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Disney says character hugs and other interactions will return soon at US sites

in Entertainment/Fun

(CNN) — Of the many safety measures that Disney Parks had to set up to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring guests to keep a six-foot distance from the costumed characters must have been one of the hardest. At least emotionally.

For kids (or kids at heart), running into the waiting arms of Mickey Mouse and other beloved characters had been such an impulsive and quintessential part of the experience. Hanging back can be tough.

But finally, hugs are back on the horizon at US Disney properties.

As early as April 18, Disney "will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland (in California) and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii," according to a new post on Thursday on the official Disney Parks blog.

Continue Reading on CNN

CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR & FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS IN JULY 2022

in Food/Fun/Upcoming event

Sacramento, Calif. – The California State Fair returns to Sacramento in 2022! Cal Expo’s Board of Directors announced that the event will be back in 2022, running from July 15 through July 31.

“We are thrilled to announce that the California State Fair will come roaring back in 2022,” said Jess Durfee, Chair of the Cal Expo Board of Directors. “While Cal Expo has been honored to provide support and much-needed aid to Californians during this health crisis, our region and state have greatly missed the excitement of the State Fair.”

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First Look: Sensei Wellness Resort Opens in Southern California This Fall

in Around California/Fun

There’s just something about autumn in the California desert. Come November, the stifling summer heat begins to subside. Restaurant misters are turned off. Locals and tourists alike relish in the cool breeze that rustles palm tree skirts under the full moon.

And this fall, you may have one more reason to visit the Palm Springs area. (Did you really need one?) Reservations open today for stays starting Nov. 1 at the new Sensei Porcupine Creek, a spa, golf, and tennis resort spanning more than 230 acres and nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. You can expect sweeping villas inspired by Japanese architecture, a lagoon-style pool, yoga pavilion, guests-only Nobu restaurant, and more at this former residence turned luxury retreat in Rancho Mirage.

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Local volunteers to host special prom night for Turlock youth

in Events/Fun

A group of volunteers is looking to provide local students who have special needs with an opportunity to experience their very own prom night, specifically tailored to their needs.

Prom with a Purpose: A Special Needs Prom will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 2 at the Calvary Church gymnasium in Turlock. Attendees and their registered guests will be treated to a meal, a live DJ, a photo booth, and can have professional photos taken.

The event is free for local special needs teens and young adults and their guests. Guests may include parents, legal guardians, or other caretakers for the student that may be necessary. To further accommodate participating students, a multi-sensory safe room will be available at the venue for those who may become overwhelmed by noise, lights, crowds or other occurrences. There will also be medical and security personnel on-site.

Continue Reading on Turlock Journal

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Two whales give tour thrilling encounter off California coast

in Around California/Fun

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KSWB) – Two giant gray whales thrilled a tour group with their up-close antics off the coast of Southern California last week, bobbing, rolling, and even flashing their tails within a few feet of the small raft.

Experts call the behavior “mugging,” and it displays the kind of gentle curiosity that has earned the species the nickname “friendly whales.” The length and proximity of the encounter, which happened Thursday evening off the coast of Newport Beach, excited even veterans at the whale watching company that organized the tour.

Continue Reading on ABC27

Why is Modesto councilman advocating downtown as home for roller skating rink?

in Community/Entertainment/Fun

Modesto Councilman Chris Ricci says he has an easy and relatively inexpensive way to draw more people downtown: The city could make it the home of a permanent outdoor roller skating rink.

He said the city could consider converting part of the parking lot at Modesto Centre Plaza for the rink. Part of the parking lot at the Modesto Library or other downtown parking lots also could be contenders, Ricci said.

“Skating creates community, and it’s a spectator sport,” the councilman said. “Ideally, it would be similar to the ice skating rink” that operates seasonally in the Centre Plaza parking lot and draws thousands to downtown over the holidays.

Continue Reading on The Modesto Bee

The Almond Blossom Cruise Is a Modesto Must

in Community/Fun

A FRUIT TREE, around February, has a knack for stopping any flower fan in their beauty-seeking tracks. After all, a person wants to pause and admire this painting-perfect sight, which includes barky limbs bursting with frilly pink blossoms (and when we say "pink," we mean just about every shade of pink a person can imagine). Where, though, can you go to see a profusion of pink-a-tude, and several trees, or even rows of trees, in full-on February splendor? Venturing to where such specimens are cultivated is one primo idea, a place like Modesto. So many Central Valley farms are at their showy best during the second month, so much so that Visit Modesto created a map for those visitors and locals eager to take an Almond Blossom Cruise.

Continue Reading on NBC Los Angeles

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California’s Original Ski Resort Is One of the Sierras’ Best Kept Secrets

in Around California/Entertainment/Fun
Yosemite National Park

When it comes to classic California ski trips, Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain are the big two — but nestled among towering red fir and lodgepole pines above the Yosemite Valley floor, Badger Pass has been a local “in the know” spot for generations. Opened in 1935, it’s one of the oldest ski resorts in the U.S. — and one of only three ski areas serviced by a lift system in a National Park (Hurricane Ridge in Olympic, Washington, and Boston Mills/Brandywine in Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley, being the other two).

Badger is a reassuringly mom-and-pop kind of place. It’s small (there are five lifts, ten runs, and one terrain park) and sits at 7,200 feet elevation, with only natural snow and adult all-day lift tickets that cost an entirely reasonable $62.

Continue Reading on Inside Hook

Bay Area festivals and fairs for 2022

in Fun

Here are just some of the Bay Area festivals and fairs that await in 2022. The big caveat: As with all things in the pandemic era, everything here is subject to change. Double check locations, dates, times and COVID precautions before you go.

Did we miss your event? You’ll find a submission form at the end of this story where you can submit fair and festival information and updates.

JANUARY

Napa Lighted Art Festival: Jan. 15-March 13, downtown Napa and the Oxbow District. Enjoy eight, spectacular lighted art installations from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, plus artist meet-and-greets, a community art project by Children’s Museum Napa Valley and a one-night music performance by Festival Napa Valley. Check out the schedule at donapa.com/lighted-art-festival.

San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Jan. 29-March 6. Festivities include the Flower Market Fair (Jan. 29-30, Chinatown), Chinese New Year celebration and Choy Sun Doe (Feb. 1, Chinatown), a Chinese New Year Parade (Feb. 19, location tba) with floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon, and Community Street Fair (Feb. 19-20, Chinatown) with Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more. Details: chineseparade.com/

Continue Reading on Times Herald

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Comic Con returns to Turlock fairgrounds

in Entertainment/Events/Fun

Comic book and popular culture fans have something to celebrate as the Ohana Comic Con will return to Turlock.

The Turlock comic con is set for Sept. 6. The event will be held at the Turlock fairgrounds in building E2 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Fans of “Star Wars” and “Power Rangers” are not going to want to miss this, because there will be a white Power Ranger and Darth Vader to take pictures and sign autographs. There will also be a cosplay show, which is the highlight of the event for a lot of people, according to organizer, Ziggy Star.

Continue Reading on Turlock Journal

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