Get ready to go nuts in Old Town Clovis at the 11th Annual Pistachio Party

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- American Pistachio Growers and the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market are preparing for the 11th annual Pistachio Party this Friday, September 30th.

It was an early Thursday morning for culinary students and instructors at the Institute of Technology in Clovis as they get ready to celebrate all things pistachio.

Before 8 a.m., students were making pistachio caramel corn. It's one of several treats people can sample at the event.

"We're doing pistachio shortbread cookies this year, which will be a first," said Chef Jim Pacini, Assistant Culinary Division Director. "This is actually a recipe from American Pistachio Growers recipe that we're playing with this week."

If you don't have much of a sweet tooth, there will also be a pistachio pesto pasta.

Not only do pistachios taste good, but they're healthy too.

"It's full of fiber, potassium, lutein and zeaxanthin, which is great for your eyesight. It's filled with antioxidants. It's all around a great snack," said Kristi Robinson, with K. Robinson Farms.

Robinson has a pistachio farm out in western Fresno County.

She said the Pistachio Party is one way to recognize the big impact the small nuts have on our local ag industry.

"We ship pistachios all over the world and domestically," Robinson said. "They're an ingredient. They're a snack. It's a big part of our economy here in California."

The Pistachio Party is part of the Friday Night Market in the heart of Old Town Clovis on Pollasky between 3rd and 5th Street.

It starts this Friday, from 5:30-8:30pm.

For more information call 298-5774 or online at oldtownclovis.org.

The Old Town Friday Night Market goes through Friday, October 28th.