Why this local business in Fresno celebrates on Memorial Day

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Neighbors in the Fresno High area made the most of their Memorial Day, visiting the Echo Block Party for Ampersand Ice Cream’s 10th Anniversary.

Ampersand Owner Jeff Bennett says this year’s event was the eighth block party celebrating Ampersand’s anniversary at the Echo Avenue location.

“We opened on Memorial Day 2015,” Bennett said. “This is our eighth annual block party we’ve thrown in celebration of that, but more importantly, [in celebration] of the community, the neighborhood, and all of our friends and family businesses that have connected with us over the years.”

The celebration featured a variety of craft and food vendors along a blocked-off street, all the local shops and even an acrobatic performance.

Bennett says the block party is not just a day for him to celebrate his business’s success but also a day to appreciate his customers and neighbors.

“It’s a great day for sales – but more importantly, it’s a great day for our friends, our neighbors, and all the people who support us every day,” Bennett said.

District 1 Councilmember Annalisa Perea was at the block party, enjoying everything it had to offer and says she’s proud to see a business like Ampersand flourish in her district.

“Ampersand is a wonderful anchor business for the community,” Perea said. “They’re an incredible community partner and we’re just really fortunate to have incredible businesses like Ampersand Ice Cream here in the heart of District 1.”

The Echo block party started at 11 a.m. and wrapped up around 3 p.m., but Bennett and his son Roscoe say they’re excited to share the day with as many people as possible before the festivities are through.