by Kathy Eide Casas

Spring has nearly sprung and with the coming of spring comes the panoramic beauty known throughout the region and beyond as The Fresno County Blossom Trail. Originally created twenty-nine years ago to celebrate the splendor of the sights and scents of the showy blossoms of the Valley’s almond, plum, nectarine, peach, apricot, apple, and citrus blooms; these trees provide nature’s beauty at its finest. Add to that, the magnificence of the snow-capped Sierras for the backdrop, and you will have a sensory experience of beauty unlike any other.

Even though this year’s trees are keeping their spectacular blooms under wraps for a little longer, as a result of the rains, the traditional ceremonies and welcoming of the blossoms has continued uninterrupted. In fact, just recently, the official opening ceremony was held in Kingsburg, the Fresno County community traditionally known as Little Sweden. The Blossom Trail ceremony was hosted by the City of Kingsburg and the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce, and the long held practice of unveiling the official Blossom Trail Poster was also included. This year’s commemorative painting is by prominent Sanger artist Chieko Delgado and is titled ‘Blossom Trail–Sunset.’

Visitors from near and far make the Blossom Trail tour an annual springtime tradition. Clovis native Nicolette Moore is one of those annual visitors and is excited for this year’s Blossom Trail to begin showing their rows and rows of blooms. She explained, “Every year our family looks forward to spending the day enjoying this beautiful show of nature that is literally just minutes from our home. It always makes for an incredible day, and we are so fortunate to have embraced this blossom tour as a springtime tradition for our family. Each of us always selects a favorite color, blossom, and scent, and every year it’s always fun to see who loves what.”

The Blossom Trail of vibrant orchards winds through Sanger, Reedley, Orange Cove, Selma, Clovis, Kingsburg, Fowler, and Kings River, with different trees in different areas, but all equally beautiful. As a hint for visitors almond, plum, citrus, and apple blossoms are all white, while the citrus usually have the most fragrant scent. Apricot blossoms have pink petals and peach and nectarine blossoms feature pink to red petals.

Any and every way you look, the view is truly spectacular.

While touring the Trail, visitors are encouraged to take photos and send them to the Blossom Trail website as a fun way to share your day in the blossoms.

Make your plans now to take the self-guided tours or enjoy one of the events planned by the various Fresno County organizations. There is also an array of farm stores, tours, and more along the trail. To find the map and information, to view the blossom updates, or to send your photos please visit: www.goblossomtrail.com.

Here’s an At-a-Glance Preview of upcoming activities:

February 25
Blossom Trail Bus Tour (with Wine Tasting), Sanger

March 4
29th Annual Blossom Days Festival, Sanger
20th Annual Blossom Trail Run, Sanger
28th Annual Kings River Blossom Bike Ride, Reedley

March 4/5
Blossom Trail Wine Weekend, Sanger, Kingsburg and Tivy Valley, CA

March 4/5, 11/12, and 18/19
Blossom Trail Train Rides, Hillcrest Farm, Reedley

April 1
Orange Cove Blossom Festival, Orange Cove

Kathy Eide Casas is a valley native and has been involved in politics, public policy and public relations her entire career. From the U. S. and state capitols to local projects, she has been a guiding force. Most recently, Eide-Casas completed the writing for two U Turns Allowed magazines, benefiting Focus Forward. Additionally, her work has run in several other local publications, including Valley Health Magazine.