Fresno State Event Brings Agriculture, Families, Music and Food Together
The fourth annual Whole Vine Festival is set for Saturday, October 24, at Fresno State, offering Central Valley families a free day of agriculture, education, live music, food and entertainment.
Vickie Goudreau, president and board member of the Whole Vine Festival, recently joined “The Ag Meter” host Nick Papagni to discuss the event and the larger mission behind the festival.
The Whole Vine Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to attend and free to park. The opening ceremony will recognize the Fresno State Winery, which Goudreau said has produced award-winning wines and has been a strong supporter of the festival.
A Celebration of Central Valley Agriculture
Goudreau said the festival is designed to showcase the Central Valley’s agricultural heritage while helping children understand the industry surrounding them.
The Kids Zone will feature seed planting, agriculture education, art projects and demonstrations about how food is grown. Children can also visit Kim’s Petting Zoo, learn from the Fresno Discovery Center and Fresno Metro Ministry, and see honeybees and beehives.
A special tractor area will be available for children five and under, while families can enjoy samples of grapes, raisins, oatmeal raisin cookies and Rosa Brothers’ popular rum raisin ice cream.
FFA and 4-H members are especially encouraged to attend. Goudreau said the festival’s displays will highlight wine grape, table grape and raisin grape growers and their families, giving young people an opportunity to see agriculture and their own heritage celebrated.
Live Music, Food Trucks and Family Fun
The festival will feature live music beginning at 10:30 a.m., with performances from We Got the Beat, Matthew Malcolm, University High School Jazz, Supersonic and In Cahoots.
Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, artisans, art, photography and a scarecrow contest. Goudreau envisions the event as a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor celebration where visitors can bring blankets, listen to music, explore the exhibits and return throughout the day.
A wine area will feature Central Valley wines and wineries, although Goudreau emphasized that the wine component represents only a small portion of the overall festival. Wine activities are for guests 21 and older.
Building Pride in the Central Valley
Beyond the festival itself, Goudreau said the event is intended to change the way people view and talk about the Central Valley.
She wants children to hear positive messages about where they live and understand that the region offers opportunities to build careers, raise families and remain connected to agriculture.
The festival’s message is one of pride: the Central Valley has a remarkable agricultural legacy, produces food for the world and has tremendous potential for innovation and agricultural technology.
Goudreau believes that loving the Valley also means being willing to address its problems and find solutions rather than simply focusing on negativity.
How to Attend the Whole Vine Festival
The festival will be held near Barstow and Woodrow at Fresno State. Parking will be available on Woodrow between Barstow and Shaw beneath the large solar panels, with signs directing visitors toward the event.
Those interested in sponsorship or getting involved can contact Vickie Goudreau at vickiegoudreau@gmail.com or visit thewholevine.com. Goudreau also encouraged supporters to follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram and share event information to help spread the word.
For the complete story behind the Whole Vine Festival—and Goudreau’s passionate explanation of why Central Valley pride matters—be sure to listen to the full interview between “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Vickie Goudreau.