The 2010 edition of the annual Vintage Days celebration at California State University, Fresno also will feature President John D. Welty kicking off the university’s 13-month Centennial Celebration.

The four-day, student-planned celebration attracts over 50,000 people from Fresno and the surrounding communities to the Fresno State campus for numerous social, cultural and recreational activities. This year’s Vintage Days theme is “Hang ’10.”

The Fresno State Marching Band will be on hand at noon Friday, April 16, to help Welty open the year-long celebration of the university’s opening in 1911 as a normal school to train teachers. The Centennial Celebration, which includes such events as a parade and Tailgate of the Century at homecoming Oct. 16, concludes with Commencement in May 2011.

This year, the Staff Assembly Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Wine and Beer Garden area at Maple and Keats avenues near the Music Building, beginning at 7:30 a.m. April 16. In a break with tradition, the event is being held the same day as the kickoff. Bulldogs coaches join university administrators and faculty as chefs for the event.

Casino Night continues in its traditional place, the lounge of the University Student Union the evening of Thursday, April 15. In addition to gaming tables, there is a karaoke competition, raffle prizes and free refreshments.

Among Vintage Days’ most popular attractions are:

  • Boomtown Carnival (10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 16-18) – In a carnival-like atmosphere along the university’s Maple Mall, campus student organizations sponsor food and game booths for the biggest fundraiser on campus.
  • Concerts – A variety of musical entertainment is presented on one big stage near Boomtown South.
  • Crafts Faire – Selected as one of the 200 best shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine readers, Vintage Days offers more than 140 booths selling everything from leather and paper to candles and jewelry handcrafted by vendors.
  • Kids Zone – The child-friendly attraction offers pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a giant slide and free arts and crafts activities for youngsters.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.csufresno.edu/vintagedays/.