Community Events

FIRM exists to build communities of hope with New Americans. We know from almost three decades of experience that the best way to do this is through celebration. FIRM community events regularly welcome 700-1,000 people from the diverse refugee communities in Fresno and hundreds of volunteers donate their time to ensure that they run smoothly.  We work very hard to provide great events for the community that are culturally competent, celebrate the deep assets of our community and respectfully meet the needs of the wider community we serve.  Some of our regular community events include:

Annual Summer Carnival

The Summer Carnival was once called the FIRM Family Festival (and before that, Summer Youth Program) and it has continued to grow into one of FIRM’s premier events.  This event provides backpacks and school supplies for children in grades K-8, cultural entertainment, carnival rides, inflatables, food, face painting, back-to-school haircuts and MUCH more.  This event is regularly hosted at the end of each summer in late July or early August.  Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Carnival was converted to a school supply pickup week. You do NOT want to miss out on this amazing time together!

Community Christmas Event

The FIRM Community Christmas event has been held since FIRM’s inception in 1994.  This event brings together the community to celebrate this wonderful time of year!  Through a partnership with Toys 4 Tots, churches in the community and other organizations, this event provides a brand new wrapped gift for every child that attends!  In 2016, FIRM distributed over 750 toys at this event.  The Community Christmas event also features arts and crafts for kids, food, music, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, a winter clothes/blanket distribution and much more.  This event is typically held the 3rd Saturday of December.  Please come join us this year!

Many Other Events Throughout The Year

FIRM has also added many great community events throughout the calendar such as a Laotian New Year Celebration (April), Family Trunk-or-Treat (October), Poison Prevention Fair, film screenings and more!  We hope you will join us on our campus to enjoy one of the many community events at FIRM!  For more information or if you are interested in volunteering at one of these events, please contact us.