Old Town Clovis to host family fun, diverse cultural experience

The 44th annual free Table Mountain Casino ClovisFest is about to kick off this weekend in Old Town Clovis. Exotic foods, stimulating smells, and rich culture will fill the streets of downtown Clovis, Oct. 27-28. Thousands will flock to Old Town Clovis to participate in the activities such as food vendors, the International Village and craft booths. In fact, over 200 booths will surely provide something for most everyone. The Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m. each day.

However, the star of the show both days are the the hot air balloons which take off each morning at the Clovis rodeo grounds at 7 a.m. 

A big early attraction of the festival is the hot air balloons. The takeoff is located at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. The pilots will arrive at 6:15 a.m. and takeoff will occur around 7 a.m. While waiting for the event to begin, families can buy breakfast items that will be sold on site. Balloon rides are not able to the open public. 

Last year Feather journalists, Kamryn Schultz, ‘19, and alumnus Keith Zhu, ’18, experienced the hot air balloon rides first hand. Pilot Bob Hobbs flew the balloon with the journalists in it till its final destination near Children’s Hospital in Madera County. Schultz explains why she treasured this opportunity and all that came with the experience.

“It was just really fun because I never been on before,” Schultz said. “And it was on my bucket list. So when we were rising up in the air it was cool to see all of Fresno. We saw the mountains and it was super cool. It was a cool experience passing over my house and see my sister’s waving at me.”

To read last year’s article click, ClovisFest offers hot air balloons, family-friendly activities.

There are many new additions to the festival this year. One is the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau‘s ClovisFest International Village. This is an event where families can participate in different cultural activities and attend live performances. The festival includes more than 200 commercial vendor booths spanning 12 blocks. With so much adventure the fun will never end.

The following podcast features Carston Saelzler speaking with Kamryn Schultz about her 2017 ClovisFest hot air balloon ride.

The International Village will open with a grand ceremony at 9 Saturday morning and close 4 p.m. each day.

Diana Hunnicutt is a member of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, the group that puts on this festival. She shares why people of the Central Valley should come out and experience the revamped International Village.

“The International Village is a celebration of all cultures and backgrounds here in the Central Valley,” Hunnicutt said. “This event brings the community together as people are able to interact with others and get to know about the different cultures. We have 15 fifteen performing groups confirmed from throughout the Central Valley. It is an opportunity to experience different cultural performances and to visit them at the booths to learn more about their culture.”

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about diverse cultures – close to home in the Central Valley. Local schools are also encouraged to participate and can download the Clovis Chamber free Passport to Cultureand International Village flyer.

The newest attraction, the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau ClovisFest International Village, features live multicultural performances, storytelling and various booths selling international food and wares.

Hungry for some tasty food? Stop at the many tents and trucks along Pollasky Ave. for shaved ice, kettle corn, cotton candy, drinks, and more. At the Bullard Food Court, you’ll find a wide selection of past favorites and some new delicacies as well. Enjoy a cool refreshing drink or hot coffee with a wide branch of delectable and luscious treats to suit any taste throughout the whole ClovisFest event.

So come on out to the Table Mountain Casino ClovisFest and experience the diverse culture and fun that downtown Clovis has to offer. Bring your families to this free event this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27-28th.

Make sure to stay tuned to the Feather Online and Feather social media for more news on this event!

The video below teases the upcoming full recap video of two Feather staffers ride in the Remax hot air balloon at ClovisFest during media day, Oct. 26 at 7 a.m. Thanks to the crew of ReMax and pilot Bob Locklin for an extended interview and spectacular ride over Clovis and north Fresno.

The Clovis Chamber has a booth to buy tickets for tethered hot air balloon rides located toward the back of the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. Each ticket is $10–cash only. The booth is open at 7 a.m. and riders must be at least four years old and accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.

Carston Saelzler can be reached via email.

The slideshow below includes images from the Clovis Fest event.

Gallery • 8 Photos