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Here’s what you should do this weekend

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some fun suggestions for events happening in and around Fresno.

Friday

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

• Head to Sierra Vista Mall for the free Jingle Jam in the Park taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the community space in front of the movie theater. There will be snow, dancing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the arrival of Santa!

• Fresno artist Bobby Von Martin will conduct an Artist’s Talk and host a Q&A about his solo show “A Native-American Perspective” at Vernissage gallery at 6 p.m. Von Martin is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a resident artist at M Street Arts Complex in downtown Fresno.

• From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Trans-E-Motion and Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center will host Transgender Day of Remembrance at Fresno State. The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance is an event to honor the lives of transgender individuals who died from murder or suicide.

• It’s the last weekend to see Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Selma Arts Center. Tickets start at $15. Show is at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

• Enjoy a glass of wine and live music from Boxcar Figaro at The Tasting Room. The fun starts at 7 p.m. 

• Also at 7 p.m., take in a night of Cumbia music in downtown Fresno played by Grupo Klons. There will be plenty of dancing and plenty of beer in the Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden. 

Saturday

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do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

• Grab the kids and enjoy food trucks, live music, and upcycling demos at Eaton Plaza in downtown Fresno. Recycle-Con 2018 is a free event that will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Get your holiday shopping started and bring your pet for photos with Santa at the Holiday Bake & Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Valley Animal Center. Arrive early and purchase your favorite baked goods—all proceeds go back to helping homeless animals in the Central Valley.

• Diehardz & Son will host Brew Con, a family-friendly comic con, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Full Circle Brewing Co. There will be cosplay, Butter Beer, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, music, and comedy. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. 

• Gazebo Gardens Nursery will hold its annual Holiday Garden Party from 2 to 9 p.m. There will be live music, food trucks, food recipe demos, and holiday shopping. 

• Enjoy music and swing dancing with Scats on the Sly from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library. Admission is free! 

• Live at Bitwise presents Omar Naré and Patrick Contreras in an evening of Chicano violin and guitar music. Arrive at 7 p.m. for pre-show cocktails and food. Seating will begin at 7:45 p.m. with the performance taking place at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Sunday

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do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

do this weekend 83

• It’s time again for the Nifty Thrifty Flea Market, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find unique gifts for your loved ones among the host markets and vendors.

• See the Good Company Players in a production of Footloose at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. Show starts at 1 p.m. Buy your tickets here.

• The Women’s Art and Music Festival of Fresno will be held at the Tower Theatre from 3 to 6 p.m. WAMFF provides an eclectic showing of arts created by local female artists and made accessible to all people of all ages. Tickets are $12 for adults; kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Tower Theatre.

• Fatty Cakes And The Puff Pastries will hold a show and LP Release at Strummer’s at 7 p.m. Tickets for this all-ages show are $10.

…

What else is going on this weekend? Add your event to the comments.

 

Fresno Historical Society photos make a unique holiday gift

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The Fresno Historical Society is offering you the chance to give a truly unique gift this holiday season.

The nonprofit organization houses a large collection of historical photos from Fresno’s early years—most dated between 1870 and 1970. You can buy digital copies of these images, print them out and frame them, and give a little piece of Fresno history to your slightly nerdier friends and relatives (I kid!). 

Images reflect Fresno’s development

On the Fresno Historical Society’s website, the photo collection is broken down into categories, including People, Agriculture, City Scenes, Special Events, Sports, Mountain Scenes, etc. You can check out the entire collection photo by photo or, if you know someone with a specific interest, go right to that category.

The super cool thing is that many of the photos feature a description that gives context to the image, like the photo below, which is labeled “Fresno Kindergarten“:

Miss Gertrude Wilson established Fresno’s first kindergarten program in 1885. Her own donkey and cart served as the “school Bus” for the students she taught in her own home.

Fresno Historical Society photos

Image: Fresno Historical Society

How to purchase historical photo reproductions

Digital files range from $10 to $30, depending on size, and are available in JPG or TIFF file format. To purchase a historic photograph reproduction, email the Fresno Historical Society at archives@valleyhistory.org.

For more information and to see available images, visit the Fresno Historical Society website. And check out a handful of photo reproductions I find interesting below.

Loggers Expressing the Size of a Redwood

Fresno Historical Society photos

Image: Fresno Historical Society

Skiing in the Sierra

Fresno Historical Society photos

Image: Fresno Historical Society

Intersection of Mariposa Street & H Street, c. 1880s

Fresno Historical Society photos

Image: Fresno Historical Society

Fresno Cubs Baseball Team c. 1914

Fresno Historical Society photos

Image: Fresno Historical Society

Deadline for Swede Fest films is fast approaching. Here’s some inspiration!

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There’s about a week and a half left before the Monday, Nov. 26, deadline to submit a Swede for Swede Fest 18, which is still plenty of time to put something together. Instead of screaming about politics with your family at the Thanksgiving table, grab a camera and act out a scene from your favorite movie instead!

In order to provide some inspiration for all aspiring Swede makers (or maybe just some entertainment), here are some older Swedes you should watch in honor of Swede Fest 18. (Don’t know what Swedes/Swede Fest is? Read my breakdown here.)

Swede fest deadline 18

1. Top Gun

For Swede Fest 8, by Dead in 60 Years

2. La Bamba

For Swede Fest 8, by Richard Rocha

3. Pulp Fiction

For Swede Fest 5, by Kevin Searcy

4. The Fast and the Furious

For Swede Fest 3, by Roque Rodriguez

5. The Neverending Story

For Swede Fest 7, by Adam Chang

6. The Avengers

By Dumb Drum

7. Jaws

For Swede Fest 5, by Michael Banti

8. Milo and Otis

For Swede Fest 12, by Matt Hackney

9. Napolean Dynamite

For Swede Fest 12, by Joana, Jonathan and Danny

10. Mahna Mahna

For Swede Fest 8, by Heather McLane (yep, I’m including my own Swede)

11. Kill Bill

For Swede Fest 7, by John Rios

You too can be a Swede superstar! Visit SwedeFest.com for details.

Jingle Jam in the Park will get your family in the holiday spirit

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It can be tricky to get into the holiday spirit when Thanksgiving is still ahead of us, and up until the past week or so, flip-flops were still our weekend shoe of choice. However, if you have kids, odds are they’re already stalking the holiday toy catalogues, asking you about Santa’s list, and counting down the days until Winter Break.

If you want to support their enthusiasm and witness a little winter wonderland magic for yourself, Sierra Vista Mall’s Jingle Jam in the Park event is offering your family the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. 

Jingle Jam

Sierra Vista’s Jingle Jam in the Park is happening THIS Friday from 6-8 p.m.! (Image via Sierra Vista Mall)

Your favorite Christmas activities all in one place

This Friday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m., the Sierra Vista Mall community park (located in front of the movie theater) will be bustling with Christmas activity in celebration of Santa’s arrival. As Santa makes his grand entrance, Fresno and Clovis residents will get to experience a snow show right here in the valley!

Following the show, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas crafts, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Plus, all those who are ready to bust a move will get to dance the evening away during a big, park-wide holiday dance party.

This entire event is completely free, including the horse-drawn carriage rides, and is being put on by Sierra Vista Mall for the community to enjoy. Sierra Vista Mall is located at 1050 Shaw Ave. in Clovis.

Jingle Jam also a chance to give back

Want to enjoy the event and help your kids get into the spirit of giving? Sierra Vista Mall, Les Schwab Tires, and FOX26 are partnering for the 5th year in a row to host a big toy drive for children in need.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to Jingle Jam and it will be wrapped and distributed December 22 at the Poverello House. The Poverello House partners with dozens of local service providers and charities to match the gifts to children’s needs and wishes, so you know every toy donated will bring a big smile to a little one’s face this holiday season.

“One Enchanted Evening” kicks off the holiday season in Old Town Clovis

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Old Town Clovis will kick off the holiday season this Thursday, Nov. 15, with a special event titled “One Enchanted Evening.” 

This is the 15th year for this annual holiday event. It’s like one big Christmas open house, with over 30 stores and restaurants taking part. Classic cars will line the streets, and there will be horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, and carolers. Madeleine’s Bridal will host a fashion show of bridal and special occasion dresses.

“People can expect to find Old Town Clovis decked out in its holiday best to ring in the season,” says Kellie Hustedde, media coordinator for Old Town Clovis. “Many of the stores are fully decorated for Christmas and ready to help shoppers find a gift for everyone on their list.”

One Enchanted Evening

Stores in Old Town Clovis will stay open late this Thursday for One Enchanted Evening.

This year, the Business Organization of Old Town is hosting a social media photo contest. The first prize winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to be used in the area.

“Old Town Clovis is even more enchanting during the holidays,” Hustedde says. “Many stores are fully decked out with snowmen, garlands of pine, and twinkly lights.”

If you miss out on a horse-drawn carriage ride at Thursday’s event, they will also be offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23.

one enchanted evening

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered Thursday night. They will also be available weekends this holiday season.

One Enchanted Evening

Classic cars will line the streets during One Enchanted Evening.

Big things happening for Old Town Clovis

2018 has been a year of expansion for Old Town Clovis. The new “So-Fi District” features popular restaurants like House of JuJu and Blast and Brew. It’s also the home of The Foundry, a boutique that features clothing, jewelry, and houseware items from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia line.

“So-Fi” stands for South of Fifth, as in 5th Street. Old Town Clovis reaches from 3rd Street to the north to 7th Street to the south. The majority of shops and restaurants are on Pollasky and Clovis avenues.

Two must-stop places on my personal shopping list are Revival 23 and Peyton’s Attic. Both shops are stocked with stylish women’s clothing and accessories. (For a full list of shops and restaurants, visit the Old Town Clovis website.)

One Enchanted Evening

One Enchanted Evening is free to attend this Thursday in Old Town Clovis.

More info about One Enchanted Evening

There is no cost to attend “One Enchanted Evening,” which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. 

More details can be found on the Old Town Clovis Facebook page.

 

Photos via Old Town Clovis

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some fun suggestions for events happening in and around Fresno.

Friday

do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

 • The Metal Alliance Tour hits Full Circle Brewing Co. at 5 p.m. This all-ages show will feature food, beer, and vendors. Tickets are $27. 

• Touch of Gravy will perform the tunes of the Grateful Dead at Gazebo Gardens’ Food Truck Party Night Extravaganza Jubilee starting at 5 p.m. Eat, drink, and dance to your heart’s delight.

• Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2018: Wild and Scenic Rivers are Our Rivers will start at Bitwise at 6 p.m. Festival-goers can expect to see award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and indigenous cultures. Suggested donation of $25 for non-members.

• Learn to hike! At 6:30 p.m. at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., REI experts will share tips and tricks on all aspects of hiking, including trip planning, essential items, equipment, and safety precautions, along with local resources and places to go.

• Comedian Daniel Weingarten takes the stage at The Revue Coffee Bar Backroom at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

• The Hillbilly Jazz Band will be at Tap & Cellar from 8 to 10 p.m. 

• Ray Moore and the Get Down Band will perform at Kocky’s at 9:30 p.m. Kitchen is open until midnight.

Saturday

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do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

do this weekend 82

• The Kearney Renaissance Faire will be at Kearney Park Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. See Medieval battles, enjoy an artisan marketplace, and partake in an extensive food court. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids, seniors, and military.

• Yarn shop Anzula is celebrating its move to a new location with Anzula-Palooza! starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free for this event, which will feature a pop-up shop, Yarnover Truck, Swatches Yarn Studio, and tons of local artisans, plus food trucks, live music, and factory tours. 

• The One World Water Lantern Festival will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Woodward Park. Witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water. Tickets are $25 in advance, $40 at the event.

• El Diablito Fest, Fresno’s First Spicy Snack Food Festival, takes place at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing from 5 to 11 p.m. This free, all-ages event features all your fave spicy snacks plus art, piñata sessions, and music.

• Parabolic Art + Design will host “Fresnoir: Found Photos from a Missing Private Eye,” a show of black and white photography inspired by Fresno and Film Noir, from 7 to 10 p.m. Period cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Curated music inspired by film noir soundtracks. 

• See Bone Thugs-n-Harmony live at the Azteca Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets for this all-ages show are $20-$40.

Sunday

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do this weekend 82

• Soccer fans who like to get up early (or stay up realllly late) can see Liverpool take on Fulham at Strummer’s at 4 a.m.

• The monthly Draggin’ the Main Cruise Night will take place in downtown Fresno starting at 3 p.m. Cruising and parking on Fulton Street is free and open to the public, but please follow local traffic laws.

• The Poet Laureate Presents Bi-monthly Reading Series is back for the month of November with another set of local and abroad writers sharing their work on the Bitwise South Stadium stage. This free event starts at 3 p.m. 

…

What else is going on this weekend? Add your event to the comments.

Shop Local at the FresYes Market!

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With the expansion of our office earlier this year, we’re now able to offer Fresnans a variety of services, from community space for classes, meetings, and more, to a unique shopping opportunity.

We’re so excited to present the FresYes Market! Located in our office at 7785 N. Palm Ave. Ste. 109, the FresYes Market allows you to purchase a variety of goods from local and regional vendors, merchants, and artisans.

FresYes Market

Currently in our store, we have seven local makers represented, including:

• Warm Hearts Candle Co. This Kingsburg-based company creates candles in a variety of warm scents perfect for the upcoming holidays, such as Snickerdoodle Cookie, Blue Spruce Pine, and Pumpkin Soufflé.

• Basilwood Farm. Produced in Prather, Basilwood Farm’s goat milk bath products include soaps, lotions, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, and more. 

• Lanna Coffee Co. This Downtown Fresno business prides itself on serving coffee that is locally sourced, shade grown, and fairly traded. You can get both ground and whole beans at the FresYes Market!

• Golden State Snacks. Based in Coarsegold, Golden State Snacks provides healthy snacks and tasty treats such as seeds and nuts, trail mixes, and candy. Currently we stock Dried Banana Chips, Roasted Corn Nuggets, Butter Toffee Peanuts, and more.

• Enzo Olive Oil. This award-winning company out of Madera makes a variety of oils and balsamic vinegars. You HAVE to try their Meyer Lemon and Basil Crush oils! 

• Sheepdog BBQ. Earlier this year, FresYes.com wrote about John Banuelos, founder and owner of Sheepdog BBQ. John’s story is unique in that he is not only a maker of amazing homemade rubs and barbecue sauces, but a law enforcement officer as well!

• True Gold Honey. This Lindsay-based family business is all about giving back. They make incredible honey products and donate 1% of their sales to families impacted by disability.

FresYes Market

FresYes Market

How great is this selection?? Plus, you can also buy FresYes swag, including t-shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles!

Feel free to come by the FresYes office anytime to see what we have available. Our store hours are Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or give us a call anytime at (559) 286-0055 for more information.

Five things to learn in Fresno this month

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There are a growing number of awesome classes available to Fresnans with a wide variety of interests. From time to time, I do a round-up of unique offerings to help expand horizons and give a sampling of what’s out there to enjoy. Here is my November 2018 unique class offering round-up. I hope you find something that piques your interest!

1. How to Change a Tire

learn five things

Learn how to change your own tire at Au Automotive

If you found yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat or blown-out tire, would you really know what to do? I know I do in theory—I watched my Dad walk me through it years ago—but if I’m being honest, I’d probably call my husband or Dad for help or use the towing assistance on my insurance rather than attempt it on my own. 

That being said, Au Auto Repair located at 3802 W. Ashcroft is offering a free class on how to maintain and change your own tires this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9:30-11 a.m. Brilliant!

For more information and to register, click here.

2. Gratitude Focused Restorative Yoga

learn five things

Refocus after Thanksgiving with restorative yoga

Is the flurry of activity leading up to Thanksgiving and the commercialism of Black Friday a combination that stresses you out? Zen Den Studio located at 670 E. Bullard is happy to help you get your Zen back in a restorative yoga class taking place Friday, Nov. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The class is free (with donations appreciated). The studio provides free restorative and healing services as a part of the Heal One World non-profit group. All proceeds help continue to provide classes and services to all who could benefit from them.

For additional information or to register, click here.

3. Create a Fall Wreath from Scratch

Would you like to make a beautiful wreath for your front door or to decorate your home with, using all-natural, beautiful, and locally sourced florals and branches? Glory Laurel from Whole Systems Ag and Floral will be teaching a class and providing you with all you need to make it happen on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Root, located at 1424 Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno. Metered parking will be free at the time of the class, so feel free to park right in front.

To register for the $60 class, click here.

4. Make Your Own Macramé Plant Hanger

Macramé is definitely back, and house plants make for great décor and add oxygen to the home. You can learn how to knot your own macramé plant hanger and receive a plant pot and baby succulent when you take the class coming up this Thursday, Nov. 8, also at Root downtown. The class will be taught by Chris Mullins from Propagate. It will cost $48 and take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Once again, metered parking will be free as the class starts after 6 p.m.

Register here.

5. Get Certified in the Application of Lash Extensions

learn new things

Learn to professionally apply lash extensions at Nena Beauty Bar

This 5-hour course taught by a certified master lash trainer will be offered on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 12-5 p.m. at Nena Beauty Bar (private course location will be provided upon payment of tuition). The course includes all supplies, lifetime support, and certification that will allow you to earn income applying lash extensions independently. Tuition is $500 but includes everything you need to begin your new business, including marketing tips.

For more information or to register, click here.