Today is the first full day of games, crafts and food for Vintage Days, which began Thursday, with two new events added to this year’s “Treasure Island� festivities.
A wine garden sponsored by the viticulture and enology department and the Golden Gate Strongman Challenge will be open to visitors for the first time as Vintage Days marks its 33rd anniversary.
Visitors 21 and older will also be able to take part in a wine tasting to sample a variety of Fresno State wines.
“This will showcase the Fresno State wines, in conjunction with the viticulture and enology department here on campus,� said Josh Edrington, the adviser for the Leadership Development and Activities department. “There will also be a chart listing what types of foods at the student food booths will go well with which types of wines,� Edrington added.
Margaret Littleton, the student director of Vintage Days, expects the wine garden to be a welcomed addition this year. “I’m really excited about the whole weekend,� Littleton said, “but I think the wine garden is going to be a hit.�
The second new event coming to Vintage Days will feature one of the national qualifiers at the Golden Gate Strongman Challenge.
“The closest thing I can compare it to is the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ competition on TV,� Edrington said of the event. “There are only two national qualifiers from the United States, and one of them is going to be here at Vintage Days on Friday and Saturday.�
This competition will consist of an array of physical feats, including a car deadlift, a power-stairs medley, an arm-over-arm truck pull and an axel press, Edrington said. Bleachers will be set up for visitors to sit and watch, as the street between Keats and Maple avenues will be blocked off for the competition.
While new events are geared more toward the adult visitors, families with young children also have a variety of events to choose from over the next few days.
“There is going to be a ton of arts and crafts related to the Treasure Island theme,� Edrington said. Other activities planned for the younger visitors include a petting zoo, pony rides, a mechanical bull and large inflatables for children to play on.
Edrington expects the Treasure Island theme this year to draw in visitors young and old. He and the rest of the Vintage Days committees narrowed the list of possible themes down to five at their annual retreat.
“We thought it was the more favorable choice,� Edrington said. “It seemed to appeal to people of all ages.�
Looking back at last year, Edrington and the rest of his crew hopes to bring in a higher number of visitors to the Fresno State campus. Groups took their booths apart early due to rain on the last day of Vintage Days 2006.
“I’m crossing my fingers for this weekend’s forecast,� a hopeful Edrington said.
Littleton, also hoping for an increased turnout, encourages students to come out and support their campus. “Vintage Days is such a good tradition,� she said. “You’re missing out by not coming.�
