The free event features professional skate demonstrations from legends including Christian Hosoi, Bryce Wettstein, Christopher Hiett, Zach Doelling, Dalton Dern, and Christopher Pierre-Jacques, alongside competitive events where local skaters can showcase their skills for cash prizes and gear from Prodigy Skate Shop.

“We’re expanding our mission to inspire youth and celebrate skate culture, powered by the benefits of real milk,” said a representative from the California Milk Processor Board, creators of the iconic “got milk?” campaign and sponsors of the event.

More Than Just Skateboarding

Attendees will enjoy complimentary locally-sourced milk and cookies provided by Producers Dairy, food vendors curated by Fresno Street Eats, and interactive activities highlighting milk’s nutritional benefits as “nature’s energy drink.”

The event continues Bones Love Milk’s partnership with Fresno Skateboard Salvage, a nonprofit providing skateboarding equipment to underserved youth in the community.

Beyond the competitions, families can participate in arts and crafts, games, and receive free massage sessions and hair styling in the self-care zone. Bones Love Milk merchandise will also be available.

The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a pro demo and “Skate with the Pros” session, followed by contests beginning at noon, with winners announced at the event’s conclusion at 5 p.m.

Learn more at Bones Love Milk

The post Free Skateboard Event Brings Pro Legends, Family Fun to Fresno on Saturday appeared first on GV Wire.

Her talk “Resilience, Passion, and Purpose” closed out San Joaquin Valley Town’s Hall’s 2024-25 season.

The well-known actor and activist packed Fresno’s Saroyan Theatre, which seats 2,351.

As expected, Fonda’s charismatic and blunt attitude was on full display as she weaved humor and frank observations into personal stories and a call to action.

Fonda described arriving at the age of 59 unsure how she was going to live her out her “third act.”

The 87-year-old found herself looking back to discover how to move forward and ensure she had no regrets.

She began meticulously researching herself and the lives of generations before her — combing through everything from tabloid articles to old report cards.

And, in case she forgot anything, there was always her “22,000 FBI files” Fonda joked.

Fonda found herself gaining confidence she previously lacked through registering her “history of courage and integrity”.

This self-esteem boost led to huge life changes, such as leaving her then-husband, Ted Turner, and returning to acting.

When Fonda left Turner, she shifted from a life of extravagance to living in a small apartment with her daughter.

“It was perfect,” Fonda said, “The home of my first born was the perfect place to give birth to myself.”

Related Story: Is Fresno Ready to Hear Jane Fonda Speak Her Mind?

Fonda Finds Herself

Fonda began to rediscover herself and her lineage, leading to major insights and a shift in mindset that allowed her to become “younger in all the ways that matter.”

She soaked up everything she could find about her parents, Hollywood legend Henry Fonda and her mother who committed suicide when Fonda was 12.

As she discovered more about these pivotal people, she was able to understand and forgive how they behaved, letting go of anger and sadness that previously ruled over her.

Fonda did away with the notion that she had to be perfect to be loved, realizing that she was suppressing all the most interesting parts of herself.

She proceeded to prompt all women in the audience to do the same saying, “Perfect is toxic.”

Additionally, she encouraged people to change their outlook on life.

Fonda explained how her quality of life improved as she trained herself to view and respond to events with empathy.

She labeled this ability to control one’s reactions the “ultimate freedom”

Climate Crisis Is “Not Normal”

Fonda now devotes much of her energy to fighting climate change. In 2021, her book “What Can I Do?: The Path from Climate Despair to Action” was published.

She echoed this message Wednesday, saying every little thing counts and saves lives.

“Resist in every way you can,” she said, telling the audience that inaction breeds depression.

Fonda called the current climate “not normal” and said that climate change should not be a partisan issue.

She called out Republican and Democratic leaders alike in their complacency to climate change, as well as their taking of campaign contributions from fossil fuel companies.

This should be at the forefront of people’s minds, looking generations ahead instead of being shortsighted, Fonda said.

GV Wire is a sponsor of San Joaquin Valley Town Hall.

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Just the other day, she again was speaking her mind in advance of a moveon.org event.

“I’ve been protesting since before most of you were born — and I’m still at it. Why? Because this moment is giving authoritarian meltdown. That’s why I’m linking with @moveon to help mobilize voters across the country — especially young people — to show up, show out, and take back our future. Let’s get loud, get organized, and make some good trouble,” Fonda, 87, said on an Instagram post.

The title of Fonda’s talk at the Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno is “Resilience, Passion, and Purpose.” The iconic actor and actress has exhibited all of those hallmarks in a career that includes two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes, a Primetime Emmy, and even a Grammy nomination.

She’s also generated headlines, controversy, and the derisive nickname “Hanoi Jane” after being photographed  in 1972 seated on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun during a visit to Hanoi.

Fonda says she’s in her “Third Act” now, focusing on political and climate activism. Her 2021 book “What Can I Do?: The Path from Climate Despair to Action” is a call to action to combat climate change. And, she celebrated her 82nd birthday in jail after getting arrested at a climate protest in Washington, D.C.

About Town Hall

Tickets for the event are $60 and can be purchased here.

San Joaquin Valley Town Hall is a nonprofit operated by an all-volunteer board of directors. The organization works to provide thought-provoking and educational events, bringing national and international speakers to the Valley.

GV Wire is a sponsor of Valley Town Hall.

Want to win 2 tickets to see Jane Fonda on Wednesday? Sign up for our newsletter below to enter a chance to win. 

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The program offers hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking, from story development to post-production, with no experience required. Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals, including returning mentor Davie Ramirez and Youth Voices alum Letzy Espinoza.

CMAC provides all needed equipment and offers a $1,000 stipend upon program completion, along with a one-year CMAC membership. The program concludes with a public screening of students’ films.

“Youth Voices continues to show us how capable and driven young people are when given the tools and support to tell their own stories,” said Johnny Pecina, CMAC’s community media manager.

Key dates include a virtual Q&A on April 17 and an application deadline of May 12. The program starts May 30.

Interested students can apply and learn more at CMAC

The post Central Valley Students Invited to Apply for CMAC’s Youth Voices Program appeared first on GV Wire.

“We’re so excited to bring Blockbuster Bites to life at River Park,” said Nico DeYoung, president of the Central California Farmers Market Association. “While we were disappointed to postpone due to weather, we know this rescheduled event will be worth the wait.”

The menu features recognizable treats including Krabby Patties from SpongeBob SquarePants, Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, and Kevin’s Famous Chili from The Office. Visitors can also sample “The Grey Stuff” from Beauty and the Beast and Buddy’s Breakfast Spaghetti from Elf, among other screen-inspired delicacies. The full menu and map of the event can be viewed here.

Entertainment and Character Appearances

Adding to the cinematic atmosphere, DJ Deaftone will provide a soundtrack of famous movie and TV show themes.

Cinderella will make a special appearance from 6 to 9 p.m., courtesy of Hero Alliance, offering photo opportunities near Teazer’s Tea.

Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters for this immersive dining experience.

For more information about the event, follow @riverparkfarmersmarket on Instagram or contact Peter DeYoung at peter@cffma.com or (559) 994-9292.

About River Park Farmers Market

A Fresno tradition for over 26 years, River Park Farmers Market brings the community together every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. with local produce, artisan goods, and the largest weekly food truck lineup in the Central Valley.

About the California Fresh Farmers Market Association (CFFMA)

CFFMA champions local agriculture, small business development, and food access throughout California’s Central Valley. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it operates certified farmers’ markets that strengthen communities and bring farm-fresh food straight to the people.

The post Krabby Patties, Anyone? Taste Iconic TV, Movie Dishes Tonight at River Park appeared first on GV Wire.

A short drive up Highway 180 and one can see how a strong rainy season turns fields and hillsides into vibrant palettes of green. A sudden turn toward Orange Cove and into Yokuts Valley can showcase the grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife that make Fresno County beautiful.

The post Fresno County’s Foothills Showcase Grasses and Wildflowers appeared first on GV Wire.

The free community event takes place Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at Einstein Park, 3566 E. Dakota Ave., Fresno, CA 93726.

Over 40 local organizations will showcase free and low-cost programs available throughout the year. These include martial arts, robotics clubs, sports leagues, dance classes, and summer courses.

Related Story: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes to Headline Chukchansi’s Summer Series with ‘Family Reunion Tour’

Attendees can watch live demonstrations from participating groups, giving children a chance to experience new activities firsthand before committing to programs.

For those working up an appetite, Fresno Street Eats will feature several local food trucks, including Taqueria Jaliscience, Colossal Dog, Chef Dro El Toxico, and SnoCafe.

The event aims to help parents find affordable ways to keep their children active, engaged and inspired while discovering potential new interests.

For additional information, residents can contact Maxwell directly at (559) 907-4263.

The post Saturday’s Spring Fest to Showcase Free, Low-Cost Activities for Fresno Kids appeared first on GV Wire.

You get “Six,” the Tony Award-winning pop-rock musical playing at Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno through Sunday.

The premise of the one-act, one-scene production is the former wives — divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived reviewing their fate — try to convince the audience, in sort of fourth-wall breaking way, that they have the saddest sob story.

Using song, the all-female cast — the six wives, and a four-member live rock band on stage — plead their case.

The wives also undercut each other with humor, insults, and trying to outdo each other in the sob-off. No actor playing King Henry VIII is needed.

How popular are those songs? The Broadway album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and surpassed 100 million streams, the show said.

And the show? Opening night on Tuesday drew a nearly-full house.

The set is reminiscent of a rock show with LEDs that can transform into almost anything. The costumes are a testament to the shiny as well.

Three cast members are from California.

Danielle Mendoza plays Anna of Cleves, the fourth wife, divorced by King Henry VIII. She lives in Cupertino, and attended Cal Poly.

Alize Cruz — fifth wife Katherine Howard (beheaded) — is from Marina. Kelly Denice Taylor — third wife Jane Seymour, who died in childbirth after delivering an heir, the future King Edward VI — is from Los Angeles.

How to Get Tickets

The Fresno production is one of several “Six” shows on tour around the world. The show is playing among other places at the Lena Horne Theatre on Broadway, in London, and starting next month in China.

Seven shows remain for the rest of the week at the Saroyan: nightly at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday (the Sunday show starts at 6:30 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Plus, “Six” stages a special performance for school students later this week.

Tickets are available here.

The post The ‘Six’ Wives of King Henry VIII Sing Their Hearts Out in Fresno appeared first on GV Wire.

The performance will take place in Chukchansi’s Outdoor Pavilion, where fans can enjoy Johnson-Reyes’ hilarious storytelling under the stars. Tickets start at $66.

A Premium Outdoor Experience

The open-air concert venue features 1,876 seats and two massive video walls to ensure every guest has an optimal view of the performance. The event will proceed rain or shine, with doors opening at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.

Tickets are available at Chukchansigold.com, with Chukchansi Rewards Club members receiving a $5 discount when purchasing at the Chukchansi Gift Basket. All attendees must be 21 or older.

Related Story: Topgolf Coming to the Central Valley? Chukchansi Gold to Open First Swing Suite

A Comedy Powerhouse

Johnson-Reyes has established herself as a formidable presence in comedy with six streaming specials and a reputation for selling out theaters worldwide. Her latest special, “Say I Won’t,” has garnered over 7.1 million views on YouTube since its May 2023 premiere.

Her entertainment credits include appearances on “Life & Beth,” “Superstore,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as films like “Enough Said” and “Candy Cane Lane” alongside Eddie Murphy.

In 2022, Johnson-Reyes released her memoir, “Who Do I Think I Am?: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams,” and recently launched the Funjelah podcast exploring gratitude and mental health.

Related Story: Country Star Clint Black Brings ‘Back on the Blacktop’ Tour to Chukchansi

More Summer Entertainment to Come

Following Johnson-Reyes’ performance, the 2025 Sounds of Summer concert series will continue with country music star Clint Black on July 5 and Los Lonely Boys on July 19, with additional artists to be announced. For more information, contact info@chukchansigold.com.

The post Anjelah Johnson-Reyes to Headline Chukchansi’s Summer Series with ‘Family Reunion Tour’ appeared first on GV Wire.

Camp Fair ’25 is the premier event for discovering the Central Valley’s best summer camps, organizers say. There will information on day camps, sleep-away camps, sport programs, and more.

The fair is noon to 4 p.m. at Campus Pointe east of Fresno State.

The 31-year-old event informs parents about an array of summer programs, from traditional camp experiences to specialized enrichment programs.

This one-stop shop for summer programs is open to all ages and free to the public.

Why Attend Camp Fair ’25?

The fair allows attendees to meet camp representatives, get a glimpse into camp life, and learn about costs and scheduling.

Families also will be able to see photos and videos from past camp summers, aiding in choosing the program best suited for their child.

The event is hosted by Central California Parent, which is dedicated to providing families with resources, information, and connections to navigate the world of parenting.

The post Find the Ultimate Summer Camp at Upcoming Fresno Event appeared first on GV Wire.