Big Hat Days 2024

86TH ANNUAL

BIG HATS, BIG FOOD, BIG THRILLS, BIG FUN!

Big Hat Days celebrating 86 years in Old Town Clovis

Get ready for Old Time Fun in Old Town Clovis! — celebrate 86 years of Wild West Revelry April 6 & 7 at Big Hat Days!

Clovis is steeped in a history of rugged farmers, cowboys, and loggers who shaped the town. In 1938, a jamboree honored Clovis’ cowboys and farmers, and the tradition of donning iconic hats began. For 86 years, locals have kept this tradition alive, and now, it’s time for another rip-roaring celebration!

Organized by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Big Hat Days has grown into the largest, free street festival in the Central Valley. Stretching across 15 blocks of Old Town Clovis, the event offers family-friendly shopping, festival foods, and entertainment.

The success of this lively celebration is owed to the unwavering support of the community, with countless volunteers, sponsors, and the City of Clovis joining forces. A special tip of the hat to our presenting sponsor, Table Mountain Casino Resort, for transforming Big Hat Days into the ultimate destination for family fun, delicious eats, and unique shopping!

Round up your family and head to Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Avenue on April 6 (9 am to 6 pm) and April 7 (9 am to 5 pm). Free parking is available in surrounding lots and at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, with handicap parking at the Water Tower lot, North of the Rodeo Grounds.

Prepare for a day of shopping, delicious food, and family fun at the Kids Zone and carnival rides. Cool off at the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden, where live country tunes will have you two-stepping

all weekend (21 and over only).

Big Hat Days boasts a diverse shopping experience, from handmade artisan pieces to home goods, fine photography, arts and crafts, clothing, children’s toys, and, of course, BIG hats. Explore commercial business exhibits showcasing local goods and services.

Food lovers, rejoice! Indulge in your festival favorites like kettle corn, cinnamon rolls, shaved ice, corn dogs, and delicious tacos along Pollasky Avenue. Savor mouthwatering treats such as crispy Kentucky chicken, BBQ, and crunchy wonton tacos – the best street cuisine the Central Valley has to offer.

The Kids Zone and Carnival Rides will keep the little ones entertained with bounce houses, games of skill, face painters, balloon artists, a petting zoo, and pony rides.

At the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden on Bullard and Woodworth, kick up your heels to the country tunes of local bands all day. The Clovis Chamber of Commerce proudly continues the tradition of hosting Big Hat Days, drawing thousands all the way from San Joaquin Valley to Clovis each year.

Stay updated by visiting the Clovis Chamber’s Big Hat Days Facebook page for vendor, band, and event updates, and follow the hashtag #BIGHAT24.

Load up the wagon, don your favorite Big Hat, and make your way to Big Hat Days in Old Town Clovis on April 6 & 7, 2024. Proud of our cowboy heritage, we invite our community to join in the celebration of Clovis’ finest. Whether you are a returning attendee or a

first-timer, it’s high time you experienced the thrill of Big Hat Days in Clovis! Enjoy the ride, partners!

BIG HAT DAYS Attractions

Experience the exhilaration at Big Hat Days 2024 with an array of captivating attractions that promise big fun for the whole family! Prepare for a nostalgic carnival adventure with an exciting selection of rides and games. Dive into the whimsy of a mini Teacups Ride, boasting six independently spinning cups on a central plate, offering a delightful taste of Disneyland magic. Take a wild ride on the Crazy Bus, a swinging School Bus for a thrilling side-to-side adventure. For the thrill-seekers, join the queue for The Wrecking Ball, an adrenalinepumping experience of swinging and spinning simultaneously.

For those seeking a different kind of excitement, hop on the Dune Buggies or

enjoy a leisurely ride on the Ferris Wheel. These attractions and more await you along 4th street between Clovis Avenue & Woodworth, and along Pollasky Avenue between 8th and 9th streets.

As you stroll through Old Town, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with face painting, personalized balloon animals, and an enchanting photo booth featuring your beloved Disney princesses or superheroes. Big Hat Days goes beyond with a petting zoo housing exotic, petable animals and pony rides tailored for the little ones. Brace yourself for the grandeur of the 86th Annual Big Hat Days – where excitement knows no bounds!

SPONSOR Spotlight

For 86 remarkable years, the vibrant community of Clovis and its surrounding areas have come together to celebrate the cherished tradition of Big Hat Days. The Clovis Chamber of Commerce is immensely grateful for the privilege of hosting this beloved two-day event each year. Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we express our sincere thanks to our invaluable partners and sponsors, whose unwavering support has made this year’s Big Hat Days bigger and better than ever before!

We are thrilled to welcome Table Mountain Casino Resort as the presenting sponsor of Big Hat Days. Their dedication to community involvement and commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment align perfectly with the spirit of our festival. Together, we aspire to create an even more memorable and enjoyable experience for our attendees.

Michelle Heredia-Cordova, Tribal Chairperson of Table Mountain Rancheria, shares, “Partnering with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce is a natural extension of our dedication to community development. We firmly believe that a thriving business community is the backbone of a strong and prosperous city. By collaborating with the Clovis Chamber, we strive to contribute actively to the local economy and create an environment where businesses can flourish.” Be sure to visit the Table Mountain Casino Resort booth at

the corner of Pollasky and Bullard Avenue to say hello and express your gratitude!

The Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden and live entertainment stage are among the most popular features of Big Hat Days, and we are delighted to have Donaghy Sales and Michelob ULTRA as our exclusive beer sponsors. Our Big Hat Days volunteers will be on hand to greet you with a cold drink as you enjoy live country music and dancing! Visit the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden at Bullard and Woodworth next to the Clovis Elks Lodge. Please note that you must be 21 years of age or older to enter.

A warm invitation is extended to our local businesses to participate as sponsors for Big Hat Days. This year, we are delighted to announce Club Pilates, European Wax-Clovis, and K1 Speed-Clovis as event sponsors, each hosting a booth on the corners of 5th and Pollasky. Additionally, event sponsors, Mosquito Joe will be located on Pollasky between 5th and Centennial Plaza, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers on the corner of 7th and Pollasky, and Valley First Credit Union and Balanced Comfort Cooling-Heating-Plumbing on the corner of 4th and Pollasky.

In addition to our event sponsors, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce is profoundly grateful for the invaluable support of our Premier Partners throughout the year: Visit Fresno County, Caglia Environmental, and Noble Credit

Union. A heartfelt thank you goes out to these community-minded organizations.

Big Hat Days would not achieve the success it does without the support of our media partners, who spread the word and advertise our events to the community. For that, we extend our gratitude to KMPH Fox 26/CW 59, with a booth on Pollasky just north of 5th Street and iHeartMedia, with a booth on Pollasky at the Centennial Plaza.

Pepsi has been a steadfast partner of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, providing bottled water, tea, and soda booths throughout the festival. A special thank you is extended to the Boy Scouts of America, Sequoia Council Troops, for operating the booths. Stop by to show your support by grabbing an iced-cold Pepsi beverage.

The Clovis Rodeo Association, a time-honored part of the Clovis community for 110 years, has been a great partner to the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, generously providing the use of the Rodeo Grounds for our events. Free Big Hat Days parking is available at the Rodeo Grounds with the assistance of our wonderful future community leaders from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 459.

As the Clovis Chamber takes over the streets of Old Town Clovis each year, we express our appreciation to the local business community for allowing the use of their property and parking lots. A big thank you goes out to Central Valley

Community Bank, Educational Employees Credit Union, Cigars LTD., and all businesses in Old Town Clovis for their support and cooperation.

Hosting Big Hat Days is no small feat, and our incredible volunteers make it all happen! This year, we anticipate having about 100 volunteers from various backgrounds, including students from Clovis Unified School District, Clovis Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Ambassadors, service members, business owners, church groups, and community leaders. Their dedication and effort contribute to making Big Hat Days a fun and successful event.

Our partnership with the City of Clovis is instrumental in allowing the Clovis Chamber of Commerce to continue hosting Big Hat Days. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Clovis Police Department, Clovis Fire Department, Clovis Utilities, the City of Clovis Administration, the Clovis City Council, and all other departments that contribute to making Clovis a great place to live and do business.

On behalf of the Clovis Chamber Board of Directors and the dedicated Clovis Chamber of Commerce staff, we extend a heartfelt THANK YOU and hope that each and every one of you has a wonderful time at the 86th Annual Big Hat Days!

Greg Newman, President and CEO Clovis Chamber of Commerce

VENDOR Spotlight

Aguas Las Rancheritas

Aguas Las Rancheritas is a women owned business. We offer a variety of snacks and Aguas frescas. Our main goal is to always provide the best customer service and have clients leave with a smile. We started our Agua fresca small business because we wanted to bring something different to the Central Valley and make sure it’s not your average agua fresca! We have been in Business for almost 3 years now and you can find us at Riverpark Farmers Market on Tuesday’s and Saturday’s and events like Big Hat Day and ClovisFest. Soon you’ll be able to find us at our Brick and Mortar on First and McKinley in Fresno this summer! Visit us at Big Hat Days in the Bullard Food Court!

Cathy’s House of Bread

I’m Cathy Fairrweather, owner of Cathy’s House of Bread. Participating in Big Hat Days fills me with excitement! I arrived in the US four years ago from Honduras, eager to share our culture through traditional bread.

I have faced an interesting challenge: crafting delicious, yet low-sugar options. And seeing my clients, including those with sugar sensitivities enjoy my creations brings me joy. You can find me at booth E-29 on Pollasky, between 4th and 5th streets, in front of Revival 23. Follow me for more delicious goodies on Instagram and Facebook @cathyshouseofbread.

Kandie’s Candies

Kandie’s Candies Freeze Dried Candy is once again setting up a huge space near the bandstand area! We have over 50 varieties of freeze dried candy to choose from! Old school candies that will satisfy and remind you of being a kid again and new candy that is always a crowd pleaser!!!  We will have a huge sampling table so if you’re up for an unforgettable experience, STOP BY our booth at Big Hat Days located on Pollasky just in front of House of Juju or follow us for more goodie news @ kandiescandies on Facebook!

the Poop Fairies

Don’t miss your chance for an iconic photo-op at Big Hat Days 2024 with The Poop Fairies! Find them on 5th St. between Pollasky and Clovis Ave. Discover event specials for pet waste removal, yard sanitizing, and turf deodorizing! Be mesmerized as they work their magic with a wave of their scooper – I mean, wand! Elevate your outdoor living alongside hundreds of local pet owners who’ve already found backyard paradise, free from pet messes. Leave the dirty work to The Poop Fairies and secure your spot on The Poop Loop at the event or online at www.thepoopfairies.com

Savage Serenity Med Spa

Enhance your beauty at Savage Serenity Med Spa, Fresno’s premier onestop destination. Elevate your glow with Botox, fillers, threads, microneedling, and advanced lasers for hyperpigmentation and skin tightening. Indulge in rejuvenating facials, IVs, Skinny Shots, waxing, and more. Visit us at our booth on 5th Street just outside Rodeo Cafe or visit us at our Fresno location at 997 E Champlain Dr #160, Fresno, CA 93720. Call us at (559) 388-8726 to book your appointment today. Empowering everyone to feel and look their best!

CLOVIS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

Disasters can strike suddenly and catch us off guard, leaving us without essential services like gas, water, electricity, or communication. While local officials and emergency responders work tirelessly to help, they may not reach everyone immediately. That’s where prepared citizens come in.

By joining the Clovis Emergency Response Team (CERT), you can be part of the solution. CERT equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to disasters. From fire safety to light search and rescue, CERT training covers a range of essential areas. By becoming a CERT member, you can provide crucial support to your neighborhood and

workplace during times of crisis when professional help might be delayed.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and handson simulations, CERT members learn how to assist others in their community when emergency services are stretched thin. By working together as a team, CERT members play a vital role in the city’s disaster recovery efforts, ensuring that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible. Join CERT today and make a difference in your community’s preparedness and resilience. Become a CERT Volunteer! For more information contact: The City of Clovis CERT Coordinator at 559-324-2217 or CERT@ cityofclovis.com.

DISCOVER FIVE MORE REASONS to Embrace Big Hat Days

Year after year, residents and out-of-town guests alike unite to revel in the festivities of Big Hat Days in Old Town Clovis. This ageold tradition, spanning eightysix years, serves as a splendid occasion to gather with loved ones, partake in merriment, and welcome the enchanting spring season.

Yet, did you realize there are a myriad of additional reasons why Big Hat Days holds significant importance as an annual spectacle? Here are five compelling reasons to cherish Big Hat Days:

Cultural Tapestry

Each locality possesses a distinctive character shaped by a combination of its nurturing environment and inherent traits. The origin of Clovis occurred through the convergence of the railroad and lumber industries in the early 1890s, giving birth to the City of Clovis. Rooted in the values and traditions of its early settlers, this rural community prospered over a century.

The Clovis Rodeo, inaugurated in 1914, evolved into an annual tradition occurring on the last weekend of April. In 1938, Big Hat Days emerged as a prelude to April, locally dubbed “Rodeo Month.”

Shawn Miller, City of Clovis Business Development Manager says this about Big Hat Days, “It runs in our veins,” underscoring its significance as a beloved tradition deeply woven into the fabric of our local culture.

Boosting Local Commerce

Clovis hosts over 200 outdoor community events annually, recognizing the community’s affinity for these gatherings and the boon they bring to merchants. Big Hat Days, drawing thousands of attendees to Clovis each year, serves as a magnet for potential customers, providing local businesses with a significant economic boost.

Local and Regional Economic Ripple Effect

The multitude of Big Hat Days attendees surpasses the

permanent population of the City of Clovis. Each attendee contributes an average amount of disposable income, creating a substantial economic impact. Visitors from out of town, particularly those lodging in local hotels, contribute higher amounts into the local economy. These tourist expenditures generate increased sales transactions, benefitting various businesses such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, Big Hat Days vendors, gas stations, and transportation companies. This influx of “new money” circulates within the community, fostering a vibrant economic ecosystem in the Central Valley. Miller added, “Events like these are more than celebrations; they are economic catalysts, infusing vitality into our local economy and providing a thriving heartbeat for our community.”

Incubator for Entrepreneurs

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce, guided by its mission to advocate for a thriving business environment, extends its support

beyond established businesses to encompass small startups. Big Hat Days provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, fostering the growth of a dedicated customer base.

Philanthropic Opportunities for Nonprofits

Big Hat Days serves as a platform for nonprofit and community-based organizations to disseminate their mission and raise funds. The Clovis Chamber of Commerce facilitates this by offering cost-effective booth spaces for nonprofits and creating opportunities for local organizations to fundraise through various tasks during the event, including set-up and ongoing maintenance.

These five aspects shed light on how Big Hat Days surpasses being just a street fair, serving as a pivotal force that fortifies the entire region in ways frequently underestimated. In the words of Clovis Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Newman, “Because this event is a shared possession of the entire community.”

THE 110th CLOVIS RODEO

Saddle up, folks! If you’re yearning for a taste of the Wild West, join us at the 110th Clovis Rodeo from April 24-28, 2024. A staple of the final weekend in April, this renowned event in Fresno County stands as one of the grandest rodeos in the entire nation. Organized by a passionate bunch of volunteers, this spectacle aims to uphold the cattle ranching legacy, the spirit of professional rodeo, and the revered Clovis way of life. For the latest updates and event schedule, mosey on over to www. clovisrodeo.com.

Get ready for a rip-roaring time! PRCA Xtreme Bull Riding, three stellar concerts featuring rising stars in Country Music, and four days of Professional Rodeo Cowboy Action, complemented by delectable grub and a variety of entertainment, will make this weeklong event a hoot. It’s a three-hour jamboree filled with both timed and rough stock rodeo events.

In the rough stock rodeo showdowns — bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding — a cowboy’s score hinges on both his performance and the wild antics of the bull or bucking horse. To notch a qualified ride, a cowboy’s got to hold on tight

One of Fresno County’s Most Popular Events Helping

for a solid 8 seconds. Meanwhile, in the timed events — steer wrestling, team roping, tiedown roping and barrel racing — cowboys and cowgirls on the other side of the arena race against the clock for the fastest time in the saddle.

Our Rodeo Association recognizes it’s Clovis’ rich and storied history that sets this community apart. The dedicated volunteers believe that remembering one’s roots, and the grit it took to reach this point, fosters a deeper appreciation for the days ahead. The rodeo, even to this day, remains a time for friends, family, and neighbors to gather ‘round, tip their hats, and revel in each other’s company.

What once started as a quaint festival over a century ago has now transformed into a professional sporting spectacle that lures champion cowboys and cowgirls from across the globe. Bringing this extravaganza together requires over 50,000 fans, almost 800 cowboys and cowgirls, 350 top-tier livestock, 8,000 pounds of tri-tip, and a whole year of meticulous planning. The rodeo rustles up over $15 million in economic blessings for the City of Clovis and its neighboring regions.

Grab your tickets online at www.clovisrodeo.com or visit the Clovis Rodeo ticket office Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and starting April 1, 2024 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The rodeo grounds, nestled on Clovis Avenue between Bullard and Barstow in the heart of downtown Clovis, offer an easy stroll from any of the cozy hotels in the community. And here’s a little nugget for ya – parking at the rodeo grounds won’t cost you

So, polish up that belt buckle, dust off your hat, and slide into your boots for the Clovis Rodeo. No boots? No fretting, partner! Local merchants throughout the community have your back, offering all you might need to fully embrace the event. Swing by clovisrodeo.com for the full lowdown, additional info, and a calendar bursting with rodeo activities in Clovis, California. Let’s make it a rootin’, tootin’ good time, y’all!