Fresno County blossom trail ready to pop

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A weather warmup will help bring on "bud break" in many valley orchards.

The change was expected to start to bring life to Fresno County's iconic "Blossom Trail." Farmers and local leaders partied for produce at the Reedley Municipal Airport.

Denver Schutz of Gerawan Farming said they were, "Really come together and celebrate what the valley has to offer." Kids from Great Western elementary gave the Fresno County Blossom Trail celebration a patriotic feel by performing a couple of songs.

But it's those pink and white blossoms that many people were waiting for.

Blossom Trail committee chairman Fred McNairy explained, "People come from all over the state and even the nation to see this special asset we have which is our tree fruit."

Orchard blossoms weren't quite ready to pop at this point but give them a few weeks and then you can take as many pictures as you like along the trail.

Fresno County Farm Bureau president Mark Sorensen said, "It really does promote what we grow in the valley. When you have something so beautiful, the blossoms, the colors. It's something you don't see in many very parts of the country."

Bees were ready pollinate almonds and other crops. Growers said a cold winter has given fruit and nut trees enough so-called "chill hours" to produce a good crop.

Sorensen explained, "It needs rest and winter is that time so the more cold weather we get the better rest it gets and then its ready to push again in spring." Schutz added, "The chill hours have been a lot better than they have been in past years."

The rest of us will enjoy some chill hours in front of the TV come Super Bowl Sunday.