Christmas In the Park With Valley Animal Center

Dec 4, 2021 | 2021 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures, Lorie Lewis Ham, Pets

Valley Animal Center (VAC) is one of many wonderful animal rescues in the Fresno area. Next weekend they will be having a special Christmas event called Christmas in the Park, and we took a moment to chat with Alisia Sanchez, their Marketing Manager, about the event.

KRL: First off, for anyone who isn’t family with VAC can you tell us a little bit about it?

Alisia: Valley Animal Center is a nonprofit no-kill shelter dedicated to uniting dogs and cats with loving people. We see pets as lifelong companions and strive to find our animals furever homes that remain furever. We understand happy furever homes begin with informed adopters and easily accessible resources. Through a holistic approach to pet ownership and pet care, we provide health and wellness services to our adopters and pet owners in the Central Valley. With our low-cost clinic and membership-based dog park, as well as through humane education resources found through our website, we aim to be the leading source of health and well-being for companion animals so that pets and pet owners are happy, healthy and furever.

KRL: What is Christmas in the Park?

Rescued by VAC

Alisia: Christmas in the Park is a three-day event in which we gather with our community to celebrate Christmas. It is scheduled on December 10, 11, and 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will take place at Valley Animal Center located at 3934 N. Hayston Ave. in Fresno.

KRL: What will be taking place there?

Alisia: We plan on having a Christmas Tree Walkway, which will be lined up with Christmas trees that have been sponsored by local businesses and organizations. All trees will be raffled off at the end of the event. We also plan on having carolers, food vendors, pop-up vendors, and open house tours.

Rescued by VAC

KRL: Will there be any Covid safety precautions in place?

Alisia: Yes, we have established COVID-19 safety precautions. All baked goods, for example, will be individually wrapped. Our guided tours will only allow for 6 people at a time. Indoors, we will ask everyone to social distance. If individuals self-attest to being vaccinated, they will not be required to wear masks.

KRL: Do people need to buy a ticket?

Alisia: This event is free and open to the public. We do welcome any donations, however.

Rescued by VAC

KRL: Where did the idea come from for this event?

Rescued by VAC

Alisia: This idea is a culmination of our old Merry Mutts, Kitty Christmas event. Our management team came together to make it a larger event. Before, the event only consisted of vendors, a bake sale, and an open house. This year, we’ve added a Christmas Tree Walkway, which we’re very excited about. All trees will be raffled off at the end of the event.

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Alisia: We encourage everyone to come out to shop unique Christmas gifts and meet Santa!

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section here in KRL and on our sister website KRL News & Reviews. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to to Mell’s Mutts.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s brand new mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!