Teens, parents, and grandparents waited for a chance to make a first impression. Many said they'd been looking for work for months. "Right now I'm pretty nervous. But I have confidence in myself," said Estevan Trevino of Fresno.
While management expected a large turnout, they didn't expect 4,000. They ended up extending the job fair, after hearing of traffic delays. "I have never seen anything like this is my career. And I've been at parks from Los Angeles to Atlanta. I've been to Egypt. I've never seen anything like this," said general manager Terry Mackey.
While these kinds of summer jobs are normally associated with teens, many said they realize they are competing against out- of- work adults. "The adults have a lot of work experience, so it's harder on the teens," said Daejanea Johnson.
The perseverance paid off for some. About 375 people walked away with summer jobs and a brighter outlook for the future. "I'm like speechless. I don't even know what to say," said Sharlene Sim.
"Earlier I said I was confident, and I was getting this job. And I got it. I' m very happy I got it," said Trevino.
Despite filling most of the jobs, management at the water park plans to go ahead with two other job fairs scheduled for next month.
Two other job fairs are being held the park next month.
May 4th 5:00 p.m. - Lifeguard Positions
May 18th 5:00 p.m. - All Departments
Island Water Park is located at 6099 West Barstow Avenue in Fresno.
