Get your favorite outfits ready and book those photoshoots, the event of the spring season is about to make its flourishing, annual appearance in Fresno County.

The city of Fowler celebrated the commencement of the 34th Annual Fresno County Blossom Trail with an opening ceremony at Fowler Packing on Friday morning.

A long-awaited tradition, the Blossom Trail brings to light blooming fruit and nut trees that are a sight to behold.

“We are very happy to welcome this Mother Nature effect that we all celebrate, and we want the best for our county because we know what that represents to everyone that lives here in the Central Valley, in our region of the state,” said Fowler Mayor David Cardenas.

Blossom Trail Brings Cities Together

Officials from other partner cities (Sanger, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Reedley, Fowler, Selma) say they are working together to bring back social events and attractions that will draw in visitors.

The Bossom Trail kickoff the previous two years took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know we have had our challenges like the rest of America has, this community, this county has got grit, it’s got determination and it’s got resilience,” said Sal Quintero, a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. “So I want to say thank you to all of you, thank you for everything you do in helping make Fresno County great.”

In the next couple of weeks, locals and tourists will begin to see stone fruit, citrus, and almond groves bloom with white and pink petals along the roadsides. The orchards traditionally go into full bloom by late February. And, April marks the last of the orange blossoms.

Quintero shared that he and his wife visit the trail every year, stopping to take photos and walk along the blossoms. He called the trail “60 miles of unforgettable beauty.”

Blossoms Excel, but This Year’s Crops Could Be a Different Story

Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen highlighted the importance of the crops to the economy.

However, he warned that he didn’t know how much longer Fresno County would remain the top agricultural county in the nation.

“2021’s crop report is probably not going to be as strong as 2020,” said Jacobsen, citing the California drought and the curtailment of irrigation deliveries.

The blossoming crops produce an array of almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, citrus nectarines, peaches, plums, and nuts that account for $2.6 billion dollars in annual revenue.

“We are so fortunate that we have been able to play such a critical role in both the nation and the world’s diet,” said Jacobsen. “These crops and nuts showcase the beauty, flavor, and the culture of this region because it’s so intertwined in everything that we do there. We’re going to have tens of thousands of folks that come over here in the next six to eight weeks to enjoy these amazing blossoms.”

How to Buy Blossom Trail Artwork

This year’s ceremony included the unveiling of the 2022 Blossom Trail Poster by local artist Ruth Blew. The 2022 poster will be available for sale through the Sanger Chamber of Commerce online store, along with artwork from previous years.

To find the latest information, visit the Blossom Trail webpage, which provides alerts on when blooms are first spotted and info on visitor activities. You can also follow on Twitter: @GoBlossomTrail.

Blossom Trail Map