Welcome to the Gateway to the Sierras where the summer heat is hellish, the trucks are lifted, and the town is sport-crazy; welcome to good ol’ Clovis, California. Here in Clovis, we take pride in our award-winning school district, our exciting rodeo, and our rich traditions. Here are 20 signs that you’re from Clovis, Ca!
There’s a good chance that unless you’re from Central California, you’ve never even heard of Clovis so, more often than not, us Clovis folk will probably just tell you we’re from Fresno to save you from your confusion.
During the school year when the weather is warm, there is a 100% chance that you will see lifted trucks lined up in the high schools’ parking lots and at least one will have a large flag flying proudly behind. Giant American flags on lifted trucks of all sorts is just a casual thing around here; it’s kind of expected.
Sports, sports, sports. Competitiveness and athleticism run thick in Clovis with you name it: school ball, club ball, recreational ball, or simple get-togethers. The rivalries around town are known and they sure do stand strong. Football games will fill Veteran’s Memorial Stadium and Lamonica Stadium, easily seating hundreds and the competitive attitudes only continue to grow stronger and stronger.
It’s summer and it’s 110°. You know what sounds bomb and is also super cheap? A Pepsi Freeze. There are four flavors of sugary goodness (cherry, blue raspberry, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi) in the machines and they are just a quick drive away to cool you down and satisfy your craving. They’re not just any slushy, they’re THE Pepsi Freeze.
Sorry Fresno, but this is just a simple fact. There’s a good chance that on the news there will be a shooting of some sort and 9 times out of 10 it will be in Downtown Fresno. So, by default, our parents tell us not to go over there or we’re sure to be shot.
Jesus shoes are one thing that can peg you as a Clovis kid. The rubber, dual-strapped shoe made its debut and never really left. They’re not actually called Jesus shoes but are instead called Hawaiian Slide Sandals — or something similar to that — but the name grew on all of us and stuck just like their popularity.
There have been many times that you have been convinced that you live in Hell and no matter how long you’ve lived here, the heat gets you every summer. You know it’s bad when it’s in the 90s and you’re talking about how it’s actually “not that bad” outside.
Oh Pismo, our Clovis away from Clovis. If you are trying to beat the heat then there is a good chance that you’re heading off to the coast to go hangout in Pismo, maybe catch some waves, jump some dunes, soak up some sun, or eat some Splash Cafe.
Clovis is extremely creative with their high schools’ names in case you were wondering. The five high schools in Clovis Unified School District are as follows: Clovis High, Clovis East, Clovis West, Clovis North, Buchanan, and Clovis South is currently in the making. Clovis High was the original — the Cougars will never let you forget that — but congratulations Buchanan, you broke the trend. Way to go.
The Clovis Rodeo is quite possibly one of the biggest events held in Clovis and BIG Hat Days is one of the main events leading up to it. In fact, BIG Hat Days is the largest two-day festival in the Central Valley. Held in Old Town Clovis, you can roam throughout 15 blocks, play some games, stroll through some shops, eat good food, listen to good music, and look at all the fun vendors lining the streets.
Dutch Bros Coffee is a more recent fascination but boy is it a trend. There are five Dutch Bros locations in Fresno and Clovis kids are all over it. Rebels, frosts, teas, coffee, sodas, smoothies, they will wait 45 minutes in line just to get their drinks. The hype is real.
Valley titles are like winning a million dollars around here. A Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC) title is pretty cool, but a valley title is one of the best achievements a Clovis athlete can have under their belt. Nothing feels better than putting on your valley hat after winning and getting your order forms ready for the fatty ol’ ring you’re about to get.
If you’re from Clovis you know how brutal the dresscode is and there’s a good chance that you have spent time in detention or have been sent home for leggings, short shorts, facial hair, professional sports team apparel, or flip flops if not something else. It happens to the best of us.
Our beloved Doghouse Grill, home to arguably the best tri-tip sandwich in town, is right across from the Save Mart Center on Shaw Avenue and if you’re near it you’ll know because the smell is amazing. Parking is horrible and it’s inevitable that you’ll be parking way down the street — unless you’re one of the lucky ones that gets a spot in their little parking lot — but the food is SO worth it.
The Save Mart Center is a multipurpose arena on Fresno State’s campus and chances are, you’ve been to a concert there if not more than one. It’s seen country singers like Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton, rock stars like AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, pop singers like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande and so many more.
I recently discovered that tri-tip isn’t a worldwide-known thing so for those of you that don’t know, tri-tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut which is just fancy talk for absolutely amazing. There’s a good chance that Dad has barbequed one up for you at one point or another and if not, you’ve gone to Doghouse to pick one up.
That’s just how it is. Clovis has fastfood restaurants for days but River Park is where you’ll find Yard House, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, California Pizza Kitchen, Elephant Bar, P.F. Chang’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and all the other restaurants you only go to with a gift card.
Sierra Vista Mall is extremely convenient and located in Clovis but you know that is has about three decent stores. Unless you need something from Bath & Body Works, Azkara, or Victoria Secret, Fashion Fair Mall is your best bet even though Mom says it’s across town.
San Francisco or Los Angeles, which do you choose? You are bound to see Giants and Dodgers fans while hanging around Clovis with the occasional oddball A’s, Yankees, or Angels fans. Many Clovis folk are loyal to the white and royal or have a knack for reppin’ the orange and black.
However odd the name is, the Dykes is quite the popular spot. Whether you want to watch a sunset or a sunrise or hangout with some friends, the Dykes is a great place to go with an amazing view. It holds a special place in the hearts of many and when there was a chance of it being closed off, Clovis kids were definitely upset.
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