Merced Daily

ATWATER TOWN CENTER GETS NEW TENANTS AT FORMER FASHION BUG BUILDING

An event center will move into the vacant building that was once Fashion Bug, a women's clothing store, and most recently a furniture store that closed in 2021. The event center, MR 360 Venue, will host creative, state-of-the-art events for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet 16s, entertainment shows, corporate events and much more.

Couple Max Vega and Raul Rodriguez, who both own MR 360 Entertainment , said in a phone interview that they moved from Memphis, Tennessee, to Atwater 5 years ago, have been creating events for the last four years, and plan to open their stable location at 1025 Bellevue Rd this fall, under the construction of MGCO designs Team and the Architect Guadalupe Chavez the event center will offer the better in structure and technology.

To see the events MR 360 Entertainment has put together and, if you like, inquire, you can follow their page and Instagram here.

To see the events Mr360 has put together and, if you like, inquire, you can follow their page posted in the comment section.

GIANT BANANA CAR ARRIVES IN ATWATER

Steve Braithwaite is the owner, builder, and driver of the Big Banana Car. He began constructing his unique car in his hometown of Michigan at the end of 2008, and it took him two and a half years to complete. Since 2011, Steve has been driving it across the United States, accumulating over 250,000 miles.

In an interview with the Merced Daily, Steve explained that he earns enough money to cover his fuel, food, and minor repairs for the vehicle. As long as he can manage those expenses, he is happy. Steve primarily survives on donations by offering rides to the public. Regarding where he sleeps, he mentions that he stays with what he calls "warm-hearted families" who allow him to stay at their homes for free. Currently, he's been staying with a family in Atwater since Thursday.

You can visit the Big Banana Car at Foster Freeze in Atwater Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM. Steve will also be selling his children's book about the Big Banana Car, for $20, and he will be available to sign copies if you would like.

Facebook link to the Big Banana car here: Big Banana Car