National Parks Family Day

Annual Event Brings National Parks to Fresno Families

On May 31, 2008, the fifth annual National Parks Family Day at Roeding Park in Fresno, CA., proved that this signature event is becoming a staple in the Fresno community. Breaking attendance records for the fifth year in a row, the event welcomed approximately 4,000 people and provided a day full of educational activities, rock climbing, entertainment, hands-on camping instruction, games, prizes, and fun for the whole family.

Created in 2004, National Parks Family Day exposes local families to the wonders of the National Park System by meeting and taking with National Park Rangers from nearby Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks. Hosted in Roeding Park, families have the opportunity to learn about the unique features of the National Park System without leaving Fresno.

Over 30 exhibitor booths and five National Park Service sites on display for visitors to enjoy. The “Main Tent” provided a day long agenda of educational ranger talks and cultural entertainment representing the Chicano, Native American and Hmong communities. In addition, the newly added “Activities Tent” also had great presentations and provided more hands-on programs, such as "camping 101" by author Philip Hoezel, a touch-and-learn wildlife discussion by The Discovery Center, and REI's "PEAK" program. In addition, all exhibitors at the event were encouraged to provide an interactive or educational activity at their booth, which provided a consistent learning atmosphere.

Most importantly, the main focus of the event was on our national parks. A full spectrum of natural, historical, and cultural National Park Service sites were on display, including:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Yosemite National Park
Pinnacles National Monument
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park

Park rangers and volunteers provided presentations a variety of topics: from condor and Sequoia trees to camping safety and historical aspects of our parks. There were hands on activities for all ages, including making s'mores in "solar ovens" and becoming Jr. Rangers! Park Service booths were complete with informational displays and park information. Additionally, NPCA, Yosemite Association and Delaware North Companies, Inc., provided additional park information and interactive activities for visitors to enjoy.

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-D-20) spoke to the crowd and thanking the Family Day partnership and NPS for providing Family Day to the City of Fresno and for working to preserve "our heritage" that is captured in the park system. In addition, Fresno City Council President, Blong Xiong, also addressed the crowd, reaffirming the City of Fresno's commitment to the national parks.

Continued support from Univision (KFTV-TV Channel 21), Telefutura (KTFF-TV Channel 61) and the Univision Radio Group (KLLE-FM 107.9; KOND-FM 92.1; and KRDA-FM 107.5) increased outreach efforts to the Latino community and resulted in sponsorship marketing outreach efforts and increased attendance. Also, Ken Malloy of CBS 47 (KPGE-TV) served as guest emcee for the day.

The National Parks Family Day partnership includes: