Pizza This City: Meet N Eat

Pizza This City is a pizza lovers Meet-N-Eat event in Fresno, California. Each month, they get together to visit and share pizza at Pizzerias in the Fresno/Clovis area. It's a great way to support and  try different restaurants, and different pizzas! You can purchase Pizza This City shirts and proceeds go towards gifting pizzas to the homeless.

This final meeting of the year is tonight!
December 8, 2016 at 7pm
Chicago Pizza with a Twist at Shaw and Marks.
(559) 277-3737

Try Chicago style Indian pizza 
3050 W. Shaw Ave Ste 105 Fresno, California

Questions? Ask the event organizers on Facebook.

Following meetings are usually held on Thursdays within the first two weeks of the month.
Like their page Pizza This City on Facebook and watch for future events.

Harry Potter Magical Ball with Barnes & Noble

December 9th at 7pm in Fresno, California and around the nation Barnes & Noble is hosting a Harry Potter Magical Ball. You are invited to come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy music, dancing, giveaways, and activities. I've attended other release parties for Harry Potter in the past and they are well organized and they have crafts. The release party for The Cursed Child included a sorting and that was really fun. They gave us buttons and magnets according to our houses. (For you curiosity, we have two ravenclaws and two gryffindors.)

Harry Potter Magical Ball
7pm-?
Villagio Retail Center
7849 North Blackstone Avenue Fresno, CA 93720
559-437-0484 

Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane is located in Fresno, California, and is its 94th year. Located in Old Fig Garden, you can travel down Van Ness Avenue starts at Shields and goes to Shaw, about two miles. 

The final walking night is December 13, 2016, from 6pm-10pm. I suggest if you want to avoid the crowds, get started right at 6pm. 

When its comes to little kids, I would suggest having a stroller or wagon for anyone four and under because between the cold, crowds, and distance they will slow them down quickly-mittens, gloves, scarves, blankets are needed. I like to park on a side street in the middle (like Holland) and walk to Shaw and back when I'm with little ones.

Bus rides during the walking nights are offered by Tree Fresno. Contact them at 559-221-5556.

There are some vendors who sell light up toys (so bring cash if you are interested) and glow sticks are pretty popular. Sometimes you will get lucky and someone will be selling hot chocolate. Santa, school choirs and more can be seen on the walking nights. (December 3rd was the last one).

Driving times: 6pm-10pm on Sunday through Thursday 
                       6pm-11pm on Friday and Saturday. 

When you drive there is a radio station committed to Christmas Tree Lane that plays Christmas music. You can also spot all of Santa's reindeer en route. Donations are accepted in two locations to help with the energy costs that come with the Christmas lights. 

Christmas Tree Lane is a free event and a holiday tradition for anyone in the Fresno, Clovis and surrounding areas. It remains open through Christmas Day.
For more questions visit http://www.christmastreelane.com

Merry Christmas!

Clovis Children's Electric Christmas Parade

If you have been to the Clovis Children's Electric Christmas Parade you know it is very cold, but has fun lit-up floats. The parade is from 6:30pm-8:30pm on December 3rd. 

I found that when I went a while back with toddlers-I was unprepared. It was colder than I expected and we couldn't see well because it was surprisingly crowded. Bring gloves, scarves, and blankets in addition to dressing warm. If you are in it for the long haul, come early and camp out your spot. Some people begin camping in the morning, but 4pm-4:30pm is probably early enough.

Walking vendors often sell light up toys and headbands to help you join in the festivity.

This is a free event sponsored by the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis

Santa on the Train- a Fresno to Hanford and back again

Sorry this is last minute, if you can't make it, at least you can plan for it next year!

This is the message from the Facebook event.

Bring the kids to meet Santa at the Amtrak San Joaquins Station in Downtown Fresno on November 25! Santa will arrive at 10am for photos, hot cocoa and cookies. Then, go on an adventure with Santa on Amtrak San Joaquins! 

You can board the 710 southbound train with Santa at 11:44am – you will arrive in Hanford at 12:19pm! 
You can head with Santa to the Hanford Carnegie Museum to light the Christmas tree, too! 
If you bring a can of food with you, you'll get a free photo with Santa! Santa will be at the Hanford Carnegie Museum until 2pm. 
Look for Amtrak San Joaquins & Santa at the Downtown Hanford Christmas Parade at 6pm! 

Make sure you purchase your tickets for the 710 southbound train at amtraksanjoaquins.com - this is the train Santa will be on. If you're planning to return back to Fresno by train, don't forget to buy your return tickets, too. There are afternoon and early evening northbound trains from Hanford to Fresno:

717 northbound train departs Hanford at 2:47pm and arrives in Fresno at 3:22pm
719 northbound train departs Hanford at 5:05pm and arrives in Fresno at 5:43pm
703 northbound train departs Hanford at 7:46pm and arrives in Fresno at 8:23pm

Santa Claus Lane

Santa Claus Lane is a 16 house subdivision in Clovis, California, that coordinates their lights to music to put on a fun festive show from 6pm-10pm each night.

The first walking night is tomorrow, November 25, 2016, and this is a nice alternative if your kids are little and you are not up to the time commitment that comes with Christmas Tree Lane (first walking night Saturday,December 3rd, second and last Tuesday, December 13th). Other alternatives for walking and lights include Candy Cane Lane (aka Cindy Lane) and Huntington Blvd along with other smaller displays.

Happy Christmas!

FAMily Day- Fresno Art Museum

Sunday, December 11, 2016, is last Fresno Art Museum FAMily Day of the year.

The event is from 11am-4pm
Santa Claus will be there from 12pm-2pm, along with art projects, cookies, music, and more.

If you have a third grader in Fresno Unified School District, they are likely to have a piece of artwork in the student exhibition ART OF THE WORLD. (Keep in mind most of the pieces are in binders-so don't make this the only reason you come.)

Naturally, the museum is free of admission during the event, so it's a good time to get your kids in for free, especially if you have a big family. It will be crowded, so just mentally prepare for that. It's a great event and worth it.

Clovis Fest- Hot Air Balloons

It's true the dates have changed with the hope of cooler, comfortable weather. 
Admission and parking are free.

Clovis Fest takes place October 29 from 7am-5pm, October 30 from 8am-5pm
Be early (6am) for parking to ensure you get a spot before the balloons take off  

The balloons are at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds and take off is between 6:45am-7:15am

I always see amazing photos from this event. It is a cultural, carnival style event. read more in The Fresno Bee. 

RE/MAX will be offering free, first come, first serve, tethered balloon rides weather permitting.

Boo Fest at Sierra Vista Mall

Join the folks at the Sierra Vista Mall for the 2nd annual Boofest event!

Bring the family and enjoy this (free) community event from 4pm-9pm in front the of movie theater.

Spooky Pooch Parade @ 4pm at Center Court 

Costume Contest @ 6:30 pm at the Community Park

Movie in the Park after dark

Costume contests, carnival games, reptiles, face painting, bounce houses, emergency vehicles, Halloween photos, pumpkin decorating, and CANDY!!!!

After all the festivities make sure to stay for the Movie in the Park presented by Powell's Sweet Shoppe!

Sponsored by the Clovis Police Department, Powell's Sweet Shoppe, Pumpkin King, Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, and Ryan Barnes Photography

1050 Shaw Ave, Clovis, California 93612

Questions? Call 559-299-0660 or email nkhan@woodmont.com

Christmas Tree Lane Last Walking night

Visit National Parks Free April 16-24, 2016

Sammy and Sarah 2005 Sequioa and Kings Canyon National Park

The National Park Service together with The National Parks Foundation are offering a fee free week from April 16-24, 2016 to celebrate Earth Day, April 22.
Check out which parks are participating HERE and join in on a service project on Earth Day HERE.

Just Between Friends Consignment Event April 15-17, 2016

According to the facebook page:

Central Valley's Largest Children's & Maternity Event! Shop and find deals like you've never never seen before! Sell your own children's outgrown items as well!

Shop 50-90% BELOW retail on everything for your family!

We will have Spring and Summer clothes, shoes, baby equipment and gear, maternity items, feeding and bathing gear, bedding, room decor, outdoor and indoor toys, sports equipment, electronics, books, games, musical instruments and toys, baby and child furniture, strollers and so much more!

Thursday, April 14th
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
• 10am-7pm

Friday, April 15th
Open to the public
• 10am – 7pm

Saturday, April 16th
50% Off SALE!
• 10am – 3pm
*50% off sale on most items. Items with a star on their
tag remain full price.

For a complete sale schedule and details go to our website - www.Fresno.jbfsale.com

Shakespeare in the Park

Directed by Aaron Spjute, with an all-female cast Woodward Shakespeare Festival's 

Taming of the Shrew at the Festival Stage at Woodward Park. 

Come out Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm from July 24 to August 16.

 Admission is FREE, although donations are encouraged. Entry to the park is $5 per car. Use the Fort Washington Entrance of of Friant.

 It's hot, and it's free, but don't let it fool you. This actors' company is amazing and you will entertained every moment. This is their tenth anniversary. 

Additionally, if you have little ones, all the babysitter has to do is hang out while they sleep. Best date night ever. 

Join the event on Facebook.

 

Independence Day Events

Happy Independence Day!

How are you celebrating?

Here's some events happening in the Central Valley. It's hot, but we're use to it! 

FRIDAY

ABC30 & Island Water Park Fireworks Extravaganza3 nights of Fireworks
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6
Water Park opens at 10am each day
Fireworks at dusk


Livingston July Festival and Fireworks Show
July 4th, 5th and 6th at about 9:30 p.m.
Memorial Park and Livingston High School

Bass Lake Fireworks
6pm
Ducey's on the Lake
Marie Wilson's Band
39255 Marina View Drive
Bass Lake (this one is always very crowded)
Free

Clovis Freedom Fest
Buchanan High School
Gate open at 5pm
Fireworks at Dusk
1560 N Minnewawa
$5


Grizzlies Fireworks
Postgame fireworks
Chukchansi Park
1800 Tulare St
Fresno
$8-$40

Exeter Celebrates
Exeter City Park
7am-3pm pancake breakfast
2 mile walk, 10k run, horseshoe tournament
Chesnut and E streets
Fireworks at Dusk

Fowler Celebrates
Fowler High School
5pm
Randy Deaver and the Crossfire performance
Food and Fun
Fireworks at Dusk
701 E Main st.
Free

Madera Fireworks
Madera Municipal Golf Course
23200 Avenue 17
Free

Freedom Celebration Visalia
Giant Chevrolet-Cadillac Mineral King Bowl
6pm
Mineral King Avenue and Giddings Street
Visalia
Free

Reedley Spectacular
Reedley Sports Park
6pm
2453 E Dinuba Ave
$5 Adults
$3 Children, Seniors
Military Free


Sanger Independence Day Spectacular
Sanger High School Athletic Field
6:30pm
1045 Bethel

Fireworks Celebration Lemoore
Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino
Outdoor Pavilion
5pm
Carnival and Fireworks
17225 Jersey Ave
Lemoore

Atwater 4th of July
Castle Air Base
6pm
Concert and fireworks show. Gates close to the public at 9:15 p.m.
$5 per car, no walk-ins

Hanford "Proud to be an American"
Earl F. Johnson Park - Brown Street and Grangeville Blvd.
12pm
Kids activities, car show, food booths and beer, live music, swimming at Hanford High School.
Fireworks show at Hanford High School Neighbor Bowl at 9 p.m.

Tulare's 49th Annual Fireworks Spectacular
Tulare County Fairgrounds
6 pm
$5 per person, 6 and under is free
No ice chests or alcohol beverages are allowed.
 

SATURDAY

ABC30 & Island Water Park Fireworks Extravaganza3 nights of Fireworks
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6
Water Park opens at 10am each day
Fireworks at dusk
 

Mariposa County Park Ampitheater
4:30-6:30pm Hot Dog Dinner
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
4998 County Park Rd.
$17 Adults
$7 Children 12 and younger

Shaver Lake Fireworks
7-8pm Boat Parade and Fireworks
Free

Fireworks Festival
Chowchilla-Madera Fairgrounds
5-10pm
1000 S Third St.
Chowchilla
Free

Livingston July Festival and Fireworks Show
July 4th, 5th and 6th at about 9:30 p.m.
Memorial Park and Livingston High School

SUNDAY

Patriotic Musical: "God Bless the USA"
July 6th at 10:30 a.m.
Prosperity Avenue Baptist Church, 1781 E. Prosperity Ave., Tulare
DVD presentation and 20 voice choir featuring combined singers from Prosperity Avenue Baptist Church and VCM-Bible & Breakfast and directed by Joe and Norma Ivey in two performances

ABC30 & Island Water Park Fireworks Extravaganza3 nights of Fireworks
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6
Water Park opens at 10am each day
Fireworks at dusk

Livingston July Festival and Fireworks Show
July 4th, 5th and 6th at about 9:30 p.m.
Memorial Park and Livingston High School
Have a safe fourth of July!

Fresno Art-Hop

Galactic Pineapple by Sammy G Art

Have you heard of Art-Hop? It's an excellent date night.

Every first Thursday from 5pm-8pm of the month museums, galleries, shops and locals in downtown Fresno and in the Tower District invite the community in to mingle with artists enjoy their art work (and refreshments) gratis.

My husband Sammy G Art is presenting his No. 6 Solo Show at Gallery 25 this Thursday July 3, 2014. We'd love to see you. It's a free family friendly event.

Every third Thursday of the month, participating venues outside of downtown have their own Art-Hop. You can find more information at The Fresno Art Council and online at the Facebook Fresno Art-Hop Guide.

Cheers,

~Sarah

Fresno Library Summer Reading Program and ZappCon!

Come out and craft with ZappCon on Saturday at the Gillis Branch Library and participate in the book discussion and trivia regarding Divergent a novel by Veronica Roth. I'll be there, running crafts for ZappCon, including T-shirts, buttons, and bookmarks made by YOU (if you're a teen or volunteering). This event is free and teens that come will have a chance to win a badge to ZappCon happening this October 18-19th at the Fresno Convention Center! Learn more about this family friendly geek and gaming convention visit zappcon.com. For a full geeky tween, teen and young adult reading list check out this link.

Family Day at The Fresno Art Museum April 28th FREE

Come join the Fresno Art Museum at Family Day and Celebrate the Cultures of India inspired by the Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab! A FREE event from 11am-4pm April 28, 2012.  

2233 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93703 

(559) 441-4221

Entertainment Schedule:

11:15             Bonner Auditorim         Presentation on Bhangra Dancing

11:30             Sculpture Garden         Bhangra Dance Workshop

12:00             Bonner Auditorium       Gatka (Martial Art Demonstration)

12:00-3:00      Sculpture Garden         Mehndi Hand Painting

1:00               Sculpture Garden         Bollywood Dance Workshop

2:00               Bonner Auditorium       Presentation on Bhangra Dancing

2:30               Sculpture Garden         Bhangra Dance Workshop

3:30               Sculpture Garden         Bhangra Dance Workshop

*And you will have a chance to be

part of the art after you explore the museum looking for

PATTERNS IN ART

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GO INTO OUR CHILDSPACE GALLERY AND CLASSROOM

AND DRAW YOUR HAND DIRECTLY ON OUR WALL AND

FILL IT IN WITH PATTERNS, MEHNDI STYLE

This information is drawn directly from the Fresno Art Museum website.

Summer Camps: Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is offering summer camps including the following:


Music Camp: June 24-29, 2012
Students entering grades 6-12
Programs offered included woodwinds and brass, strings, voice, piano and contemporary worship, plus electives in jazz, chamber ensembles, music and drama, and music composition.

Sports Camp: Girl's Basketball: June 25-28 (camp #1- high school team camp) and August 6-9 (grades 4-12, camp #2)

                        Boy's Basketball: June 18-21 (grades 1-12 camp #1) and July 23-26 (camp #2), June 30 (shooting camp #1), July 21 (shooting camp #2)

                        Girl's Volleyball: July 2-4 (grades 5-8 individual skills camp), July 5-7 (grades 9-12 advanced skills camp), July 9-13 (grades 6-12 all skills camp #1), July 16-20 (grades 6-12 all skills camp #2)

                        Boy's and Girl's Soccer: June 16 (girls only), June 25-28 (early bird camp), July 9-13 (morning camp), July 23-26 (high school elite and goalkeeper camp), July 30-August 3 (day camp and junior goalkeeper camp) (ages 5-18)

                        Boy's and Girl's Swimming: June 11-15 (ages 10-18)

                        Baseball: July 9-13,  July 23-27 (ages 8-12)

                        Cheer:  June 27-29 (ages 6-12)


Junior University: June 18-22, 2012
Grades 2-8
Fresno Pacific University and AIMS Educational Foundation are sponsoring a week long math, science and technology summer camp.


For more detail click HERE or contact FPU at 559-453-2000


FPU
1717 S Chestnut Ave
Fresno CA 93702

April 21-22nd, Woodward Park Library Used Book Sale

Come support the Woodward Park Library by participating in its Semi Annual used book sale, located on 944 E Perrin near Champlain. The books for sale will be located in the meeting room for sale during normal library hours.

April 21st, 7am-1pm Boy Scout Troop 2 Yardsale and Carwash on Cedar and Bullard

This Saturday starting at 7am the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2, will be hosting at yardsale and carwash. For $10 you can get you car washed, dried, and vacuumed! Join them and show your support at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints parking lot on Cedar between Bullard and Barstow near Fresno State.