Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

La Gran Fiesta Ranchera

For the East Side of Riverside, there is nothing new about La Gran Fiesta Ranchera.

I can not tell you how many years that this festival, er um, fiesta has been going on, but I can say that I remember visiting it with friends back in Jr. High School.

The event, which is an annual fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine on Victoria Ave, draws an amazing crowd and some great musical talent.

And then there is the food…………
That is what this event is all about (okay, maybe that is just me!).
Carnitas, tamales, corn, jugos…….. and of coarse pizza!  Afterall, what would a fiesta be without pizza?

La Gran Fiesta Ranchera

Traditional carnival style games line one side of the venue and greet visitors as they enter.

Food, beverages, and entertainment fill the rest.

Riverside Street Jam

The Riverside Downtown Partnership is doing its part to bring the community together with its annual Riverside Downtown Street Jam.

Featuring art, entertainment, autos, and events, this years Jam brought a large turnout.

Even with the cooler than normal July weather, the pedestrian walks new fountain features proved to be popular in cooling off the attending residents.

Lounge33

Lounge33, though newcomer on the block as far as Riverside’s night life is concerned, has developed quite a following with it’s hip upscale decor, lighted bar tops, and martinis, martinis, martinis.

The night that I passed by the place was alive with classic rock music, from DJ Tom Edison.

4th of July, Mt Rubidoux

Each year the streets, fields, parking lots, and even roof tops around Mt Rubidoux are lined with local residents and friends waiting to see the fireworks show.

This year was no exception.

Even as I drove down Brockton around 6pm, people were already marking there domain.

The one tradition that has in the past set Riverside apart: the Annual “Burning of the Mound”.

In the past, it was just as much of a tradition to watch the hill burn afterwards as were the fireworks.
How times have changed!  🙂

Tamale Factory

Though I must admit that I have never eaten at the Tamale Factory, the architecture there is fantastic!

Owned and operated by Josie Hornback & Naomi Avila (a mother and daughter team), the place is a favorite among the local business people.

Designed and built by Avila’s husband, the building is meant to appear ageless and blend with surrounding businesses.

The Tamale Factory also features the spacious and elegant Avila Terrace. Set atop the Tamale Factory with open air terrace and formal dining room, Avila Terrace hosts private events plus an award winning Mystery Dinner Theater program on Friday and Saturday Nights!

The Tamale Factory is located in the pedestrian walk (Main St), across from the Mission Inn.

Riverside Rancheros

The year was 1959 when an idea was born. The city of Riverside should have an equestrian club to enhance horse related social activities. A parcel of land was purchased for a non-profit horse
club and the Riverside Rancheros was formed. The club was incorporated in 1960 and was established through family memberships.
The past and current members are proud of this facility, a facility completely maintained by the members through continuous hard work and participation. In 1961 a 300 foot arena was
constructed and a clubhouse was built. The facility was now equipped with an arena, clubhouse and horse corrals giving its members and guests a place to ride and enjoy their horses.

For nearly five decades, the Riverside Rancheros has been the headquarters for youth riding groups, mounted police and sheriffs’ training center, rodeos, horse shows, team roping, barrel racing and team sorting. It has allowed youth groups such as FFA, 4H, Cub Scouts, Y-Indian Guides and Junior Rodeo to use the club facilities for benefit dinners, fundraisers and therapeutic riding programs.

The Rancheros has its own Jr. Equestrian drill team performing in shows and parades throughout California. (Courtesy Riverside Rancheros)

AMC Theater, Galleria at Tyler

Entertainment in Riverside is finally making a comeback!

With the re-opening of the Riverside Plaza, restoration of the Fox Theater, University Village, and others, there is no loss for entertainment in the area.

Though my friends and I still refer to it (and probably always will) as the “Tyler Mall”, The Gallery at Tyler is of the latest contenders looking to fill your entertainment “needs” with the addition of the AMC.

16 screens, 3-D capabilities, stadium seating, and surrounded by restaurants such as the Yardhouse and Elephant Bar (not to mention shopping), you could easily spend your evening in this one shopping center.

Classic Cruiser

I go to many car shows throughout the year.
Besides a personal passion for old cars and trucks, a fair amount of my clients are from that industry (and a few sponsors).

The Event: Riverside’s Chili Cook-Off & Car Show.
An annual event bringing the community together for fun, socializing, and entertainment.
The main drag of the city is shut down for about a mile and lined with custom/classic cars, vendors, rides, and entertainment.

This year I decided to open a booth at the show, and glad I did.
Many car shows that I attend, we have a booth, but it is usually focused around pinstriping and custom paint. This one I decided to go completely with car/motorcycle “renderings”.

That said, the booth was a bigger hit than I had expected and photo shoots start tomorrow!
Anyone want to help me shoot a “herd” of motorcycles? 🙂

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh………almost forgot!

This was my favorite entry to the show! -rendering free of charge.

🙂

Castle Park Carousel

I supply quite a few photos to different entities throughout the city for use in news letters, documents, websites, and the like.

Recently I was asked by the Riverside Convention and Visitor’s Bureau if I had any photos of Castle Park, and the carousel in particular.

In respect to business and property owners, I always try to get the proper “clearance” and okay to shoot and use the images.

Today was the arranged day for the Castle Park.  And here is your carousel Mary!  🙂