Students from the Department of Recreation Administration’s “RA 117: Special Event Planning” course at Fresno State are coordinating a series of free public, community events beginning Oct. 28 and throughout the month of November. Each event is in collaboration with a Fresno State affiliated program, or a local community organization or business.
One of the first events, “Loving Memories,” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28, at Arte Americas (1630 Van Ness), will be a citywide celebration to honor friends and families lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is a precursor to el Dia de los Muertos, and community members are invited to contribute to the community ofrenda (altar) with photos and mementos of their loved ones. A candlelight vigil and reciting of songs and poetry will complete the event, which will also have vendor booths, food trucks and wellness resources.
The “Dakota EcoGarden Anniversary” from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Gazebo Gardens (3204 N. Van Ness Blvd.), will bring awareness to the Eco Village Project and the Dakota Eco Garden, a non-profit organization that provides model transitional housing for the unhoused population in Fresno. The Dakota EcoGarden has provided transitional housing for 125 formerly unhoused people since it opened in 2013.
“Sounds of Fresno” will fill the air at the Ziveli Winery (5840 N. Biola Ave.) from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 19. These events will feature live “Americana” music by local musicians Good Medicine Band (Nov. 4) and Hillbilly Jazz (Nov. 19), in addition to specialty wood-fired pizza and fine wine, both available for purchase. Students are organizing the fundraising event, along with Hans Happening events, in support of student scholarships in the Department of Recreation Administration. An autographed photo, signed by both David and Derek Carr, will be up for online auction, in addition to many other items. Derek Carr is a 2013 alumnus of the department.
“On Nov. 4, Fresno State football will be taking on Boise State,” said Hannah Nale, event coordinator at Ziveli Winery and a recreation administration (event planning) alumna. “So we hope people will come out and enjoy our live music, food and wine – and then take in a great game on campus.”
Students will help coordinate Fresno State athletics’ Career and Networking Night from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at the Resnick Student Union, which helps student-athletes connect with professionals in their field of interest.
The course prepares students to plan and conduct large community-wide events, such as street fairs, community festivals, corporate events and fundraisers, among others. Students learn about community laws and regulations, in addition to planning, advertising and fundraising.
“The course is two-fold, as it allows students the opportunity to learn the challenges behind event planning while providing service to the community,” said Jill Lankford, instructor of the RA 117 course.
For more information on each of these events, contact Lankford at jlankford@csufresno.edu.
