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There’s way too much 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

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Every week, I put together a post letting you know what’s happening over the weekend (please check it out—it takes forever to assemble).

This week as I was putting together Friday’s post, I realized there’s just too much going on this weekend.

Somehow every organization in the valley decided the first weekend in December was the time to go H.A.M. on holiday stuff. Don’t believe me? Check out Natali’s post listing ten holiday pop-ups and craft shows taking place Saturday and Sunday.

Then there’s the downtown parade—the Funky Fulton 88th Annual Christmas Parade—on Saturday.

And the annual Tuba Christmas at Manchester Center—also on Saturday.

Plus the opening night of Christmas Tree Lane. And the FresYes Blood Drive (which you can still register for.) 

And a free showing of The Santa Clause at the Crest.

And SLOTHMAS, you guys. 

Throw in Chill on Thursday, a Foo Fighters show on Friday, and, you know, other normal weekend stuff, and there’s too much happening this weekend.

What a problem to have, right?

too much happening

So, what are you doing this weekend?

Best Bets: Natali’s Recommendations for Festive Fun in 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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The Christmas Tree Lane Walk, Jingle Bell Run for Toys and Swedefest 16

This time of year, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly take over and the season often flies by before you know it. In effort to make sure you don’t miss some really fun, family-friendly events coming up within the next two weeks, I wanted to share with you the details on three of my favorite local December activities. Mark your calendars and join in on the fun!

christmas-tree-lane

This stunning Christmas Tree Lane display, created by Fresno’s Alexander family, was featured on ABC’s the Great Christmas Light Fight!

Christmas Tree Lane – Walk Nights (Saturday, 12/3 and Tuesday, 12/13)

Making the trek down Christmas Tree Lane is a beloved Fresno tradition for many of us, and an experience not to be missed by new Fresnans. The 2-mile stretch of Van Ness Avenue, which runs between Shields and Shaw Avenues 140 decorated homes and over 300 lit giant evergreens that form a canopy of lights along the entire lane. These trees tower above the lane and require cranes and the blood sweat and tears of professional laborer Shawn Caglia, who spends three months preparing the lane to awe children and adults alike come Christmas time. 2016 is the Lane’s 94th year operating (there were two years the lane was dark – 1941 due to war time restrictions and 1973 due to an energy crisis), and the tradition began in honor of a young child who passed too soon. A tree was lit in her honor, and the residents began to follow suit.

There are two nights in which traffic is closed to vehicles and pedestrians as well as stroller and wagon riders have the freedom to enjoy the lane at a leisurely pace (with just a few thousand others ;-)). Yes, there are crowds, so expect that. This year’s walking nights are this coming Saturday, and then Tuesday, the 13th.

Some tips if you decide to join in on the walk:

  • It’s fairly dark out. Don’t focus on your looks, focus on comfortable shoes!
  • You can ride a Tree Fresno shuttle from Figarden Village to the start of the lane if you don’t want to walk all the way down the Lane, then all the way back. For shuttle details, call 559-221-5556.
  • If you’re thinking of grabbing a Starbucks drink to warm your hands and tummy while you walk, consider getting it at a Starbucks that you’ll pass before you reach Figarden Village. Crowds cause long lines and waits (though this year, they were very proactive and had a hot chocolate table outside the store to alleviate some of the wait, which was great!)
  • We find it easiest to park near the banks just North of Figarden Village
  • Lots of people (and their dogs!) wear festive or lit accessories and clothing – if that’s your thing, go for it!
  • There are porta-potties along the lane, but not many and lines can be long. Have your littles use the restroom before you start your walk
  • Dress in layers – it’s often not as cold in Fresno as we expect at night, and when you’re walking for a few miles, you may get warm
  • Bring some cash. Christmas Tree Lane is 100% supported by the donations received, so please give what you are able. There are boxes to donate in along the walk.
  • Expect to see Santa and, kids can take a picture with them for free! (Use your own camera/cell phone)
santa-on-the-lane

Santa sweetly poses for a photo with my son and friends

The Jingle Bell Run for Toys (Saturday, Dec. 10th)

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is held mid-December on Christmas Tree Lane (this year it will be this Saturday, December 10th) in the morning. You don’t get the full benefit of all the lights, but the decor is still festive in broad daylight and you’ll also enjoy cookies, cocoa and even SNOW at the finish line, so it’s definitely a good time!

The run is a 5k chipped run, and the walk is a 2 mile loop down Christmas Tree Lane with a single starting line located near the Shaw end of Van Ness. (Once again, parking near Figarden Village is advisable.) The registration fee is $40 and Toys for Tots will also be on site collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need in exchange for a Santa hat. Registered runners and walkers also receive a holiday sweatshirt to sport along with their festive running accessories (most people seem to don Santa hats, striped tall socks, antlers or red and green tutus). To register online visit the Jingle Bell Run site here.

jingle-bell-jog

Myself and friends, before embarking on the Jingle Bell Walk/Run a couple year back

Swedefest 16 (Saturday, December 10th)

Swedefest is a really fun, free screening event for short (4 minutes or less) films made by every day, fun-loving people with access to a video camera, basic editing software, and a bit of extra time to gather a cast and crew to create their very own sweded film.

By definition, swedes are low-budget, summarized recreations of popular Hollywood movies or t.v. shows, according to Swedefest founders Bryan Harley and Roque Rodriguez. Swedes are supposed to be campy and fun, featuring things like cardboard sets, condiments in place of slime for special effects and toys for props.

If you’d like to make a swede for the festival,  please drop the Swedefest team a quick email and they’ll provide you with instructions on submission. (info@swedefest.com) You definitely will want to get on it asap though, because all submissions must be turned in no later than 11:59pm December 4th.

Don’t have enough free time (or spare cardboard) to make a swede in time for this year’s event? No worries – you can (and should!) still come and watch. Swedefest 16 will be held on Saturday, December 10th at 5pm at the historic Tower Theater. Doors open at 4:30pm, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase (admission is free) and usually the theater does fill up, so I do recommend arriving at least a few minutes before 5. Typically, the event runs about 90 minutes, so feel free to bring the whole family, as it won’t get too late and often, many swedes feature students, too. Who knows, your tween might get inspired to create a swede, then go on to a career in film, become the next Spielberg and help you retire to a beautiful island.

For inspiration or just pure entertainment, check out the online library of past swedes here.

bryan-and-roque

Swedefest founders Roque Rodriguez and Bryan Harley at Swedefest 14

5 Fun, Family-friendly Things to Do: Holiday Edition!

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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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I would like to begin this post with a small disclaimer – YES, I know this is going up before Thanksgiving has taken place, and for that, I am sorry – I too love Thanksgiving and sharing a delicious meal with family. Last year, I shared with you my best tips (so far) for hosting a stress-free (or at least minimally stress-inducing) holiday. My hope is that that post will help at least a few people have a more pleasant holiday each year. Speaking of pleasant holidays however – there are five really fantastic holiday events happening in and near Fresno, and the dates are rapidly approaching, so given that I am a planner and know others who are as well, I wanted to be sure you all had the heads up in advance (and hopefully in time to snag a good deal on the one event that has an admission cost).

Christmas lights in Fresno

Here are 5 fun family-friendly events to enjoy with your family this 2015 holiday season, in date order (Each is linked for your convenience, click through for additional information):

(NEW) Global Winter Wonderland (Tulare Fairgrounds) November 21st through January 23rd, beginning at 4:30pm

What to expect: This large-scale traveling event offers visitors a holiday carnival atmosphere complete with massive, sparkling, fully-lit displays of cultural landmarks from all around the world. Explore the pyramids, drink hot cocoa by Big Ben, and take selfies by a castle, it’s all beautifully lit and enchanting. You can also enjoy performances and foods from around the world as well as ride up to 30 carnival rides.

Who’d enjoy it most: Parents and relatives with young children who typically enjoy holiday light displays, or older children who enjoy rides. Families who like learning about different cultures. Anyone who likes holiday lights, but is frustrated with the traffic on Christmas Tree Lane and Cindy Lane.

Cost: This event is not super affordable without discounts, however, there are some really great discounts available right now! (Hence my urgency in getting this post up asap for you). Check out my price break breakdown:

  • Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for children 3 and up. However, if you sign up to use Living Social, you can purchase a pair of admission tickets right now for $24, saving you $8 on two adult admissions. (Wait, it gets better.)
  • Ride wristbands are $25 if you buy online and $30 at the gate (individual ride tickets are $1.50 and each ride is 3-5 tickets, whereas the wristband allows for unlimited rides). Right now, you can snag a pair of admission tickets and wristbands for $49 on Living Social here, and if you use the promo code 20thanks, you’ll get an additional 20% off. Still with me? Want to save even more?
  • Sign up for an ebates account and you’ll also get 6% cashback on your total order. (If you don’t use ebates, but you buy things online, you should start using it asap. Basically, all you do is sign up for a free account, then when you’re going to purchase something, go to ebates.com first, then type in the store/website you want to buy from and it will say “opening new shopping trip” and take you to the site you asked for. Make a purchase as you normally would, and ebates will automatically deposit a rebate into your account. You’ll get a check or PayPal deposit back every three months. Using it just for the last month, I’ve earned over $150 in rebates! Sign up here.)
  • By using Living Social, the promo code (expires on the 26th!) and ebates, you’ll get tickets and wristbands for $56 off full price.
  • Coupons are also available at local Walgreens stores (I’m not sure the exact value of the coupons at this time, but it’s worth asking.)

Christmas Tree Lane Walk Nights (Fresno/Fig Garden Village) – Wednesday, December 2nd, Tuesday, December 8th from 6-10pm

What to expect: A fun night of walking down Christmas Tree Lane on Van Ness Boulevard, starting either from Figarden Village or Gazebo Gardens, enjoying light displays, Christmas music, people in festive attire and dogs in sweaters or wearing light up antlers, a chance to meet Santa and see police officers on horses, all without having to worry about vehicle traffic, as the street is closed to cars on these two evenings.

Who’d enjoy it most: Children and adults who enjoy looking at the light displays, those that value tradition and doing the Christmas Tree Lane walk each year, people who enjoy activities in which it’s totally fine to bring your dogs to, people who aren’t bothered by crowds, people who are able to walk a few miles on flat ground.

Cost: None. (Unless you want to eat/get a hot drink prior to your walk at Gazebo Gardens or in Fig Garden Village) Donations are collected near when Santa greets the children, so please consider bringing a few dollars in cash to support Christmas Tree Lane. The donations support all of the work and lights that go into decorating the lane for visitors to enjoy each year.

Santa with kids

Electrical Farm Equipment Parade (Downtown Reedley) – Thursday, December 3rd at 7:30pm

What to expect: A cavalcade of heavy farm equipment, decorated to the nines with lights and holiday trimmings, motoring down the streets of Downtown Reedley. There will also be shopping, food and entertainment leading up to the parade, beginning at 5:30pm.

Who’d enjoy it most: Children who love big trucks, vehicles, tractors, etc., those who love traditions that feel a bit more small town, like a taste of true Americana, just about anyone probably.

Cost: None, unless you wish to shop/purchase food.

Downtown Fresno Parade

The 86th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade (Downtown Fresno) – Saturday, December 5th at 10:45am

What to expect: A great, traditional Christmas parade, circling Downtown Fresno landmarks and featuring floats, music and entertainment reflecting this year’s theme: Christmas Around the World.

Who’d enjoy it most: Children and adults alike – anyone who enjoys a really fun, festive parade, marching bands, experiencing the best of Downtown Fresno with a community of excited Christmas enthusiasts.

Cost: None.

The Clovis Children’s Electrical Christmas Parade (Old Town Clovis) – Saturday, December 5th at 6:30pm

What to expect: Decorated floats, marching bands, riders on horseback, carolers, glittery lit displays and decorated cars. This is a much-loved annual tradition.

Who’d enjoy it most: Parade fans, young children, those who live in Clovis or enjoy visiting Old Town Clovis.

Cost: None. (Supported by the Old Town Kiwanis)

Holiday 5Ks – pre-burn your holiday treats while having fun

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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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When it comes to exercise, I am a complete believer that its totally worth the extra effort it takes to workout a bit harder during the holiday season, to be able to indulge in a few of the season’s best treats. My personal weaknesses are family favorites – peanut butter fudge and “crack” candy. (Recipes are linked if you’re interested.) Without a good amount of physical activity, I’m quite certain the fudge alone will leave my belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly (but hey, Santa seems pretty jolly still – so maybe that’s not so bad…). I digress.

If you’re looking for a great way to burn off some extra calories while having a blast with friends and family, Fresno and neighboring Madera are ready to offer you three festive fun runs to enjoy in the upcoming four weeks. (All events are linked to their webpages, you can find addresses, detailed schedules and registration information there.)

The first of the races is the Turkey Trot through Woodward Park, presented by the Sierra Running Express. This event offers a 5k chipped run, a 2k non-competitive run and a 2k walk. There will also be a costume contest and largest family award presented prior to the race’s start, so get there early and wear your festive best for a chance to win! This race is always a lot of fun and it takes place early Thanksgiving morning, so you’ll pre-burn off your turkey day dinner while raising money for a good cause. All proceeds from the event go to support local families who are in need of food via Thanksgiving baskets. The first 2,000 participants also receive some pretty rad novelty socks, so don’t wait too long to get in on the action! Registration is available online here or at in person at Fleet Feet Sports, 9447 N Fort Washington, Saturday the 21st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Wednesday the 25th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Looking very festive Turkey Trotters. Nicely done!

Looking very festive Turkey Trotters. Nicely done!

Finishers who've earned their turkey dinners!

Finishers who’ve earned their turkey dinners!

The second race, the Jingle Bell Run, takes place on December 12th in Fresno, beginning at Shaw and Palm, and headed down the famed Christmas Tree Lane in all of its decorated glory. This event benefits Toys for Tots and the first 5,000 entrants to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate will receive a Santa hat. Everyone who registers will receive a holiday sweatshirt and this race, like the Turkey Trot encourages racers to wear their holiday best. Hot cocoa and cookies are available at the end of the race loop and Van Ness will be closed to traffic for the event. (I recommend parking in Figarden Village.) Registration information and additional race details can be found here.

I had lots of fun at the Jingle Bell Run with friends a couple years back.

I had lots of fun at the Jingle Bell Run with friends a couple years back.

The third race, in its second year, is Madera’s Ugly Sweater 5k run/walk. Taking place on December 19th in Lions Town and Country Park, organizers encourage racers to don their ugliest holiday sweater to win awesome prizes from local merchants. This affordable ($10 for adults, $5 for kids) and family friendly event also benefits children in need of some holiday joy – so bring an unwrapped toy with you if you are able to contribute.

So, which race are you most excited about? If you go, be sure to share some of your awesome event pictures on the FresYes Facebook page so we can see how fantastically festive you look!