DEL REY – An iconic annual attraction has returned, celebrating the fruits — and vegetables — of labor from the Valley’s local growers.

On May 8, local leaders and community representatives gathered at Grace Barn in Del Rey for the 23rd Annual Fresno County Fruit Trail Opening Ceremony. The Fruit Trail passes through the cities such as: Clovis, Fresno, Sanger, Fowler, Parlier, Reedley, Orange Cove, Selma and Kingsburg, and highlights more than 30 fruit stands, small businesses and attractions that celebrate local ag.

The opening ceremony gave time for reflection on the Central Valley’s agricultural foundations, and generated hype for a season full of fun activities.

Agricultural commissioner Melissa Cregan speaks during the Fresno County Fruit Trail Opening Ceremony at Grace Barn on May 8, 2026. (Jon Acevedo)

“Agriculture is not only our heritage, it remains one of the strongest economic engines in our region and a cornerstone of opportunity for working families throughout the world,” said Melissa Cregan, agricultural commissioner, during the ceremony.

During her speech, Cregan also cited some recent statistics that showcased the Valley’s growing dominance in the ag sphere. According to Cregan, Fresno County growers export around 968 commodities to around 91 countries, and lead both the state and the nation in the production of crops like grapes, raisins, peaches, nectarines and more.

Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen also spoke during the ceremony, and keeping with tradition, he presented a series of fun facts relating to locally grown produce. Though he joked about struggling to not repeat facts after so many years, one fact he shared was that the Fresno Chili Pepper was developed by Clarence “Brownie” Hamlin in the 1950s, and can be used as a fruitier and smokier alternative to jalapeños.

Jacobsen also took a moment to thank Fresno County District Four Supervisor Buddy Mendes, who emceed the event, for being a consistent advocate for local growers. Nearing the end of his final term on the board of supervisors, Jacobsen noted that this year’s ceremony will be the last in which Mendes will be emceeing as the district’s elected official.

“From an agriculture perspective, there’s a lot you don’t know unless you walk those furrows and you’re out in the field, so we appreciate everything (Mendes) has been able to do,” said Jacobsen during the ceremony.

After the speeches, time was given to local chamber of commerce representatives to share upcoming activities being held in some of the Fruit Trail’s surrounding cities.

Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Erik Valencia spoke first, spreading the word about the Taste of the Town event on May 29 and Celebrate America in Downtown Reedley on July 2.

Sanger District Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Isaiah Lopez spoke next, informing attendees of the upcoming Community Awards Banquet on June 5.

The ceremony came to a close shortly after, and attendees stuck around to socialize and sample some locally grown products.

During the Fresno County Fruit Trail Opening Ceremony at Grace Barn on May 8, 2026, Michael Yang with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources educates visitors on different variations of fruits and vegetables. (Jon Acevedo)

One table was hosted by an extension of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, which offered a number of strawberry variations in addition to other fruits and vegetables. As attendees passed by and tried some of the different fruits, Michael Yang and a team from UCANR explained the different features and growing processes of each variant.

“They give you different textures, different flavors and strong strawberry smells,” said Yang in an interview. “By looking at it, it’s just a strawberry, but when you actually taste it, you go ‘Oh, this one is different!’”

Also on offer was Reedley Fruit Trail stop Sweet Girl Farms, which provided free plums, apricots, chicharones, honey and much more. As more people began to gather around the tables, bags were quickly filled with produce as attendees bounced between each one.

With the season now in full swing, residents and visitors can visit www.gofruittrail.com for information on trail partners, events and more.