About 11 months ago, I wrote a column about two women who would seek out what they called Fresno Firsts -- homegrown activities and establishments they tried for the first time.

Since then, I've been unofficially tallying Fresno Firsts, from new local restaurants to something as ordinary as merging south onto 41 from westbound 180. Oddly, I'd never done that before last Saturday.

Saturday was actually quite a day for Fresno Firsts.

Fresno Tattoo Expo

I've been to many tattoo parlors, but never a tattoo expo. So last weekend's event at the Fresno Convention Center was an adventure.

The place was packed -- artists giving tattoos, people getting tattoos, people watching people getting tattoos. Artwork, cars and motorcycles were on display, along with an assortment of colorful characters.

This was the fourth annual expo, and everything I saw suggests there will be a fifth. I'm in.

Fresno roller derby

The Smog City Roller Grrls are a true Fresno success story.

Fresno's roller derby team is drawing four-digit, rabid crowds. We're talking face-painting, sign-making, name-chanting fans.

Smog City also has a certified roller derby star in Betty Rocker, who might actually be the top sports star in Fresno right now. And the also-very-fast Hari Kari isn't far behind her.

With bruising hits, fast action and plenty of attitude -- a Smog City Roller Grrls bout was something I waited way too long to see for the first time. Their next bout is June 28.

Carlton's Bar and Grill

I'd had my eye on Carlton's Bar and Grill at O Street and Ventura Avenue for months, just waiting for the "opening soon" banner to get replaced with "now open." I saw that Saturday and had to go inside.

I'm of the belief that downtown Fresno needs a neighborhood-ish bar where people can just stop in and get a drink.

Carlton's appears to be that place. It's laid-back and unpretentious, with that after-work hangout vibe.

I'm eager to get back and try some of the barbecue featured on Saturdays.

Thai Palms

Thai Palms is in the same Palm and Nees shopping center as Roe and Twist, so this Thai restaurant could get overlooked as a night-life option.

I was guilty of that but decided to try it out Saturday. It was another laid-back place, especially if you're looking for something unlike its swank neighbors.

There were drink specials, a friendly atmosphere and a decent-size patio that should be nice for summer nights.

Your Fresno Firsts?

To keep this Fresno Firsts dialog alive, I'll post more Firsts on my blog at fresnobeehive.com.

I welcome contributions. You can e-mail me a brief recap of your Fresno Firsts experience or just come by The Beehive to read and comment on others. Maybe this will encourage more people to experience new things around Fresno.