The 49th annual Clovis Fest draws crowds from all over the valley to celebrate the coming of fall, Sept. 28-29.

Hundreds of people had already gathered at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds before 6 am to get a good look at the balloons. Eight balloons were set up by their respective teams between 6 and 7 a.m.. Viewers watched in awe as the balloon teams shot fire from the burners, signaling that the baskets were ready. By 7 a.m., the crowd had swelled to thousands, eagerly anticipating the first balloon launch.

Once the first balloon took off around 7 a.m., attention shifted to the vendors. Local vendors had begun setting up their merchandise in Old Town Clovis as early as 5 a.m.. A distinct element of the festival allowed children to sell their goods. An FCS student, Oliva Guerrero, ’27, was one of these young entrepreneurs. She and a friend set up a booth to sell hand-quilled cards from their business, Creative and Co.

“I participate in Clovis Fest because it is a way for me to share my art with others and it’s an opportunity for all young entrepreneurs. Clovis Fest helps me learn how to run a business, manage money and communicate with costumers!”

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Selah Neal

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