Fresno State’s Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market, known for its sweet corn, will host its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 18 from 12-3 p.m. The festival is open to the public and will feature plenty of activities from pumpkin painting, a hay maze, a scavenger hunt, food sampling, wine tasting and more.
During the festival, attendees will also be able to browse through the market and purchase goods, mostly produced by Fresno State students, including fresh fruit, ice cream and nuts.
Ava Valadao, a student lead at the Gibson Farm Market, is in charge of planning the Fall Festival this year. She believes it’s a wholesome event for all to enjoy.
“Honestly, it’s just a good time and it’s very family-friendly,” Valadao said. “It’s like an open house, so come in between those times and just have some food and have some fun.”
This year, the Fall Festival will coincide with the Gibson Farm Market’s fall plant sale. The plant sale will take place before the festival, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. During the plant sale, The Rolling Donut food truck will be on site for attendees to purchase from.
Valadao said having both events on the same day gives attendees an all-day experience and a reason to stick around and explore everything the market offers.
Maya Murillo, another student lead, said the plant sale is always a hit because it offers a wide variety of good-quality plants, from indoor and outdoor plants of all sizes, raised by Fresno State students as well.
She said the Fall Festival and plant sale are important because attendees get to support the market as well as agriculture students who make the products.
“When you get our ice cream, you think it’s just ice cream, but it’s also students taking care of the cows and making the ice cream at the creamery,” Murillo said. “Our agriculture students can see the fruits of their labor and know they are making an impact and providing so much to our community.”
Although Valadao said planning the event has been very challenging, she believes it’s going to be a rewarding experience and encourages the community to come out.
For those interested in attending, the Gibson Farm Market is located at 5368 N. Chestnut Ave.
