Thousands in the community awake before sunrise to see hot air balloons take flight. This 48th annual tradition of Clovis Fest sprinkles the local skies with hot air balloons each morning from the Clovis Fairgrounds, Sept. 23. 

As the sun slowly starts to peek out from behind the trees, you can hear the sound of enormous fuel tanks igniting. Children, grandparents, friends, and families gather to watch the launching of balloons.  Walking through the grounds at 7:30 a.m., aeronauts prepare balloons to take flight in every direction, backlit by the sun, creating a stunningly colorful view.

Vendors for the festival open on twelve different blocks throughout downtown Clovis. More than 200 commercial and craft booths share their goods. One block is dedicated to the Children’s Business Fair, giving kids the opportunity to bring their own businesses to the public.

Olivia Guerrero, ‘27, sells hand-quilled cards through her business, Creative and Co. Guerrero runs this company with her partner, Tessa Zook. Creative and Co returns for their second year of the business fair, which helps them gain more experience as entrepreneurs.

“The business fair helps promote us and shows us what it is like to have a pop-up with other businesses,” Guerrero says.

Next big event for City of Clovis is their annual Boo Fest, Oct. 20

Gallery • 7 Photos

Giada Gilmore Young

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