Phoenix Pageant 2025
The mythical story of rebirth and renewal will take place on October 4th!
CSU Fresno will return led by Dr. Nicola Olson. This year new characters will be introduced as they return from their long journeys to join us in being grateful. The story is about the transformation of a baby Phoenix (Little Flame) through fire, rain, smoke, and snow rising up from the ashes to bring renewal, rebirth and hope.
This pageant is participatory, and you are all encouraged to come in costume if you would like. Props will be set out on all the chairs for you to use as the seasons fall around us.
FAQ & Schedule
What is a Pageant?
Pageants are celebrations usually built around a story or theme. They have been in existence since ancient times. They always include music and song (sometimes chanting) and usually giant puppets, jugglers, costumed characters and spectacle.
The themes of pageants often vary from ancient stories of ancestors to abstract concepts. They are also a revel (celebration) to include the changing of seasons. They can also be a religious, political, or fantasy theme. Pageants are usually interactive.
What is the story about?
The 2nd annual Phoenix Pageant is built around the celebratory theme of bouncing back as a community from the devastation of the 2020 Creek Fire.
The ancient Stick Tribe of the Winesap lineage will come to celebrate along with the Wee Willie Winkies of the WoodScrap lineage. Grandmother and Grandfather Forest will return along with the Wonderful Wild and Wacky Women of the Woods with their drums sounding the heart beats of our land. The Bell Ringers will be sweeping the grounds to warn the insects and small critters to clear the way so they don’t get hurt by big human feet, and the Shoo Flys will shoo away the flying critters so they can be safe. Autumn will lead in some of the first wild critters who bravely returned to their homes and natural habitat.
The story of the little flame will be acted out and Fire, Rain, Smoke and the Snow Queen and Sun King will also appear. The Pageant will be narrated by Old Mother Nature, and Her faithful Jester, “Punctillius”, will sing for us while guiding us through to the ever awaited arrival of the Great Phoenix.
Last year featured the Meadow Lakes Apples celebrating their survival from the flame but also showering their community with love and support. This year we will pull in the Native Plants at Intermountain as they become loving spectators in our audience!
What should I bring?
Bring your picnic baskets and water or drinks. After the pageant there will be many photo opportunities and the shade will be perfect for staying and relaxing. We are hoping to have a band or a jam after.
Bring your children and yourselves! Join in dressed in costume or masks, if the spirit moves you!
More Details:
Free Event
Starts 11:00 a.m.
Parking & Accessibility
Parking is available on-site, but space is limited. We STRONGLY encourage carpooling whenever possible. Overflow parking will be marked. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to direct traffic. Please be mindful of our neighbors and rural setting.
Closest Lodging Options to the Nursery
Table Mountain Casino Resort (Friant, CA)
Located just off Friant Road. On-site restaurants, free covered parking, valet service, and roughly 171 guest rooms.
Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming, and safe space.
*As always, make transportation plans in advance to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Poster and artwork: Mike Adame @iloveyoujustforfun
Volunteer with Us
We would love your help making this event smooth and welcoming. Volunteers can assist with parking, greeting visitors, setup and teardown, or helping in the nursery and gift shop. If you’d like to lend a hand, please email us at grow@intermountainnursery.com.