With welcome rain continuing to fall, trail visitors may have to be patient for a blossom season that could start a little later than usual this year.
Projected to be in bloom by March (weather permitting) the Blossom Trail is a self-guided tour through eastern Fresno County featuring a panorama of blossoming stone fruit orchards and citrus groves alive with fragrance and bursting with color (orange blossoms usually bloom into April). Colorful orchards are set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy the visual and aromatic experience of Fresno County’s rich agricultural bounty.
The 28th Annual Fresno County Blossom Trail Opening Ceremony will be held at Reedley Municipal Airport, 4557 S. Frankwood in Reedley, on Friday, February 5 at 10am. The City of Reedley and the Reedley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host this celebrated annual event at this iconic location.
This year’s ceremony will include the unveiling of the 2016 Blossom Trail Poster, by local artist Lynette Ballis. The 2016 Poster will be available for sale at the opening ceremony and at several Blossom Trail Partners including the Chambers of Commerce in Kingsburg, Sanger, Reedley, Selma, and the County Office of Tourism.
The non-profit Fresno County Blossom Trail is a collaborative effort with Fresno County joining with the trail’s partner cities (Sanger, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Reedley, Fowler, and Selma) in eastern Fresno County to welcome springtime visitors to the region.
The Fresno County Blossom Trail is pleased to partner with official Title Sponsor, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), which continues to support the Trail’s offerings including the Blossom Trail Art Contest held in conjunction with the Fresno Fair. The Blossom Trail also recognizes the Sanger Rotary Foundation for its ongoing support.
To find the latest Blossom information, the Blossom Trail webpage has an “Update” feature that will provide eyewitness reports of when blooms are first spotted on the Trail. These updates are also communicated to followers via twitter “@goblossomtrail”. The Trail website also contains the popular Photo Gallery feature, where trail visitors can submit their digital pictures providing a first person visual account.
A visit to the Fresno County Blossom Trail can be just the start of the celebration; visitors can also enjoy a variety of Blossom Themed events and offerings listed below.
EVENTS:
February 5–
28th Annual Fresno County Blossom Trail Opening Ceremony, Reedley
March 5 –
28th Annual Blossom Days Festival, Sanger
19th Annual Blossom Trail Run, Sanger
27th Annual Kings River Blossom Bike Ride, Reedley
Blossom Trail Wine Weekend, Blossom Trail Wineries, Eastern Fresno County
March 5/6, 12/13, and 19/20 –
Blossom Trail Train Rides, Hillcrest Farm, Reedley
April 9 –
Orange Cove Blossom Festival, Orange Cove
There are also farm stores, tours and more along the trail – see www.goblossomtrail.com for details.