Thousands of visitors are expected in Old Town Clovis this weekend for the 51st annual ClovisFest, featuring hot air balloons, cultural performances, local businesses, food vendors, and family activities.

The festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, and is presented by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and Table Mountain Casino Resort.

Activities will begin around 6 a.m. both days at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds with the Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, presented by Noble Credit Union.

Visitors can watch a “dawn-fire” Balloon Glow as pilots prepare their balloons for launch, although flights will depend on wind and weather conditions. Breakfast burritos, coffee, drinks, and other breakfast items will be available for purchase.

Tethered balloon rides will also be offered for $25 per rider on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting.

Street Fair to Showcase What Is Local

The International Village, presented by Visit Fresno County, will return to Fourth Street between Pollasky and Woodworth avenues.

Performances will include the Fresno Danish Dancers, Hmong Cultural & Art Preserve, Sol Del Valle Clovis, Indian semi-classical dance, and other cultural groups. Cultural and informational booths will also highlight traditions represented throughout the region.

Made in Clovis will be held on Pollasky Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets, showcasing locally created businesses, technology, crafts, hobbies, and food products.

A Children’s Business Fair will be included Saturday and Sunday, allowing young entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products.

Awards for the top culinary, adult, and Children’s Business Fair entries will include Visa gift cards. Winners are scheduled to be announced Sunday at 3 p.m.

Family attractions will include a Kids Zone on Fifth Street with a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, martial arts demonstrations, and princesses. Inflatables, rides, and other attractions will be available on Fourth Street between Clovis and Pollasky avenues.

More than 250 craft and commercial vendors are expected, with items including jewelry, glassware, woodwork, and other goods.

Food vendors along Pollasky Avenue will offer festival staples such as cinnamon rolls, shaved ice, kettle corn, and corn dogs, along with gyros, spicy chicken, tacos, egg rolls, and other foods.

Where to Go

ClovisFest will stretch through Old Town Clovis from Third to Eighth streets and from Clovis Avenue to Woodworth Avenue.

Admission and parking are free.

Visitors attending the Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly can use the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, 748 Rodeo Drive, as their destination.

The street festival can be accessed near 325 Pollasky Ave.

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