What to expect at this year’s Big Hat Days in Old Town Clovis

CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The 87th annual Big Hat Days kicks off in Old Town Clovis Saturday. 

“It’s part of the Central Valley. It’s our roots,” event organizer Priscilla Montell said. 

The event runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, attracting thousands of people from all over the area. 

Tom Novak is one such traveler from Denver, Colorado.

“I heard it’s a famous rodeo and that they’re celebrating everything about rodeos. I’m down here with my mom, and she said that we should go because it’s something special,” Novak said.

Montell says the event has something for everyone. 

“We have something kind of for everyone. We do carnival rides and stuff for the kids. And then we have, you know, live music and a Michelob Ultra beer garden for the big kids,” Montell said. 

The event will take over 15 blocks and feature more than 350 vendors selling food, jewelry, hats and much more. 

The talent of KSEE24 and CBS47 will be at Big Hat Days throughout the weekend as well, handing out swag.

Montell says it doesn’t just honor Clovis’ agricultural heritage; it also pushes the city forward economically. 

“You have vendors coming in from other towns. That’s going to help populate the motels and hotels in the area,” Montell said. 

The lucrative event is completely free to visitors, though. 

She recommends parking at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. 

All visitors need to bring is a hat. 

“But if you do forget your hat, then we got hats for you,” Montell said. 

So, whether you prefer a Stetson or a baseball cap, they’ve got your head covered.