
ClovisFest celebrates 40th anniversary
In 1974 a small craft fair was held in a parking lot in Old Town Clovis. Throughout, the last forty years the roadside attraction has grown to encompass a total of eight blocks
. ClovisFest is currently one of the largest annual attractions of the area with over 230 craft and business booths, about 12 dozen food venders, live entertainment, a carnival and hot air balloons. This year Clovis Fest was held Sat.-Sun. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at its traditional location on Pollasky Ave, Sept. 20-21.
Long time ClovisFest attendee Ron Sundquist founded The Clovis Museum in 1987 and served as the foundations first director and curator for 16 years. He is currently a photographer for the Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Round up Newspaper. During ClovisFest, Sundquist often doubles as Sheriff Clomar, a legendary lawman from Clovis?s lesser known history.
Sundquist says that ClovisFest acts as a prelude to the fall season and is among the numerous events offered within the community
“The ClovisFest is the first introduction into the fall season,” Sundquist said with camera in hand. “It is one of the last big events of fall until the Christmas Parade in December. Other organizations have antique fairs in Clovis during the interim between what the chamber has. Clovis is an active community it has many activities for you.”
Various booths lined the streets, some with vibrant colored banners and advertisements. One of these booths was that of Arlene Cromer. Cookie Lee is a second year returning booth that advertises “fine fashionable jewelry at affordable prices”. Cromer says that she enjoys the large crowds of people and hopes to return in future years.
“My favorite thing about this year is that there are so many people and so many venders,” Cromer said. “Today we have been fairly successful. Hopefully, God willing, we will be able to return next year.”
In addition to crafts several charities adorned Polasky Avenue including Pink Heals, a foundation for Cancer awareness. A large pink fire truck signed by those effected was parked in front of the booth alongside a similarly decorated police car.
The Society of Cruelty Prevention(SPCA) also made an appearance. They offered pet adoption for a variety of dogs and cats. The Grey hound adoption center was present as well with a number of their dogs.
Spectator Mark (unidentified last name) lives in Springfield Missouri. When he visits relatives in the area he often attends ClovisFest. Mark says that he partakes in ClovisFest because of the unique products sold there.
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“I come just for all of the different things that they sell here that they don?t sell back from where I?m from,” Mark said. “I like the friendliness of the people and the open air feel about it.”
A number of street performers also contributed to the festivities drawing large crowds. Among them was a magician, a woman dressed as Disney’s Ariel and a women dressed as Disney’s Elsa who performed “Let it go” acapella.
Courtney Lowitz attended Clovis Fest with her booth Leah B Boutique this year. The 22 year old grew up in the Clovis area and recalls attending the event from a young age. She says that the best thing about the ClovisFest is the liveliness and unity it brings to the surrounding community.
“I like the diversity of the venders including the food and selling venders,” Lowitz said. “The balloons and the little train that comes around makes it?s a great experience. I think it just allows people to be free and take pride in community involvement.”
Aside from the variety of booths, attractions and food offered at ClovisFest, there is also a Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly. The balloonist arrive as early as 5:45 a.m. and are scheduled to fly from 6:15 a.m.-7:15 a.m.. The Fun Fly has 8-10 participants and occurs both Sat.-Sun., Sept. 20-21.
For more information on ClovisFest, Sept 22 article, Flying high, Clovisfest excites crowd (SLIDESHOW) or last years article ClovisFest hosts 39th annual event, flies hot air balloons.
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