In the heart of California Central Valley lies the small town called Hughson, a town filled with spirit for the community of the Huskies. Growing up in Hughson was a fun and unique experience that kids from big towns don’t get to have. Many traditions happen in the little town because it is small enough for people to bond and create relationships within their families.  

Presley Wells said, “I enjoy living in the town of Hughson because we have many opportunities to have tradition as a whole because we are a small enough town to come together for many things. I enjoy the school because we know everyone and we have grown up together creating great bonds between us. I also enjoy the community coming together to support the high school, like the people coming to football games as a town cheering on the team.”

Hughson has many traditions that the community and new families join in together. One main event Hughson puts on is The Fruit and Nut Festival which includes car shows, kid tractor pulls, a petting zoo, and many more activities to  enjoy with families and friends. The Fruit and Nut Festival was established in 1988 to raise money for the town’s community center. This festival recognizes the farmers in the area since Agriculture is a big thing in Hughson. 

Although Hughson isn’t a winter wonderland, the community does not disappoint with their Christmas spirit. The Hughson Christmas Parade and Operation Santa are such a fun way that Hughson spreads the Christmas spirit throughout the community. Driving by the town’s Christmas tree while blasting Christmas music was a memory I will always remember. Not only does Hughson put on a parade for Christmas, they also put on a parade for Halloween and Homecoming. 

Jagger Ruiz said, “going to the Christmas parade was one of my favorite things to do during the holiday, it is such a fun event that Hughson does to bring the Christmas spirit into the small town.”

The Hughson Homecoming parade is a big parade celebrated by the town with many kids and families excited to see the floats that the high school students put on. Homecoming is a very fun night for all the Hughson students and families. Not to mention the student section on Homecoming is very fun and loud, with students yelling for their football team and ready to see the homecoming queen and king. 

Jeffrey Weston said, “It’s fun going to the varsity games and sitting with my friends in the student section and seeing how loud the crowd gets.”

Even though Hughson doesn’t have a lot of restaurants, many kids enjoy going to their local Hamilton’s right by the high school. Hamilton’s is enjoyed by many high school students to study, hangout with friends, and fill their stomachs after a long day of school. Hamilton’s has been a long-standing establishment that has lasted decades. Many kids in Hughson like going places like Starn Park, Pizza Factory, Asian Kitchen, Main Street Deli and Dollar General. They like to get snacks or food and walk around the town afterwards. During summer, kids ride their bikes with their friends and go get smoothies or ice cream from Main Street Deli. 

Paige Watson said,  “I like to go eat at Asian Kitchen with my friends after a long day at school, and I like how Hughson is such a small town that me and my friends can go get mainstreet smoothies before volleyball games.”

Hughson offers many sports to the youth like soccer, softball, baseball, basketball and more. Hughson sports is a great way to make friends that will last a lifetime and to try out new sports you might play in the future. Being involved in Hughson sports as a child gave me many unforgettable memories. 

Naomi Nelson says, “Growing up in Hughson is fun, I like going to Starn Park to play on the playground with my siblings and to enjoy the lovely weather Hughson has.”

Living in the small town of Hughson comes with a big hearted community where neighbors aren’t just neighbors, they are family and friends.