3 minute read
Wonton Crunchies
from Big Hat Days 2023
Local food vendors, Cher Vang and Gao Yia Yang have been in business since 2014. In 2014 our husband and wife owned Wonton Crunchies began participating in events and festivals throughout California. For the past 8 years they have been serving their unique and delicious chicken wonton taco creations for thousands of customers at Big Hat Days and ClovisFest. The seasoned grilled chicken with shredded cabbages, carrots, and cilantro stuffed inside flaky crunchy wonton taco shells paired with teriyaki and a mild spicy sauce gives these tacos a taste that infuses multi-ethnic food flavors. They also serve a variety of fruit flavored infused ice teas that will quench your thirst. There is nothing like Wonton Crunchies at any festivals. Visit them in the Bullard Food Court during Big Hat Days.
Kim’s Birthday Party Petting Zoo
Central Valley’s premier mobile petting zoo and pony ride company will have miniature horses, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, miniature pigs, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens and ducks on display, and for only $10 a person you can brush, pet and take pictures with the animals of Kim’s Birthday Party Petting Zoo. Pony rides will be available for children under 65 pounds for an additional $12. Venmo, cash and all major credit cards accepted. Visit us on the corner of 7th and Pollasky during Big Hat Days and at kimspettingzoo.com
Big
Hat Days: Meet the vendors who encompass the spirit of this annual Clovis event
April is a special time in Clovis, California–it’s Rodeo month and the festivities kick off with the beloved Big Hat Days festival. The annual event celebrates Clovis’ rich history and culture, which is rooted by an entrepreneurial spirit.
The event, which has been held since 1938, is a two-day affair that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy music, food, and fun activities right in Old Town Clovis.
Dozens of businesses and food vendors line the streets sharing their labor of love with the community. The vendors that return each year are what make Big Hat Days so special.
Kim Sanders and her husband began A Taste of Paradise 17 years ago. Inspired by their trip to Hawaii, they opened the specialty shave ice stand with their first big event being Big Hat Days.
“It was a leap of faith for my husband and I to leave our ‘normal’ jobs and take our new business on the road,” Sanders said. “It was an instant hit and we have never looked back.”
Seventeen years later, you’ll find them out at Big Hat Days greeting all of their customers with a huge smile. They’ve also added Texas Twister drinks to their menu. They’re the only concession with the rights to sell the delicious beverages in California.
“I can’t ever imagine our business not being in the same spot at Big Hat Days. We love our city, customers and chamber staff,” Sanders said. “Our customers expect the best and we work hard to give them the best.
Big Hat Days kicks off our season every year and gets us set up to continue through ClovisFest and end at the Big Fresno Fair.”
No day out at Big Hat Days is complete without letting the kids go for a ride on the All Aboard Train.
Jayna and Jim Eager began their train rental business in 2009.
“After attending a festival, our three-year-old grandson decided that Papa needed to have a train,” said Jayna. “We do so many events.”
Eager says Big Hat Days is one of the biggest events their company does each year.
“We continue to be a vendor because we love coming to Clovis. We get to meet new vendors and new people every year. We also see regulars that come and ride our train year after year,” she said.
The Sanders and Eagers are only two of Big Hat Days’ loyal vendors, all of whom make the event memorable for everyone who attends.
In addition to food, carnival games and activity vendors, there are also plenty of artisans selling handmade goods and souvenirs.
Clovis Big Hat Days is a wonderful celebration of community and culture. It’s a great place for people to come together to enjoy all that Clovis has to offer. It’s important to shine a light on the businesses and vendors that make it happen year after year.
Don’t miss other events happening in Clovis this year including the annual Clovis Rodeo at the end of April, the year-round farmers market in Old Town Clovis and ClovisFest happening this September.