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What’s Hot & Happening this Weekend

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

Welcome to the weekend, everyone! Looking for something to do with friends, family or both? FresYes has you covered with our definitive guide of what’s hot & happening this weekend:

Friday

  • Fulton 55 9th Anniversary Party with 40 Watt Hype Event Link
  • Friday Night Fight Club at Fresno Airsoft Event Link
  • The Morning Drive LIVE @ Goldstein’s! Event Link
  • Fresno Monsters at Selland Arena Event Link
  • Fresno State Bulldogs Wrestling vs. Duke Blue Devils Wrestling Event Link

Saturday

Sunday

Nature Events for Kids and Bald Eagle Hike Happening Saturday at River Parkway

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

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Saturday is an exciting day for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. The organization is hosting several events, two of which are geared towards teaching children about nature.

The River Parkway Trust was established to protect the San Joaquin River and surrounding lands. They offer educational and recreational activities for families throughout the year.

Saturday children ages 3 ½ to 6-year-old can take part in the River Buddies Weekend Explore Program happening at the River Center, located at 11605 Old Friant Road in Fresno. There’s a fee of $10 per child and online registration and payment is required in advance. You have until Thursday at Noon to sign-up. 

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the two-hour session the kids will go on a nature walk, complete a craft, sing fun songs, listen to a story and do a hands-on activity. 

The theme for Saturday’s River Buddies Weekend Explore Program is “Nature Neighbors”. The children will learn about the plants and animals they come across on their walk. They’ll use life-sized animals track stamps to create tracks in the dirt and make their own snakeskin bandana. 

For children ages 6 to 9-year-old, there is an adventure program taking place on Saturday as well. It’s called the Weekend Youth Naturalist Program and it is aimed to equip the next generation with skills to be natural explorers and stewards of the Earth. 

Saturday’s program runs from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and also takes place at the River Center. It’s $15 per child and sign-ups also end Thursday at Noon. 

The theme is “Animal Evidence.” The children will go on a nature walk and dissect owl pellets, among other activities.

“We believe that children should have the opportunity to spend time outdoors, getting dirty, playing games, and learning with their peers,” said Molly Schnur-Salimbene, the Community Programs Director for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. “Many children in the Fresno/Madera area are unaware that there is a river nearby, and even fewer have visited it or the natural areas that surround it.”

Parents are required to stay on-site for the duration of the children’s programs and are encouraged to participate in the activities as well. 

The San Joaquin Parkway and Conversation Trust believes that everyone will leave the River Center more curious and more informed about our local environment and its native species.

“Parents who attend the programs with their children often comment on how much they learned, or how surprised they were by how well their young children were able to understand the scientific concepts,”Schnur-Salimbene said. “Many parents become excited by what they’ve learned and continue to explore the topics covered on weekend trips with their children through research at home, looking for signs of wildlife in their neighborhoods, and revisiting the sites where the programs took place.”

If you can’t make it to Saturday’s children’s events, mark your calendar for February 15th and March 14th.  The River Parkway will be hosting additional River Buddies Weekend Explore Program and Weekend Youth Naturalist Program events those days.

In addition to the children’s events, the Parkway invites you to take part in a Bald Eagle Hike also on Saturday. It’s free and the 2-to-3 mile hike is low intensity. 

Eagles enjoy spending winter along the shores of Millerton Reservoir. A guide will help you spot our National Bird.

“Guides provide background information on the migratory patterns and characteristics of Bald Eagles using enlarged photos and maps, and then give participants hints on where along the shoreline to look,” Schnur-Salimbene said. “Hikes move slowly, stopping often when something of interest is spotted and using a portable spotting scope to give each person the chance to take a look as the guide provides information on natural history and the local ecosystem.”

To join the Bald Eagle Hike, register online and then meet at the River Center at 8:30 a.m. Dress for the outdoors and bring binoculars, water and sunscreen. The hike will take place rain or shine. Children 12 and over are welcome, but dogs are not invited.

The Bald Eagle Hike is also happening on January 25th. 

For more on all things San Joaquin River Parkway and Conversation Trust, visit their website.

Helladogmoms to Throw Pup Friendly Event & Support Local Rescue Group ARF -January 11th

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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Are you both local and a dog lover? If so, I have a fantastic event to share with you!

This Saturday, January 11th, dog-loving local lifestyle brand Helladogmoms will be hosting a special Launch “Pawty” celebrating their line of “dog-mom” and new “dog-dad” gear at The Shop at KLSD in Downtown Fresno. But wait, there’s more!

The Shop @ KLSD

Not only can you shop for super cute tees, hats, totes and other gear that proclaim your love for your furry companions, but you’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of dog-focused activities – and YES, your dog is welcome to join you for all the fun!

Huddlbooth photography will be present, to capture fun photos of you with your pup enjoying the event, and famed local artist Elowyn Dickerson will be on-site creating live, custom paintings of canine companions. Speaking of fame – possibly the most famous Fresno dog, Fresno State’s own Victor E. Bulldog will be on-site accepting pets and cuddles (but sorry, I don’t think he can sign autographs, given the whole lack of opposable thumb issue).

Treats from the Rolling Donut await you this Saturday!

If you and your pooch have a sweet-tooth during the event, the Rolling Donut truck will be there to take care of you donut cravings (their mini-donuts are among my most favorite foods in all of Fresno – they’re served hot, fresh and with your choice of a wide range of toppings) and Producer’s Dairy will be providing dog-friendly puppuccinos for Rover. 

Natali’s pup Rocco is thinking about those puppuccinos already!

As if all this wasn’t already fantastic for those of us with furry besties, Helladog moms will be donating a portion of all sales from the event to Animal Rescue of Fresno (ARF), a non-profit rescue group that works very hard each day to save homeless pets and help them find their forever homes. ARF is a group I’ve personally fostered dogs for in the past, and those who work with the organization are truly dedicated to doing what’s best for each future-pet, including providing for emergency medical treatment, surgeries and vet care for animals found or brought in in trouble. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the event, with sales benefitting ARF as well and prizes include a custom Helladogmoms bracelet made by local jewelry maker and designer Make Pie Not War and grooming services from Brittany’s Bark Avenue. 

If you love dogs, and all of this sounds wonderful to you – but you simply can’t attend the Launch Pawty this Saturday, you can still support ARF and their mission in a variety of ways. You can make an easy donation online here, you can donate items from their wishlist directly to the shelter, or you can volunteer your time in helping animals by working at an adoption event, helping with animal socialization at the shelter, or assisting with the promotion of the shelter and its mission. For more information on ways to support ARF, click here.

Christine Brown, Helladogmom’s founder with husband and furbabies

What’s Hot & Happening this Weekend

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

Looking for something to do this weekend? There are plenty of events happening in and around town including the Harlem Globetrotters at the Save Mart Center, a corn hole tournament at Goldstein’s and Brunchin with My Vegans at Tioga Sequoia. Here’s our full list of what’s hot & happening:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

What’s Hot & Happening this Weekend

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

It’s the first weekend of 2020 and there are plenty of events happening around town including the Doc B. Wrestling Invitational at Clovis High, Raphio Chocolate’s Factory Tour, and the Fresno Bridal Show. Here’s our full list of what’s hot & happening:

Friday

  • Full Circle Brewing’s “Singles Mix & Mingle!” Event Link
  • Pokebowlrrito’s Grand Opening Event Link
  • The Doc B. Wrestling Invitational Event Link
  • Soul Butter w/ Ray Moore & the Get Down Band at Kocky’s Event Link
  • Dolce Dance Studio’s Winter Ball Event Link

Saturday

Sunday

What’s Hot & Happening this Weekend

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

It’s the final weekend before Christmas! If you’re not out shopping, or better yet, need a break from shopping here are some great events happening around town this weekend:

Friday

  • 3rd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Event Link
  • Ballis Glass Friday Night Hang- It’s Almost Solstice Event Link
  • Santa’s Sleighland #3 Event Link
  • Elf Film at Historic Crest Theatre Fresno Event Link
  • Spokeasy + Happy Buns: Stouts and Donuts Pairing PT II Event Link
  • Raphio Chocolate Micro Factory Tour Event Link
  • Night at the Museum Pajama Party! Event Link

Saturday

Sunday

A Holiday Tradition, The Nutcracker, Returns with Local Dancers

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

A holiday classic, Central California Ballet’s The Nutcracker, returns to Fresno’s Saroyan Theatre this weekend. The performances feature dancers from the Central Valley.

“All of the roles are performed by local dancers, from the smallest Bon-Bon to the most mature, Snow Queen,” said Sandra Gostanian, with the Lively Arts Foundation. “I have been performing in The Nutcracker since 1995 as a Party Parent, most years as Mrs. Stahlbaum.”

 In 1989, Frank and Diane Mosier founded the Lively Arts Foundation, a non-profit, designed to bring world-class dance, music and dramatic entertainment to the residents of the San Joaquin Valley. The show the organization is most known for is the yearly performance of The Nutcracker.

“The story of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition around the world,” Gostanian said. “It is a warm story of love with bits of whimsical humor laced in.  The Nutcracker Ballet is often the first ballet children experience.” 

Diane Mosier is the owner of Northwest Studio for Ballet at Bullard and West in Fresno. Many of the dancers who perform in The Nutcracker train at her studio. A handful of professional dancers are also hired to perform the lead roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy.

Auditions take place in August and rehearsals began soon after.  

“The Bon-Bons are the youngest members of the cast and are usually budding gymnasts,” Gostanian said. “Children in the Party Scene have taken ballet classes for a few years, as have some of the adults in the Party Scene. The mature teens and young adult dancers have been taking a ballet class several times each week for years and are quite accomplished. Everyone enjoys having the professionals dance with us. They are always very inspirational to watch as they warm-up, focus on the performance, and enjoy the festivities of the Nutcracker season.”

Tickets are available at the Saroyan Theatre Box Office for Saturday’s 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances, as well as Sunday’s 2 p.m. show. They range from $35 to $68 and can also be purchased through Ticketmaster.

“People of all ages enjoy the quality of dancing and acting from cast members of all ages,” Gostanian said. “Children, especially, are caught up with the beauty and artistic talents of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.”

In addition to the weekend performances, there is a special performance for students from local schools that takes place on Friday. 

“The favorite show for the entire cast is the Friday school show performance,” Gostanian said.“Children from throughout the Central Valley come to see the ballet at a very reduced price. For most of the children and for many of their teachers, this will be their introduction to a ballet performance.”

The Lively Arts Foundation begins planning next year’s Nutcracker as soon as this year’s finishes. They have to seek out financial grants and new donors to keep this Valley tradition alive.

“While Fresno is located in close proximity to cultural hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles, many people are not able to travel to see professional performances,” Gostanian said. “Performing arts allow people opportunities to develop creativity and communication skills. The Nutcracker is a fun and entertaining way to experience the “stage of life”. Quite simply, we all have a great time and have made lifetime memories and friends.” 

To learn more about The Nutcracker visit LivelyArts.org

What’s Hot & Happening this Weekend

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

The weekend is here Fresno! We’re mid-way through December and one of my favorite events all year has arrived – Swede Fest. If you’ve never been to Swede Fest, you are missing out. It’s a short film festival, with films created by local filmmakers here in town. The simplest way to describe it is Hollywood films, on a backyard budget. It is hosted at the Tower Theatre on Friday at 6:30 PM. 

Here’s our full list of what’s hot & happening:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday