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FresYes!

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Here’s what you should do 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

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

Don’t forget the Foo Fighters are at Save Mart center tonight! Plus, you can shop at pop-up shops and craft boutiques galore this weekend.

Friday

do this weekend 34

Holiday Crafts & Party

Where: Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday 
What: Hosted by the LGBT Pink Panthers Movement. Come take a moment and share with great company, time and make holiday crafts. Do it Yourself projects, Ornament decorating, and Gift bag decorating as we listen to holiday music and enjoy some refreshments.
Details: Free, all ages. [More]

A Place for My Heart CD Release

Where: Bitwise South Stadium 
When: 6 p.m. Friday 
What: Born and raised in Fresno, singer-songwriter Merlinda Espinosa has been performing since she was a child. Influenced by traditional Mexican music, jazz, R&B, country and Latin rock, Espinosa’s style embodies pieces of all of these, as her soulful voice and powerful songs tell stories from her heart and captivate the listener’s.
Details: Doors open at 6 and the performance begins at 7 p.m. Come early for wine and appetizers. Admission is $10. [More]

Scrooged screening

Where: Crest Theatre 
When: 8 p.m. Friday 
What: A selfish, cynical T.V. executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.
Details: Doors open at 7 and the film begins at 8 p.m. Concessions will available for purchase. Tickets are $5. [More]

Soul Butter with Desirae Monique

Where: Kocky’s Bar & Grill
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday 
What: Live music.
Details: Doors open at 8 and the music begins at 9:30 p.m. [More]

See more Friday events here.

Saturday 

do this weekend 34

Santa’s Workshop by Ideaworks

Where: 1018 N Fulton St.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: Santa is coming to Fresno! Help him make toys with Ideaworks STEAM activities for kids and adults. Build and race your own car at the Nerdy Derby Track, make string art, light up your own Christmas cards, and much more.
Details: Kid friendly. [More]

Peace Community Crafts Faire

Where: Fresno City College Cmps Cafe
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
What: Shop for unique handmade winter holiday gifts created by artists and craftspeople from near and far. 
Details: Free admission, parking, and entertainment. [More]

The Fresno High Flea: December Gift Market

Where: Fresno High School
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
What: A special monthly market that showcases the finest hand made goods, vintage items, tag sale stalls, and delicious treats. Fresno High Flea is pairing with Home Instead of the Central Valley to deliver gifts to Senior Citizens. Home Instead needs new knit hats, scarves, gloves, lap blankets, socks and handkerchiefs for men and women. Donate and win a gift basket.
Details: Free. [More]

Holiday Craft Show

Where: Vintage Market at 601
When: 1o a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: Featuring 15 artisans who create jewelry, paintings, ceramics, knitted scarves, candles and bath products, pillows and aprons, Christmas ornaments and cards, and lots more.
Details: [More]

88th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade

Where: Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
What: The 88th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade returns to its original location, the newly (re)opened Fulton Street! This year’s theme is “A Funky Fulton Christmas.”
Details: [More]

Holiday Pop Up Boutique

Where: Common Space Fresno
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: There will be a variety of local vendors showcasing products for purchase. 
Details: [More]

Tuba Christmas

Where: Manchester Center
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday
What: Christmas songs performed by a large group of tuba players.
Details: Free. Concerts are at noon and 1 p.m. [More]

The Opening Of Christmas Tree Lane

Where: Christmas Tree Lane
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
What: This is the first walk-only night.
Details: Free. [More]

Slothmas

Where: Lost Realms Pets
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
What: Interact with animals from around the world like snakes, alligators, wallabies, and toucans. Ugly sweater contest with prize. Photos with the sloth will be available.
Details: $10 per person. [More]

See more Saturday events here.

Sunday

Peddler’s Faire Holiday Boutique

Where: Sons of The American Legion Fresno Federal Squadron 509
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday 
What: Handmade crafts, military items, collectables and antiques, vintage and upcycled wares, art, jewelry, scents, candles, make-up, accessories, clothing, books, home and garden, and more. 
Details: Free admission. Kid friendly. [More]

Central California Big Band Dance Society featuring The Joe Lenigan Band 

Where: The Grand 1401
When: 1 p.m. Sunday 
What: Free dance lesson by Mario Moreno from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. followed by dancing from 1-4:30 p.m.
Details: [More]

Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans 30th Anniversary

Where: Fulton 55
When: 6 p.m. Sunday 
What: Music.
Details: Tickets are $10-$12. [More]

See more Sunday events here.

“Wrap up” your shopping at 10 holiday pop-ups this weekend

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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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Wow, what a weekend to shop local!

This coming Saturday and Sunday, there are so many holiday events taking place, it’s borderline crazy. My best advice? Caffeinate, catch a little holiday madness, and dive into the frenzy, because it’s going to be too great of a weekend to stay home and Netflix binge. (Netflix will still be there for you on Monday night, anyway.)

If you’ve still got a list nearly as long as Santa’s to shop for, fear not: local crafters, makers, and business owners have you covered with local shopping events taking place all weekend.

holiday popups

Shopping local is such a wonderful way to gift, too. Says Tessa Williamson, local business-owner, maker, and host of Maker’s Market Holiday Pop-Up, “When you shop local and shop small businesses, you’re directly giving to the family that has put the work into creating the item.”

After becoming familiar with other maker events, Williamson decided to host one herself, even opening her home to host other local makers at no cost so that shoppers could support their work and find special gift items for their loved ones.

“The makers that have created items for our event have put their time into each and every item, thought long and hard of how to make the best product, and have literally touched each thing you will bring home. [When you purchase from them] it’s like bringing home a little part of the artist’s heart.”

How can you beat that? Below I’ve listed Williamson’s event plus nine others happening all over Fresno. You’re sure to find something in your neck of the woods. (I’ve even included a BONUS Thursday event for those of you who like to go out during the week!)

holiday popups

1. Maker’s Market Holiday Pop-Up

Where: 5124 W. Celeste Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
What: Seasonal pop-up shop hosting all-women makers offering hand made, one-of-a-kind crafts and gifts.
Details: Shop items such as wood signs, jewelry, handmade doll clothes, children’s bows, canvas paintings, wooden angels, serving trays and much more. [More]

2. Peace Community Crafts Faire

Where: Fresno City College Campus Cafe
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
What: Shop for unique handmade winter holiday gifts created by artists and craftspeople from near and far.
Details: Free admission, parking, and entertainment. [More]

3. Santa’s Workshop by Ideaworks

Where: 1018 N Fulton St.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: Santa is coming to Fresno! Help him make toys with Ideaworks STEAM activities for kids and adults. Build and race your own car at the Nerdy Derby Track, make string art, light up your own Christmas cards, and much more.
Details: Kid friendly. [More]

holiday popups

 4. The Fresno High Flea: December Gift Market

Where: Fresno High School
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
What: A special monthly market that showcases the finest hand made goods, vintage items, tag sale stalls, and delicious treats. 
Details: Fresno High Flea is pairing with Home Instead of the Central Valley to deliver gifts to Senior Citizens. Home Instead needs new knit hats, scarves, gloves, lap blankets, socks and handkerchiefs for men and women. Donate and win a gift basket. [More]

5. Holiday Craft Show

Where: Vintage Market at 601
When: 1o a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: Featuring 15 artisans who create jewelry, paintings, ceramics, knitted scarves, candles and bath products, pillows and aprons, Christmas ornaments and cards, and lots more.
Details: [More]

holiday popups

6. Holiday Open House

Where: Leah B. Boutique
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: Shop local boutique Leah B.’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories during this open-house style event complete with light refreshments and snacks.
Details: Free admission. [More]

7. Funky Christmas Viewing and Post-Parade Party

Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company
When: 1o a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
What: View the Funky Fulton Christmas Parade as it passes right by the brewery, then enjoy tasty treats and shop popular vendors such as Dear Danger Mobile Boutique, Tony Ting Engravings, Believe Mobile Boutique, and more.
Details: There will be music by DJ Mr. Leonard and food trucks including Wheres The Food, Latin Urban Bistro, and Burgers and More. [More]

8. Holiday Pop-Up Boutique

Where: Common Space Fresno
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
What: There will be a variety of local vendors showcasing products for purchase, including The Purple Pig, LC*s Crafty Customs, Jbloom Jewelry and More, The Contagious Creative, Crafted by Camargo, K&E Ranch, and Woja Cards.
Details: [More]

9. Peddler’s Faire Holiday Boutique

Where: Sons of The American Legion Fresno Federal Squadron 509
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
What: Handmade crafts, military items, collectables and antiques, vintage and upcycled wares, art, jewelry, scents, candles, make-up, accessories, clothing, books, home and garden, and more.
Details: Free admission. Kid friendly. [More]

10. It’s a Wonderful Craftapalooza

Where: Yoshi Now!
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
What: Live music and more than thirty vendors offering all handmade items. Food from local vendors also available for purchase.
Details: Free admission. Kid friendly. [More]

holiday popups

BONUS: Chill

Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday
What: Dozens of vendors selling things like clothes, jewelry, gift boxes, and handmade crafts. There will also be desserts of all sorts to satisfy your sweet tooth — or to grab as presents for your loved ones.
Details: Music by DJ Roeski and Mr. Leonard. This event is kid friendly. [More]

Scholastic Warehouse Sale! (It’s like Black Friday for books!)

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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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Book lovers rejoice! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, yes – it’s that Christmas-y time of course, but it’s also time for the semi-annual Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale in Fresno!

I LOVE the Warehouse sale, and so does my son. Heading to the sale together has become a tradition, and with prices like the sale offers, it’s one we can afford to indulge in a bit.

Standing in front of the Scholastic Warehouse Sale!

 

This year’s winter sale began on Thursday, December 3rd and will run through Friday, December 19th. In order to go to the sale, you’ll need to first sign up for an entry pass (but trust me, you’ll want to do it in advance because when you do, you’ll also receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or $25 off a purchase of $100). The Scholastic Warehouse is typically not open to the public, as it specifically serves local schools through book fair events for the majority of the year, the warehouse sale gives the general public a chance to shop for books for readers of all ages as a price far below retail. During the sale, the warehouse is open on weekdays from 11am – 7pm and Saturdays from 9am – 5pm. (Closed on Sundays.)

Inside the Scholastic Warehouse Sale

 

What you should know before you go:

  • Sign up for your pass prior to shopping on Scholastic’s website. (Click here.)
  • The Warehouse is located on Brawley, just South of Shaw, across from the Kohl’s parking lot. It is not climate controlled, so bundle up – you’ll likely be looking around for awhile and it gets chilly.
  • The Warehouse is BIG. Plan to give yourself a solid hour or more to look around. There is a lot to see.
  • All books, book sets and related items (bookmarks, pencils, diaries, craft kits, etc.) are between 20 and 80% off the cover price, though prices aren’t always clearly marked. As you shop, color coding is helpful, however there are times you may not know if the book you want is 20% off, 80% off or somewhere in between. I recommend selecting the books you want, stacking them in order from most-wanted to kinda-wanted (technical term, I know) and ringing up until you hit your budgeted book total. There are bins near the register to put any books you decide not to keep into.
  • At the very front of the warehouse, you’ll see a large table with “Damaged Books” – these books may have ripped covers, missing pieces (example a Lego book missing the accompanying minifigure) or slightly bent edges. You can fill an entire box of these items for only $10, regardless of how many you select, so long as they fit in the box.
  • If you look to your left once you pass the Damaged Book table, you’ll see the $24 Book Box area. Select all the items you want from this area that fit in one of the provided boxes for just $24. (The selection in this area changes throughout the sale as items sell out.)
  • Though the Scholastic Warehouse mostly serves school book fairs, the items they sell are for all ages. Titles include everything from board books to memoirs written for adults and everything in between.

If you love to read, or have book lovers on your Christmas list, I highly recommend you make the time to go to the sale before it ends. There are books for all budgets, and it’s also a great way to check off many of the children on your list at a very reasonable price – plus, almost every parent LOVES when their child receives a great book as a gift. Books don’t make lots of noise, big messes or require batteries. Plus – they help kids to get smarter and learn more about the world around them! Yay books!

A few of my personal favorite finds from this year’s sale:

  • The Sweet Scent of Christmas – a scratch and sniff book I remember well from my childhood, only snagging a new copy means the scratch and sniff stickers in it actually have scent to them still!
  • The Pioneer Woman Dinnertime Cookbook – I LOVE all of her recipes! I’d already bought this book prior to the sale, but I was happy to see it there.
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and boxed sets – these are my son’s current favorite books.
  • Origami Yoda Books – another series my son is excited to read (just $3 at the sale!)
  • Nicholas Sparks books – they had at least three titles at the sale. What can I say, I’m a hopeless romantic, I can’t help but love Sparks’ stories.

Have a great time at the sale! Let me know about the amazing books you find in the comments section!