Blossom Trail

The 21st Annual Fresno County Blossom Trail is officially open! The self-guided tour through eastern Fresno County that showcases the spring time blooms of deciduous tree fruit, nuts and citrus crops held its official Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6 Cecelia Packing Corp. in Orange Cove.

Sponsored by the Fresno County Office of Tourism and various east side Chambers of Commerce, the 60-mile trail draws attention from tourists from throughout California. The opening ceremonies are held just before the trees start to bud to alert Fresno County Blossom Trail travelers that the blossoms will be here soon.

“This is all about celebrating our ag industry,” said Fresno County Supervisor Judy Case, at the opening ceremonies. At its peak from late-February through early-April (weather permitting), the Blossom Trail features a panorama of blooming stone fruit and nut orchards and citrus groves set against the backdrop of the Sierras.

Celebrating the start of the annual Blossom Trail are, from left, FCFB’s Ken Tatami, Orange Cove City Councilmember Glenda Hill, Cecelia Packing Co. President David Roth, and Fresno County Supervisory Judy Case.

Farm Bureau has been a part of the program to showcase the Valley’s blossom season for peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, cherries, apples, almonds, pears, and citrus crops.

FCFB Second Vice President Ken Tatami participated in the opening ceremonies, citing the economic contribution from the colorful tourist attraction of springtime fruit blossoms. “These fruit and nut orchards in Fresno County make a significant economic contribution to the local and regional economy. These orchards mean diverse jobs for Valley residents, value-added products, and safe, wholesome fresh fruit and nuts for consumers here and abroad. Come back to visit the Fresh Fruit Trail beginning in May and you’ll see this economic engine at work, said Tatami.

In 2007, the combined value of these commodities was more than $1.276-billion, produced for fresh and processing markets – plus an additional $33.3 million worth of pollination value from honey bees, Tatami added.

In 2008, the Blossom trail was featured in Via and Motorland magazines, the Los Angeles Times, and on the California Country television show, said Kristi Johnson of the Fresno County Office of Tourism.

For additional information and a map of the trail, visit the Blossom Trail website or call Fresno County Office of Tourism at (559) 262-4271.