It’s one of the busiest weekends on the California State University, Fresno calendar, as the annual Vintage Days kicks off, the university’s Centennial celebration launches with a “Human 100” and crowds flock also to open houses on campus.

The action begins Thursday, April 15, and won’t be over until late April 18 after tens of thousands of people have come to campus.

Vintage Days, which attracts more than 50,000 individuals to Fresno State over its three-day run, is the centerpiece of activity. And as if the usual student-organized carnival-like event – featuring music, games, crafts booths, food and more – wasn’t an energetic-enough undertaking, the 2010 edition is augmented by the Centennial launch.

President John D. Welty and the Fresno State Marching Band will get things going at the Vintage Days kickoff at noon Friday, April 16, on the Donaghy Stage at the south end of the Maple Mall. Welty, Centennial chairman Dr. Peter Mehas and Associated Students Inc. President Jessica Sweeten will read the Centennial proclamation.

That officially launches a 13-month celebration with events big and small to bring alumni and the entire community to campus to mark the Centennial. Highlights will be Oct. 16’s Tailgate of the Century, a parade and the homecoming football game; a spring 2011 gala; and the university’s 100th Commencement in May 2011.

To help begin making Centennial memories, everyone already on campus and visitors who want to be part of history are invited to gather around 12:40 p.m. Friday at the Amphitheater on campus to participate in a “Human 100,” which will be photographed from above.

Here’s the rest of the weekend schedule:

  • Vino Italiano! – The annual tasting of Fresno State Winery Italian varietals invites the community to sample student-produced wines, olive oil and wine and enjoy light hors d’ouvres provided by Sam’s Italian Deli. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15, Fresno State Winery (2369 E. Barstow Ave.). Prices and other info:http://www.auxiliary.com/AGF/winery/news/VinoItaliano2010.shtml
  • Vintage Days – This year’s theme is “Hang ’10” with the usual attractions along the Maple Mall: Boomtown Carnival, Crafts Faire, music, Kids Zone (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday) and Staff Assembly Pancake Breakfast (7:30 a.m. Friday). Ticket and other info: www.csufresno.edu/vintagedays.
  • TRIO Celebration – Federally funded programs at Fresno State that assist first-generation middle school and high school students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will welcome students from the Valley, beginning at 9 a.m. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, is among speakers at the event in the Satellite Student Union.Info: https://www.fresnostatenews.com/2010/04/trio-programs/
  • Henry Madden Library Open House – “A Day in the Library” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday offers tours of the Table Mountain Rancheria Tower and experts speaking on such subjects as railroads, local Native American basketry, World’s Fairs and the library’s “Wizard of Oz” exhibition. The first 100 visitors receive a ticket to Saturday’s Fresno State vs.Louisiana Tech baseball doubleheader at Beiden Field. No admission charge. Info:http://www.csufresno.edu/library/spotlight/item.php?spotlight=117.
  • “Tomás and the Library Lady” – Fresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences plans two performances of a play about the son of migrant farmworkers whose world is greatly expanded when he learns about the library. Curtain at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre in the Speech Arts Building. Free, first-come, first-served seating. Info: http://www.csufresno.edu/theatrearts/.