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Fresno Foodies Get Ready: Three delicious picks for December

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services 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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December is a great time to be a food-lover in Fresno!

Besides the homemade holiday treats that will undoubtedly be pouring into break rooms and offices throughout the month, there are three specific local events and locations we’d like to highlight. Each is a unique way to try something delicious and new this month. So, make plans with your friends and family to scope out these local treats and…try not to drool as you check out our three top picks:

  1. The Annex Kitchen Lunch Service

The Annex Kitchen located on West Shaw next to Pardini’s in the former Pardini’s Café is one of Fresno’s most popular restaurants. Their food has been lauded on FresYes in the past and has even been recognized by Food Network’s Simon Majumdar, who called The Annex’s Sweet Corn Agnolotti the “best thing he ate in 2016”.

Chef Jimmy Pardini of The Annex Kitchen (Photo courtesy of The Annex Kitchen)

Typically only open for dinner, The Annex is hosting a special lunch service meal this Saturday (December 8th) starting at 11am, featuring “a selection of house made sandwiches made on wood-fired bread”. For full menu details, The Annex’s Instagram account recommends subscribing to their email list, as recipients will be the first to receive the special menu info. Reservations will not be accepted for this event, so plan accordingly. My guess is The Annex will redefine all that a “sandwich” can be in the best of ways.

This intriguing photo was posted along with the lunch service announcement on The Annex’s Instagram account

  1. Nikkei Ramen’s Pop Up Ramen Dinner in Tower

Nikkei Ramen is becoming known locally for preparing exceptionally tasty, homemade ramen dishes along with flavorful and fresh accompaniments like Spicy Tuna Tartare and Hawaiian Sliders. They will be hosting a special pop-up, three course meal on Saturday, December 15th from 6-10pm at the former Zen Wok Fusion location at 609 E. Olive Ave. in the Tower District. The menu will feature Spicy Tuna Tartare with Cucumber-Mango Relish and Wonton Chips for an appetizer, Tonkotsu Ramen with homemade ramen noodles, pork belly, nori, egg, and shiitake mushrooms for the main course and finish with French Macarons with four different flavors and fillings for dessert.

Nikkei Ramen’s Spicy Tuna Tartare with Cucumber-Mango Relish and Wonton Chips

Nikkei Ramen’s Tonkotsu Ramen (images courtesy of Nikkei Ramen)

The cost per person is $25 (drinks are purchased separately) and it’s first come, first served so be sure to arrive on time. Nikkei requests that interested guests RSVP on their Facebook invite so they can have an idea of how much food to prepare. Also, there are plans to hold monthly pop-ups going forward, so if you can’t make this event, be sure to follow them on social media so you can catch the next one.

  1. Baskin Robbins New Generation “Moments” Store

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of specialty ice cream shops, unveiled its first “Moments” concept store design last week, right here in Fresno, California at Herndon and Milburn. The store concept will begin rolling out nationally in 2019.

The storefront of the new Baskin-Robbins on Herndon and Milburn in NW Fresno

The new store concept is designed to bring guests “great flavors and memorable moments”. The new store will offer a new and modernized atmosphere and new frozen treats to enjoy called “ice cream novelties” featuring premium, hand-dipped and snackable frozen treats to give guests more variety when choosing a dessert. The novelties menu includes chocolate-dipped bananas, Polar Pizza slices, Ice Cream Bars, Smoothie Bars and hand-dipped fancy waffle cones. An expanded toppings station will also offer variety and options for customization when choosing a treat.

New Baskin-Robbins novelties offerings

And, like many ice cream shops, Baskin Robbins knows people love a great backdrop for “the ‘Gram’” (Instagram) and they are delivering with a great mural featuring local landmarks and forest campsites and local parks.

A sneak peak at the interior and mural in the new Baskin-Robbins store

 

Happy eating Fresnans!

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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FresYes Writing Team

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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 85

do this weekend 85

do this weekend 85

• Head to River Park at 10 a.m. for the Festival of Trees. Donated by community individuals and businesses, trees will be lavished with gifts and décor and raffled off for $5 per ticket. Proceeds from this event will help provide paid work experience for local survivors of human trafficking.

• It’s the last day to donate to the Fresno Grizzlies Supply Drive. The team is collecting supplies for families affected by recent California wildfires. From 2 to 5 p.m., drop off supplies at the Chukchansi Park VIP lobby. Click here for requested items.

• It’s Zoo Lights at Fresno Chaffee Zoo! This event, which starts at 5 p.m., will also happen Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy music, live entertainment, festive treats and beverages for adults and children, and free photos with Santa Claus. Tickets are $5-$9.

• Learn to sew your own reusable market bag! Head to Root Access Hackerspace at 6 p.m. for instruction and materials. Class is $25 ($20 if you bring your own material). 

• Comedian Butch Escobar will headline Slice of Comedy at DiCicco’s Restaurant in Clovis. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15.

• It’s the 25th anniversary of the Disney classic The Nightmare Before Christmas! See this masterpiece on the big screen at the Crest Theatre in downtown Fresno. The movie starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $6.

Saturday

do this weekend 85

do this weekend 85

• Join Tree of Life Café for a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at its new location, 6640 N. Blackstone Ave., in Fresno.

• It’s opening night for Candy Cane Lane (aka Cindy Lane). Every night through Dec. 25, you can either walk or drive the lane from 6 to 10 p.m.

• Nate’s Silent Movie Christmas at The Revue will feature live piano music by Nate Butler. Cartoons start at 7 p.m., the movie is at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Pay what you want!

• Enjoy (?) Home Alone for FREE on the big screen at the Crest Theatre in downtown Fresno. The movie starts at 8 p.m. 

• See 40 Watt Hype, The Morning Drive, and The Tough Love at Fulton 55. This 21+ show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $8.

Sunday

do this weekend 85

• At 5:30 p.m., join FresYes for Swede Fest 18 at the Tower Theatre. Bring the kids and enjoy home-made film parodies made by your fellow Fresnans! The show is free and open to all.

…

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

Four ways to celebrate the holidays with music

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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Holiday music is a great avenue of joy this time of year. As Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”

Christmas carols and songs are a delightful way to celebrate the season. If you’re not into caroling yourself, there’s plenty of local talent to do it for you (I personally can’t carry a tune so it’s a blessing to my neighbors if I skip it). Mark the month with a live concert (or two) and start a new holiday tradition! Here’s a list of musical events happening this month.

Fresno Community Concert Band’s Winter Magic

celebrate with music

Photo via Fresno Community Concert Band

If you’re into modern classics and tunes from White Christmas, check out the Fresno Community Concert Band’s annual offering, “Winter Magic”, on Sunday, Dec. 2. There are two times to choose from, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Active military, veterans, and their family are free for the 7 p.m. show (with ID). The concert will be conducted by Sandy Headrick and Bruce Weinberger, and features soprano Hanna York. Grab your tickets here.

Joyeux Noel by Soli Deo Gloria Women’s Chorale 

celebrate with music

Ready to dig deep into local talent? On Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church, you can catch the sounds of Soli Deo Gloria Women’s Chorale. Soli Deo Gloria is a non-profit featuring a chorale of women who sing at the highest level of skill. This concert will feature songs written specifically for their group, “Christmas Visions,” composed by E.J. Hinojosa, as well as traditional Christmas carols. This group is conducted by Dr. Julie Carter and will feature Dr. Walter Saul as accompanist. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students. You can purchase them online here in advance or plan on spending $20 at the door.

Holiday Concert from Fresno State Choirs and Music Department

celebrate with music

Fa-la-la! On Sunday, Dec. 9, head to the Fresno State Concert Hall at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy the sounds of The Fresno State Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and the University Singers. The show will feature traditional holiday music and carols. Dr. Cari Earnheart is the Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Emily Mason is the Director of University Singers, and Dr. Shing-Ming Liao is the collaborative pianist. You can purchase tickets here. General admission is $12, senior tickets are $8, and students are $5 so it’s budget-friendly event!

Mozart + Mahler Concert by Youth Orchestras Fresno

Another impressive concert is taking place Sunday, Dec. 9, with The Mozart and Mahler Concert by Youth Orchestras of Fresno. It’s true, the songs aren’t specifically seasonal, but this concert is for such a great organization, I’m including it. (I’ve discussed the Youth Orchestras Fresno here if you need a re-cap.) The concert will take place at Shaghoian Concert Hall at 4 p.m. and features favorites such as Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, the Titan and Mozart’s Abduction form the Seraglio (and more!).This concert is a $10 donation, but anyone can attend if price is an issue. You can reserve seats in advance here. The Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Dr. Thomas Loewenheim and the Youth Chamber Orchestra is conducted by Adam Elmore.

….

Do local concerts add to your Christmas cheer or are you just discovering the deep wells of talent in Fresno? Tell me what your favorite musical traditions are in the comments below!

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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FresYes Writing Team

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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 84

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

• Head to River Park at 10 a.m. for the kickoff of the inaugural Festival of Trees. Donated by community individuals and businesses, trees will be lavished with gifts and décor and raffled off for $5 per ticket. Proceeds from this event will help provide paid work experience for local survivors of human trafficking. 

• Grab a beer and enjoy drink specials at Full Circle Brewing Co.’s Black Friday Hoppy Hour starting at 10 a.m. Yep, 10 a.m. 

• It’s the first Zoo Lights of the year at Fresno Chaffee Zoo! For this annual event, which starts at 5 p.m., the entire zoo is transformed into a magical, winter wonderland, fully decorated and strung with miles of holiday lights. Enjoy music, live entertainment, festive treats and beverages for adults and children, and free photos with Santa Claus. Tickets are $5-$9.

• It’s also the first night for Santa Claus Lane in Clovis! Walk or drive the lane. There’s a brand new musical light show, free pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and food trucks will be on hand.

• The Last Days of Judas Iscariot will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at the California Arts Academy-Severance Theater. This play is a courtroom drama depicting the fictional trial of Judas Iscariot. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission.

• Relax from all that Black Friday shopping with The Double Doors at Fulton 55. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12. This is a 21+ only show.

• Or take in some surf rock from the Neptunes and grab a beer at Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen at 9 p.m. No cover.

Saturday

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

• Get up early and head to the Vineyard Farmers Market at 7 a.m. for the 17th Annual Holiday Gift & Craft Show featuring local artists and growers.

• Shop in downtown Fresno this Small Business Saturday! Stores and businesses will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure to grab a bite to eat after.

• Handmade Fresno presents Crafts & Cocktails at 11 a.m. at Fulton 55. Shop local vendors and artists and take advantage of Fulton 55’s full bar.

• Chocolate & Posies in Clovis will hold its 8th Annual Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy free pictures with Santa, samples of homemade holiday treats, and a free craft for the kids.

• Touch of Gravy, the local Grateful Dead tribute band, hits the stage at Fulton 55 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12. This is a 21+ only show.

• Head to Goldstein’s at 10:30 for Patrick Contreras and his Violin on Fire.

Sunday

do this weekend 84

do this weekend 84

• Full Circle Brewing will hold a Variety Hour starting at 11 a.m. This event will showcase local talent.

• Dark Horse: The Music of George Harrison, featuring many of Fresno’s best local performers, will take place at Fulton 55 starting at 7 p.m. This 21+ show is $15.

• John Hacker will headline the Just the Tips comedy show at Grogg’s Irish Pub at 7:30 p.m. The show is free but be sure to bring tip money for the comedian. 

…

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

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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FresYes Writing Team

Latest posts by FresYes Writing Team (see all)

 

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

do this weekend 83

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

do this weekend 83

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.

 

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

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FresYes Writing Team

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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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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services 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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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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Sarah Soghomonian

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

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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