Thousands of students enjoy special access to Big Fresno Fair

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- From petting snakes and meeting Olie the Owl, third graders from Hirayama Elementary School had a hoot at the Big Fresno Fair.

"My favorite part about being at the fair is that we get to explore and learn new things," one 3rd grader said.

Thursday is the first of four education days with about 5,000 students showing up to each, ready to explore and take home new knowledge.

"Kids grades kindergarten through 8th grade can come to the fair for free and learn about agriculture, come see the water tree and come experience the fair," said Taylor Collins, Big Fresno Fair Special Event and Program Coordinator.

Every student gets a map and a packet with several options, including touring the Fresno County Historical Museum or the livestock barn where students learn about animal production.

"I like that we got to look at the little animals," a student said.

"We have a building that has EV gaming, pop culture," Collins said. "We also have agricultural building that showcases how peaches are grown, how many grapes there are in Fresno, what fresh produce looks like and how much work it takes to get it done."

Teachers and parents join students on their adventures.

One teacher says learning about the Central Valley at the fair goes hand in hand with their lessons in the classroom.

"They also get to learn about rocks and minerals. All the things that we are all tying together in our science and social studies units," said Gettysburg Elementary Teacher Elizabeth Gueringer.

The hope is for students to walk away with a better understanding of their community.

"I hope that that the fair can give them the opportunity to learn something about their home and where they come from," Collins said.

Thursday was the first of four fair education days at the Big Fresno Fair, with students returning on Friday and next week.

They also get a free entrance pass to come back with their parents and show them everything they learned.

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