California Raisin Day is being celebrated at the Fresno State Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market today from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (5368 N. Chestnut Ave).

This free, public event is hosted in collaboration with the California Raisin Marketing Board to raise awareness about California raisins and to showcase the unique varieties available for sale at the university’s student-run farm market.

“California raisins are a perfect gift, snack or ingredient, especially during the holidays,” said Gary Schulz, California Raisin Marketing Board president and general manager. “Also, Fresno State viticulture students are vital to the future of the California raisin industry. The hands-on experience that students receive in this program is top notch.”

Guests can sample Princess, Sweet Scarlet, Autumn Royal, Scarlet Royal, Summer Royal, Thompson, Autumn King and Flame raisins – all made from grapes grown at Fresno State.

Also, the Dancing Raisin will be on site for a photo opportunity and a few dance moves.

“We are pleased the California Raisin Marketing Board is reaching out to partner with our agriculture students and programs for support of the state’s raisin industry,” said Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. Last year Castro established the President’s Commission on the Future of Agriculture, which called for stronger industry partnerships.

“This collaboration is exactly the type of stronger partnership between the community and academia that will help Fresno State become a leader in providing California agriculture with its future employees, industry leaders and innovators.”

The 100 percent grower-funded California Raisin Marketing Board was created in 1998 to support and promote the increased use of California-grown raisins and sponsor crop production, nutrition and market research. More information about the board, as well as raisin recipes, are available at www.LoveYourRaisins.com.

For more information about the event, contact Larry Blagg at 559.248.0287 or Allyson Blayney at 559.278.4511.

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