Guide to the 49th Annual
ClovisFest & Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as Old Town Clovis bursts into life with the highly anticipated ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly!
This year’s festival is brought to you by the generous folks at Table Mountain Casino Resort and promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, presented by Noble Credit Union, is the perfect way to start your Saturday and Sunday mornings! Arrive early around 6:00 am at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds to witness the breathtaking “morning-fire” Balloon Glow. Watch in awe as vibrant balloons take shape and prepare for launch (weather permitting). Indulge in delicious breakfast items, specialty coffees, and refreshing drinks available for purchase on-site. A big shoutout to Ferrellgas for their generous propane sponsorship.
International Village, presented by Visit Fresno County, is a cultural extravaganza you won’t want to miss! Head to the International Village stage on 4th Street between Pollasky & Woodworth Avenues and enjoy daily live performances from the Celtic Motion Dance Company, Clovis Heiwa Taiko, Brazen Tassel Belly Dance, and so many more. Dive into our community’s rich cultural tapestry with informative booths that will entertain and educate all ages.
Made In Clovis, presented by the City of Clovis, is your go-to spot for discovering local talent and innovation.
Located on Pollasky between 7th & 8th streets, this section is a showcase of inventive businesses, crafts, technology, and delicious local foods. Plus, don’t miss the special Children’s Business Fair, where young entrepreneurs will
set up their own booths to showcase and sell their amazing creations. It’s a chance to support the next generation of innovators!
Kids Zone is bursting with fun! Find it on 5th Street and let your little ones enjoy a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, and magical princesses from Something Enchanted. Travel back to the medieval era with the Kerney Renaissance Faire or enjoy fantastic inflatables, rides, and attractions on 4th Street between Clovis and Pollasky Avenues.
Craving delicious bites? Wander down Pollasky Avenue and savor a variety of food vendors offering everything from savory BBQ, corn dogs and shaved ice to cultural favorites like tacos and teriyaki bowls. There’s something to satisfy every palate!
With over 200 craft and commercial vendor booths, you’re in for a treat as you browse unique jewelry, art, exquisite glassware, handcrafted woodworks, and one-of-a-kind finds that you simply won’t see anywhere else.
The Clovis Chamber of Commerce and Table Mountain Casino Resort are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the Best of Clovis at ClovisFest on September 2829. The festival takes place on the vibrant streets of Old Town Clovis. Best of all, entrance and parking are absolutely FREE! For Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, set your GPS to 748 Rodeo Dr. for lift-off and enjoy free parking afterward. For the festival, head to 325 Pollasky Ave. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and get ready to experience the magic of ClovisFest!
Sanger Reedley Vista
Photo by Paul Mullins
Air
Get ready for the majestic Hot Air Balloons that will float over Clovis during ClovisFest. BalloonMeister, “Magic” Bob Locklin is bringing another group of beautiful balloons and fantastic pilots from all over California to WOW the ClovisFest crowds.
The ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly takes place in the Clovis Rodeo grounds at 6:00 AM each day of ClovisFest. It’s a magical family experience that is free to the public. The ClovisFest Hot Air balloon pilots will come out early before dawn each day of the event and give the crowd
a thrill by blowing fire into the early morning sky. Watching a Hot Air Balloon inflate, and the orchestrated movements of the balloon crew is a marvel to behold.
This year ClovisFest will be offering balloon tether rides on both Saturday and Sunday mornings from the rodeo grounds for a small fee. The ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly is presented by Noble Credit Union along with our propane sponsor, Ferrellgas. For more information visit www.clovischamber.com.
What is the cost of a tethered balloon ride?
The cost is $20 per person for adults and children. First come, first served. Space is limited, weather permitting. Reservations are not accepted.
How many people can go up in a tethered balloon at once?
The number of people that can go up is determined by the size of the individuals in a given group. Generally, 2-3 people may go on a tethered balloon ride together. Number of people is determined by the Balloon pilot.
BALLOON RIDES
How high does the tethered balloon go?
A tethered balloon ride goes up approximately 50-75 feet high.
Restrictions
No pets of any kind. The rider’s weight is limited to 250 lbs. Riders must be over 36” tall and able to stand without assistance. Riders must be physically able to climb into basket without assistance. Riders may be subject to intense heat, loud noises and sudden movements.
GRAVITY’S RAINBOW
GARY JONES PACIFIC GROVE, CA
RE/MAX DAVE WAKEFIELD SACRAMENTO, CA
WHIRLYGIG EILEEN JONES PACIFIC GROVE, CA
XFINITY REWARDS JACOB LITTLE GLENDALE, AZ
TECHNICOLOR DREAM JOE LAMBERTI STOCKTON, CA
SUMMER BREEZE ALTA FERNANDEZ TURLOCK, CA
FREE SPIRIT DANA THORNTON SAN JOSE, CA
DESERT DRIFTER KYLEE REEDER SMARTVILLE, CA
MAGIC MOMENTS 6
PETER PIERRE FRESNO, CA
TRANSITION
KIM LYNCH WINCHESTER, CA
SIERRA BLUE KELLY COUCH MINDEN, NV
VILLAGE
CULTURE | DANCE | MUSIC | FOOD
The Clovis Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fresno County are thrilled to present the highly anticipated seventh annual International Village at ClovisFest! This year’s event is set to be more vibrant and exciting than ever before. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th, as ClovisFest attendees will once again have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural diversity of our community.
Located on 4th Street and Pollasky, the International Village will feature an array of cultural booths where visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and artifacts of various cultures from around the globe. This is your chance to experience the world without leaving Clovis!
In addition to the cultural displays, you can sit back and enjoy captivating
live performances from over a dozen cultural dance and music groups. This year’s lineup includes favorites like Celtic Motion Dance Company, Fale Polynesia, Yoztaltepetl Aztec Group, and many new acts that will bring the stage to life throughout the weekend.
Grab some delicious food, bring the family, and settle in for an unforgettable cultural journey on Saturday, September
28th, and Sunday, September 29th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on how you can participate in the International Village, contact events@clovischamber.com.
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of global culture—see you at ClovisFest 2024!
Fale Polynesia yo ZTalT e P e T l
Fale Polynesia is a Polynesian Cultural Art’s School under the direction of ‘Ofaloto Kumā & Kanani Asuega. Fale opened in May of 2024 at two locations- one in Costa Mesa, Ca and the other in Fresno, Ca. Directors, ‘Ofaloto and Kanani, started Fale Polynesia to share the Polynesian cultures through
music and dance lessons. They named their school Fale(house) Polynesia because their truest intention is to create a home for Polynesians and Polynesian enthusiasts. ‘Ofaloto is the mastermind behind all of the musical creations at Fale. Paired with lead choreographer, Kanani Asuega, together they combine their mana’o and artistic vision to share the beauties of the Polynesian islands. Fale Polynesia values the cultures of Polynesia and implements this into their teaching. We share the stories of our ancestors, introduce language, and incorporate historical lessons. As a Cultural Art’s School we intend to guide our dancer’s to become more knowledgeable and intentional with this practice. Following a solid foundation of knowledge in the cultures, we add a strong level of training. Join our classes and enrich your life with the Arts of Polynesia! Find us on IG @ falepolynesia.fresno or visit our website at falepolynesia.com.
Yoztaltepetl is an Aztec dance group, founded by Gloria Guerrero and her 2 sons in the 90’s in Clovis, California. Gloria Guerrero and her family originate from Mexico City. She brought with her the knowledge and wanted to share that with the community. Initially, one of her son’s was the drummer and the other the dancer. Slowly, over the years, Yoztaltepetl grew with members of the community from all ages, genders, and backgrounds. With the help of members, Gloria teaches choreography and music with different drums. This form of dance represents ceremony and prayer. Every movement and step has a meaning. Every song has a story. Every song is a prayer. Each drum beat represents our heartbeat. We love sharing our culture with our community. And we encourage anyone interested in participating to give it a try. We share through culture, dance and arts.
“Made in Clovis” Returns to ClovisFest 2024
The much-loved Made In Clovis section is back for its fourth year at ClovisFest, taking place on Pollasky between 7th & 8th streets.
This vibrant showcase is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the incredible talent within our community. Whether it’s an ingenious invention that solves a problem or a unique creation that brings joy, Made In Clovis is where these remarkable ideas come to life.
This year, on September 28th and 29th, 2024, Old Town Clovis will once again host a diverse group of participants in the Made In Clovis section of ClovisFest. From tech wizards and crafters to food artisans, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students, and commercial organizations, this event will feature a wide array of items, inventions, and ideas spanning categories such as technology, food, crafts, and more.
Participants from previous years have shared how the event has transformed their businesses. Cassie Gray from Threads of Gray, a 2023 Made In Clovis vendor, said, “What a great opportunity it gave me to connect with the community and grow my small business. I feel beyond blessed to have showcased my creations.”
Don’t miss the Children’s Business Fair Fresno/Clovis, which will also be featured in the Made In Clovis section. This inspiring fair will showcase young entrepreneurs, aged 6-17, who will present their creative and innovative products. These talented young minds are ready to impress with their ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Children’s Business Fair Fresno/Clovis director
Mykel Suntrapak says “We are thrilled to be part of the 49th Annual ClovisFest. The Children’s Business Fair is excited to collaborate and share space with Made In Clovis. This year, we will have 115 young entrepreneurs joining us for the two-day event, which is our largest group of kids yet. This event is all about empowering kids to take charge! They have dedicated time and effort to every aspect of their businesses, from creating business plans to marketing, presenting, and perfecting their products. Get ready to explore a variety of handcrafted items like jewelry, slime, toys, art, and much more –all created by these talented young minds!”
For more information, visit www.cvye.org or email cbffresnoclovis@gmail.com.
“Made In Clovis is a fantastic opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their products, engage with the public, and receive valuable feedback that can propel them to success. Participants from the past three years have gone on to achieve great things, with many crediting their experience at Made In Clovis as the catalyst. We’re eager to see what this year’s participants will bring to the table, and we anticipate another full house, so I encourage anyone interested in participating to register as soon as possible,” said Shawn Miller, City of Clovis Business Development Manager. Sponsored by the City of Clovis and organized by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Made In Clovis promises to be an exciting and inspiring event, highlighting the best our community has to offer.
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Ohana Whip Wagon
Ohana Whip Wagon was created from a family’s love for the tropical islands of Hawaii and the same love for Disney. We serve Dole Pineapple Soft Serve (aka Dole Whip) and a proper rendition of a malasada in our hot, fresh, and made-to-order mini donuts coated with pure cane sugar. You will see our Aloha in our friendly staff and authentic Hawaiian flavors! You can follow us on social media @Ohanawhipwagon. You can find us in the food court on Bullard at ClovisFest. ~Mahalo
