This Saturday will see the grand re-opening of Fulton Street which, as you know, is opening to auto traffic for the first time in a thousand or so years (check out our guide to the festivities).
The Fulton Street Party will include a lot of cool stuff, including a number of pop-up stores, bars, and restaurants that will be open for one day only. The point of the pop-ups is to show what a full and lively Fulton Street will look like in the hope of attracting entrepreneurs and investors, and also customers, to the area.
Among the pop-ups is the latest offering from Fresno Grizzlies director of marketing Sam Hansen. Hansen never lacks for original ideas, and his Hella Ninja food court and indoor throwing-star range is hella on-brand for the guy who’s brought us the Taco Truck Throwdown, the Tupac-themed Powamekka Café, and Oreo tacos.
It was while promoting Oreo Taco Night at Chukchansi Park in August that we first heard about Hansen’s desire to put together a ninja-themed event (and his protestation of California law Section 22410, which bans the throwing of ninja stars). Two months later, his ninja dream is becoming a ninja reality.
Hella Ninja events
Here’s a look at what Hansen has planned for Hella Ninja:
• An indoor throwing-star range hosted by Aikido Of Fresno. The throwing-star range will use plastic and rubber stars (again, because of penal code section 22410) and a foam-constructed wall. Attendees can buy throwing-star range targets to compete with their friends.
• Custom food creations from local businesses, including Char Burger’s Ninja Umami Burger & Okonomiyaki Tots, The Smokin’ Burrito’s Hibachi Burrito and Ninja Star Wontons, and a Ninja poke bowl from Poke Cubed. There will also be Nunchuck Churros, Ninja Ice Pops from Pop’s Emporium, and fruit sushi from Cali Snack Shack.
• A bar featuring the rare Hella Ninja rice beer from Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., and hot and cold favored sakes.
• A Japanese candy booth and daiso (a Japanese Dollar Store) from Central Fish Market.
• Ninja-themed art displays.
I think it’s safe to say this will be one of the more unique things you’ll see at the Fulton Street party.
Event details
Hella Ninja runs from 3-10 p.m. Saturday at 1036 Fulton Street. Admission is free, but there will be additional charges for food, drinks, and the throwing-star range. The event is open to all ages. Parking at all meters and garages in the area will be free during the Fulton Street Party.
For more information on Hella Ninja, follow @HellaNinjaStars on Instagram or check out the Facebook event page.
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