains step-by-step how they rapidly freeze their produce, through a process called IQF. Wawona is also committed to protecting our natural resources and sets a high standard for ethical conduct. They manage wind and water soil erosion, do not burn trash or vegetation and monitor and report air, water, and soil quality. Wawona is also actively involved in the community through donations and participating in community dinners during the holidays. In their plant, the fruit is washed, sized, and pitted before it is cut in half, then hand-inspected, and washed. Wawona’s small hard fruit is used in the yogurt trade, soft flavorful fruit is used in the ice cream industry and the perfect halves are used as a dessert sliced fruit.

Every year the Wawona employees participate in an employee giving campaign to support Valley Children’s Hospital. For every dollar donated by an employee, it is matched by Wawona. Last year, Wawona Frozen Foods raised over $75,000 for the Valley Children’s Hospital. 

Wawona doesn’t exclusively produce frozen fruit and frozen fruit products, the Peach Tree Fruit Stand operates on their property in Clovis. The Peach Tree dates back 50 years and is a staple in the community. Fresh peaches are available in two varieties –  Elberta’s and Elegant Ladies. Elberta peaches are considered America’s favorite peach and date back to 1875. While Elberta peaches are tender and delicious on their own, they are also delicious in cobblers and pies.

Nothing says summer like a ripe, juicy peach. Every July, Clovis hosts a peach party during the Friday night Farmers Market, which is sponsored by Wawona. Wawona brings their peach gem cookies and fruit cups as free samples for attendees. This year, Clovis and Wawona celebrated their 25th Annual Peach Party.

(Credit: Wawona https://wawona.com/peach-tree-fruit-stand/)

We’ve got your next family outing or date night planned for you! Going to see a movie in Edward’s NEW 4DX theater is an absolute must for all ages! Think of Disney California Adventure Park’s Soarin’ over California ride — where you’re actually soaring, smelling, feeling, experiencing the wind, water, flowers, movements, and effects that are before your eyes. The 4DX theater is the best way to experience a movie; it’s truly an experience and makes any film 10 times better. It kind of puts 3D movies to shame because it’s so next level and awesome. 

(photo credit https://www.shopriverpark.com/edwards/)

We recently saw Lion King in the new theater and it brought every detail to life. As a spectator in our seat, we felt like we were one with the wild animals, especially as the elephants were running in a herd and our seats were quaking in sync to the trampling. Even before the movie started, we were even entertained by the previews, including the infamous pre-movie rollercoaster clip, which caused us to look at each other with amazement and smile like we were six years old. 

Watching a movie and being able to literally see and feel what the characters in the movies see and feel is seriously epic. Do yourself, your kiddos, your friends, or your next Tinder date a favor, and get tickets to go see a movie in 4DX. Something like Lion King that involves a lot of happiness and nature scenes would be our recommendation. An action film would be pretty awesome with these kinds of effects, too! A scary movie, on the other hand, well, you can see that at your own risk, if you dare.  

Oh, and in case you’re thinking, “I don’t want to get rained on and wet, while I’m watching a movie,” (because when it was raining in the movie, we got misted on!) you have the option to opt-out of the water effect by pressing a button on the side of your seat.   

The 4DX  movie experience has been considered to be the biggest innovation in cinematic technology, so get excited about it, in case you aren’t already! In fact, Regal Edwards in Fresno is one of the first to offer 4DX, although more will be coming soon throughout California. We can’t wait to go see (and feel and experience) another movie in 4DX and bet you can’t either!

There’s so much going on this weekend including a Boots in the Park concert, the 10th Annual Taste of Riverpark event, and more! There’s something for everyone so get out, enjoy all these amazing weekend events and the gorgeous weather!

Friday 

• Boots In The Park Kip Moore- Woodward Park: 7775 North Friant Road, Fresno, CA 93720 @5pm-10pm Event Link
• X-Raided (Back by popular demand)!- Fulton 55: 875 Divisadero, Fresno, CA 93721 @8pm-1am Event Link
• Queen Nation- A tribute to the Music of Queen- Engelmann Cellars: 3275 North Rolinda Avenue, Fresno, CA 93723 Event Link
• Jaded Rocks Sequoia North- Sequoia Brewing Co: 1188 E Champlain Dr, Ste 107, Fresno, CA 93720 @9pm Event Link
• TGIF! Wood Sign Workshop- AR Workshop Fresno: 1134 E Champlain, Fresno, CA 93720 @6pm-9pm Event Link
• Rockin’ Clovis!- Jimbo’s: 451 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 @9pm Event Link

Saturday 

• A taste of RIVERPARK 10th Annual- River Park: 71 E Via La Plata, Fresno, CA 93720 @5pm-10pm Event Link
• Back to Black: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse- Fulton 55: 875 Divisadero, Fresno, CA 93721 @8:30pm-12:30pm Event Link
• Sudz In the City 25 Year Anniversary- Old Town Clovis: Clovis CA 93612 @2pm-7pm Event Link
• PBS Kids Storyland Adventure- Storyland & Playland: 890 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @10am-12pm Event Link
• Churros, Tacos & Beer!- Tactical OPS Brewing: 1131 Railroad, Clovis, CA 93612 @5pm-9pm Event Link
• Music for Mutts at Full Circle- Full Circle Brewing Co: 620 F St, Fresno, CA 93706 @5pm-11pm Event Link
• Fall Kids Fest!- Bowlero: 140 Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 @10am-2pm Event Link
• Yin & Restorative Reiki Workshop W/ Lisa & Jenna- Old Town Yoga: 325 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 @6pm-8pm Event Link

Sunday

• Old Town Yoga Fresno Community Class (Level 1 W/ Reagan)- Old Town Yoga: 7089 N Marks Ave #106, Fresno, CA 93711 @8am-9am Event Link
• In Store Dance Fitness W/ Miz Unique- Lululemon Fresno: 712 W Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704 @10am-10:50am Event Link
• CU At Bobby’s Tower!- Bobby Salazar’s Tower District: 725 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @8pm-11pm Event Link
• All You Can Eat Wings at Dave & Buster’s- Dave & Buster’s: 212 E River Park Cir, Fresno, CA 93720 @11am-11:59pm Event Link
• Paint & Sip “Her Majesty”- Pinot’s Palette (Fresno): 6763 N Palm Avenue, CA 93704 @1pm-4pm Event Link

-Jason

Tickets are still available for Expolicious, the public portion of the California Food Expo, happening Tuesday at the Fresno Convention Center.

You have the chance to taste products from over 150 California food and beverage companies. New this year is Taste of California, a chef’s competition, hosted and judged by Simon Majumdar from the Food Network.

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at CaliforniaFoodExpo.com and at the Fresno Convention Center (New Exhibit Hall) on the day of the event, while supplies last. Expoloicious is from 5 pm- 8 pm, Tuesday the 10th

“From keto cookies and the world’s freshest products to artisan meats and plant-based ice cream, this is one food tasting event the public will not want to miss,” said Debbie Cohen, of the California Food Expo. 

The California Food Expo, formally known as the Fresno Food Expo, is an industry trade show for California food and beverage companies to connect with more than 750 national and international retail and foodservice buyers. It’s a chance for participants to network with industry peers and to showcase their products.

“The Valley makes up a significant portion of California’s total food industry from fresh to produced products,” Cohen said. “Supporting the growth and vitality of these companies is important to the Valley’s economy and for all those who are supported by the many jobs it creates.”

Simonian Fruit Company has been participating in the Food Expo since it launched in 2011. The Fowler based agribusiness grows, packs and ships tree fruit, such as peaches, plums, and nectarines. 

“We feel it is important to showcase the specialty products here in Central California,” said Jeff Simonian, President of Simonian Fruit Company. “The Food Expo is an important opportunity for our company to be able to connect with retail, wholesale, and export fruit buyers from around California.”

If you stop by the Simonian Fruit Company booth during Expolicious, you can sample their line of fruit jams and jellies and learn about their fruit offering currently in season.

Some of the other local companies taking part in this year’s Food Expo are: ENZO Olive Oil Company, Valley Lahvosh Baking Company, Certified Meat Products, Gerawan Farming, Nichols Farms, La Tapatia Tortilleria, Wawona Frozen Foods, JD Food, Busseto Foods, and Producers Dairy.

If you’ve never attended Expolicious and the California Food Expo, I encourage you to do so. There’s great food, wine, and beer to sample. You’ll meet the hardworking people who produce the products we all enjoy and it will make you proud to say you’re from the breadbasket of the world. Plus, you’ll no doubt leave with a bag full of goodies.

The grand opening of SPYN, a premium indoor cycle studio, is HERE! Saturday, September 7th from 7 am – 3 pm They will be offering free rides, swag bags, raffles, giveaways, vendors, a live DJ, and special Grand Opening membership pricing!

I happen to be friends with one of the AMAZING instructors so I was able to get in on a practice ride, and let me tell you… PHEW, It was phenomenal!
I hadn’t done a spinning class since almost a year ago when my favorite local studio Ride54 closed down. I was so sad to see it go, but now I finally have a place to go again! What I loved the most about SPYN (besides the name, I love it) was the ENERGY! The facilities were great, well decorated, I LOVED the big “Find Your Fire” neon sign, It made me want to get moving! But the energy from start to finish was what made me feel welcome and encouraged. When I got to the front door, they were smiling and greeting me already. A swag bag with a water bottle and towel was waiting for me (which they will also have for the Grand Opening) right next to a pair of riding shoes in my size that they provide for free with each ride. Since I had registered on the app and had filled out my profile info including what size shoes I wear, they already had them there waiting for me. Talk about good service. I put my stuff in a locker, they are programmable so you don’t need to bring locks, a bonus, filled my new water bottle, and walked into the theater.

Wow! The bikes that they have there are easily the best bikes I’ve ridden on. I had reserved one near the back of the room when I registered for the class because it was my first time in so long and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. The bikes are fully adjustable to fit any body type and I’m quite tall, so it’s great. My worries about embarrassing myself were all for nothing! The instructor, right from the beginning, made sure that everyone was ready and then started to explain the ride that we were about to embark on. It was such a journey.

This class was a combination of the two main ride styles. Rhythm, which incorporates super upbeat music, creative choreography, and even hand weights, and Power which is more of a “hard-core” road cycling type of class with hills, and sprints. It kicked my butt, and It felt so good. We were up and down in the saddle, and the instructor encouraged us through every step. The lights, music, and energy… this is the experience, atmosphere, and feeling of community that I’ve been missing in my fitness experience lately.
I’m personally not a huge fan of the cookie-cutter fitness experience. I feel lost when I walk into a large chain gym. I really kind of crave that personal feeling that a local place provides. It’s the difference between a chain restaurant and a nice local place where you know the owner. It just makes it a better experience.

See below on how to sign up for these rides and make sure to sign up today! Spots are extremely limited.

1. Download the SPYN Cycle Studio app from the ​App Store​ or ​Google Play 2. Register for a new account
2. Go to the scheduling tab
3. Select which class you would like to register for
4. Select the schedule class button 6. Pick your seat
5. Select reserve and you are all set!

Have you ever walked into one of the exhibit halls at the Big Fresno Fair and wondered where all the artwork, baked goods, and plants come from? Well, they come from you, the residents of Fresno County.

You have until Monday to sign-up to be an exhibitor at this year’s fair. There’s a category for everyone and every talent.

Have a green thumb? Then maybe the Home Gardner section inside the Agriculture building is for you. Or show off your roses in Floriculture.

Fine Arts and Photography is the place to showcase everything from oils to pastels and even those awesome travel photos you captured on your smartphone. There are categories for amateurs and professionals. 

Kids can get in on the action too. Junior Exhibits features all the things you’d find in the adult categories. It’s a fun way for children to connect with their county, show off their skills and build self-confidence. On a personal note, I was once one of those kids featured in Junior Exhibits. I used to love to enter the table setting competition. My TV Guide Collection also brought home a Blue Ribbon.

One of the most popular exhibits is Home Arts. That’s where you’ll see jams, jellies, pies, cookies, quilts, needlepoint and so much more.

Last year I had the honor of interviewing a pair of sisters who have been racking up Blue Ribbons for more than 60 years. Arlene Owen and Maxine Easley are in their 90s. Both said they’d like to see more young people get involved in the fair. 

“A lot of the people I had in the competition are all gone by now,” Owen said. “There are so many different things now going on that people don’t have the time to prepare for the fair.”

Kathy Currin is the Superintendent of Home Arts, she’s been working hard to modernize the exhibit and add new categories. 

“Home Arts is a great way to keep traditions alive and showcase talents,” Currin said. “It means a lot to me. I have a great team to work with. Each year is different; the building tells a story from beginning to end.”

Currin says she loves when someone is hesitant to enter and then brings home a ribbon. She says they usually come back the next year with more entries.

There is a small fee to enter most categories. First, second and third place recipients receive a ribbon and cash prize.

The theme for the 2019 Big Fresno Fair is “Sierra to the Sea.” The fair is celebrating nature, wildlife, and conservation. You can showcase the theme in your entries. The Big Fresno Fair put together a toolkit to help you create your masterpiece. 

Something else new for 2019 is the Tamale Throwdown on October 8^th. Each recipe must be homemade and feature an ingredient grown in Fresno County. To learn more about the Tamale Throwdown, click here.

Again, Monday is the last day to register for exhibit entries. Click here to enter and learn more about all the categories.The Big Fresno Fair runs October 2^nd -14^th. For all things Big Fresno Fair visit their website.

It’s going to be an amazing weekend Fresno! I’d like to personally invite each of you to join me at the grand opening of SPYN Cycle Studio on Saturday from 7am-3pm. We will have free rides going on all day, food, a DJ, vendors, and giveaways! Check out SPYN’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and I hope to see you all there.

Friday 

• Chill: A night of desserts, shopping, and food trucks!- Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company: 745 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 @5PM-10PM Event Link
• 559 Fest “Full Circle Olympic”- Full Circle Olympic: 1426 N Van Ness, Fresno, CA 93728 @5PM-2AM Event Link
• Elton John Tribute Band Kenny Metcalf- Engelmann Cellars: 3275 North Rolinda Avenue, Fresno, CA 93723 @6PM-10PM Event Link
• Granite Park Harvest ft. The Big Bounce America- Granite Park Fresno: 3950 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93726 @6PM-11:30PM Event Link
• Sequoia North Party- Sequoia Brewing Co: 1188 E Champlain Dr, Ste 107, Fresno, CA 93720 @9PM-11:59PM Event Link
• Our Village Playgroup: Bubble Art- Railroad Park: 805 N Peach Ave, Clovis, CA 93611 @10:15AM-11:15AM Event Link
• Tony’s Tacos at Clovis!- Tactical OPS Brewing: 1131 Railroad, Clovis, CA 93612 @5PM-9PM Event Link

Saturday 

• SPYN Cycling Studio GRAND OPENING!- SPYN Cycling Studio: 1021 Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93720 @7AM-3PM Event Link
• Valley PBS Kid’s Nite- Fresno Chaffee Zoo: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @5PM-9PM Event Link
• Bulldog Football vs. Minnesota- Bulldog Stadium: 1600 E Bulldog Lane, Fresno, CA 93710 @7:30PM-10:30PM Event Link
• Bluebird Market- Fig Garden Village: 790 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704 @11AM-5PM Event Link
• Rods on the Bluff- Presented by: Hot Rod Coalition- Park Place Shopping Center: 7855 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 @5PM-8:30PM Event Link
• Paint Therapy HOME Sign- 3 Oaks Studio: 481 Pollasky, Clovis, CA 93612 @12PM-2:30PM Event Link
• 4th Annual Salsa Competition!- House Of Pendragon Brewing Co.: 1345 N Willow Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 @1PM-4PM Event Link
• Saturday September Farmers Market- Old Town Clovis: 456 Clovis Ave, Ste 2, Clovis, CA 93612 @9AM-11:30AM Event Link

Sunday 

• Oxygen: A benefit for the Amazon- Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company: 745 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 @4PM-8PM Event Link
• Grape Stomp at KRW- Kings River Winery: 4276 S Greenwood Ave, Sanger, CA 93657 @1PM-4PM Event Link
• Namaste at The Beer Garden- Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company: 745 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 @1PM-4PM Event Link
• Brunch! GPCxTowerBlendz- Blendz: 802 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 @7AM-11AM Event Link 
• Whisky and Cigar Night!- Outlaw Tavern: 325 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 @4PM Event Link

-Jason