Good morning, Fresno.

Fresno will mark America's 250th birthday this weekend with a city-wide celebration that begins at 9 a.m. at Mariposa Plaza, continues at the Brewery District, and moves to Kern Plaza for food, live music, performances, and fireworks at Chukchansi Park.

Historical exhibits and special displays will open on Saturday.

Mayor Dyer announced that fans can enter Chukchansi Park for free at Gate 3 (corner of H and Inyo streets) on Saturday night.

The Grizzlies will open in the eighth inning and launch a July 4th fireworks display after the game, while full game tickets remain for sale.

On Thursday, July 2, in central Fresno, fire officials reported a detached garage caught fire at a home off Madison Avenue south of Belmont Avenue just after 10:30 a.m. and neighbors rescued the pet pig Big Mama while crews treated one person and contained the blaze.

A vegetation fire near Hoffman Point in Fresno County grew to 2 acres Thursday afternoon and threatened several structures; officials said it could expand to 20 acres as firefighters responded.

Valley Golf Center will close at the end of July after eight and a half years of serving the community off Highway 41 in Madera County because its lease was not renewed.

A Northern California corporation will take over operations on Aug. 1.

Fresno has reopened its Measure P arts and culture grant applications for local nonprofits after a recent funding scandal; applicants must complete an eligibility screening form by 3 p.m. on Aug.

15 plus submit final applications by 3 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Fresno's Duncan Ceramics building was redesigned in 1969 by local sculptor Stan Bitters, who created a 600-foot long display of colorful ceramic reliefs along Shields Avenue.

The building, now known as iLoveToCreate, remains a vibrant local art landmark.

Traffic signal cabinets near Fresno State received a colorful makeover through the new Box Art Program announced by Mayor Jerry Dyer and Council Vice President Tyler Maxwell following a Thursday morning unveiling (celebrating Bulldog Spirit), and more art displays will be installed soon.

Mendota High juniors Jonathan Alfaro Saravia and Christopher Torres-Alfaro won the national MESA Engineering Design Competition for their Safe Space (a multilingual mental health tool that gives real-time support to underserved students) during the event held at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory from June 22 to 25.

The Board of Registered Nursing has sent its investigation of two Fresno Unified nurses to the California Attorney General after accusing them of unprofessional conduct in caring for an 11-year-old student who died in 2022; the board recommended penalties including possible license revocation + fines for investigation costs.

Rikki Tikki (a rescued 5-year-old, 6-pound dog from Mell’s Mutts) overcame a rough start living alone in poor condition and is now playful with humans and other pets; adopters should submit an application to meet him.

Fresno County sees a surge in evictions as data shows rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, putting residents at risk amid rising rents and stagnant wages.

Tenants like Dawnielle Carter now face the threat of homelessness without enough support, experts warn.

Fans gathered at Fresno Indoor Soccer to celebrate the US Men’s National Team’s 2 to 0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina as the team advanced to the World Cup round of 16; supporters in red, white, and blue cheered every play as they look forward to facing Belgium next.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

12-6 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Tickets required — Experience non-stop family fun with jaw-dropping acts at the circus.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

1-4 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Tickets available — Experience jaw-dropping acts at the all-new celebration of family fun.

Just The Tips Comedy Show

7-9:30 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Fresno — Full menu and bar — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliner Yudhi Sharma and a fun open mic session.

CODIGO FN & MAS Concert

8-11 p.m. — Rainbow Ballroom — Tickets available — Experience electrifying live music from Codigo FN and more at this unforgettable event.

Tropical Monday Outdoor Salsa Party

7:30-9:30 p.m. — River Park Shopping Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of salsa dancing and Latin music in a welcoming outdoor setting.

FIRST® Tech Challenge Professional Development

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Day 1), 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Day 2) — CTEC High School — Paid registration required — Enhance your robotics teaching skills with hands-on training and collaboration with educators.

House of Funk

10 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — 21+ — Step into a groove-driven night of funk, disco, and soul with high-energy DJ sets.

Christmas in July 5K - Fresno

Enjoy Christmas music while you run — Saturday, Jul 18th — Fresno California — Entry fee required — Celebrate the festive season early with a fun run along Christmas Tree Lane.

Happiest PLATE on Earth Festival

5-9 p.m. — River Park Shopping Center — Free entry — Indulge in theme park-inspired culinary delights from local vendors at this delightful food festival.

Miguel Reyes Elite/Fun 5K

— 5K — Fresno California, 4773 E Yale Ave, Fresno, CA — Registration info required — Competitive race honoring a local running legend with free training plans for beginners.