Baseball, cowboys, big hats and he-men can all be found in the valley this weekend. Here's a handful of events to help plan your weekend in our High Five.
-We need the rain, but because the weather has been so warm and dry the Madera Drive-in is starting up early. Its first showing of the season is Friday. "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Need for Speed" open up side one. Side 2 is showing "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" and "The Lego Movie." Movies start at 7:45pm.
-It's a contest for the strongest of the strong. The Golden State Strongman Challenge is this weekend. Men from all over the state will be in town vying for the strongest man title by lifting, pushing and pulling more than 700 pounds of weight from kegs full of sand to a concrete ball. The event is Saturday starting at 10am at Athletic Performance in Old Town Clovis. It's free an open to the public.
-Cowboys will take on strong bulls at the 50th Annual Laton Rodeo. Barrel racing starts Friday at 5pm, Saturday is the annual parade at 11am, followed by mutton bustin and a sheep run, the rodeo at 1pm and a rodeo dance at 7pm. The fun continues on Sunday. For a full list of events visit www.latonrodeo.com.
-Big Hat Days takes over Old Town Clovis. The two-day festival is expected to draw in more than 140,000 visitors. 350 craft and food booths from photography to home gooDs and children's toys will fill eleven blocks. 30 Food vendors will take care of the appetite you worked up during all the walking. The fair takes place Saturday and Sunday. Big, crazy, fun hats are encourage...not required.
-Baseball in the valley is back in full swing. The Visalia Rawhides open with "Fun-filled Friday" starting at 7pm and "All-American Saturday" at 7pm when retired and active military get in at half price. Sunday Funday starts at 1pm with "Bark in the Park." Friendly canines are welcome on the grass pasture.
If you have future events you'd like featured in the High Five, post them on Carina Corral's Facebook page.