| Fresno
County, in the heart of California, is the state's second leading
agricultural county. Tulare county, which is adjacent to Fresno County is
first with an annual agricultural bounty of $3.5 billion. Fresno is second
with a total value of all commodities of $3.2 billion. There are 1.3
million acres of farm land in Fresno County. Most of the nation's figs,
about 1,000 tons, are grown here. About 1 million bales of cotton are
produced annually. Fresno County does
not depend upon a limited number of crops. There is a lot of diversity in
what is grown here. From wheat and corn to kiwifruit and Oriental
vegetables. Fresno is not all
agriculture. Fresno is fortunate to have a wealth of artists and arts
supporters who enhance the environment, strengthen the community, and
communicate through the arts. Artists and arts supporters are two parts of
the whole. Arts supporters include passionate individuals, interested
elected officials, and benevolent organizations.
Arte
Américas
- Latino Cultural Arts Center organized in 1987 to support Latino arts in
California's Central Valley. Arte Américas supports a unique museum and
offers various tours. 1630 Van Ness, Fresno 93721. 559-266-2623 or
(toll-free) 1-800-232-7031.
Chaffee Zoological Gardens - Small Wonders domestic animal petting area, camel rides, giraffe barn, chimpanzee exhibit and grizzly bear exhibit plus the Australian Walk Through Aviary. One popular feature is their Overnight Safari: an opportunity to experience thos world of animals after dusk. It is very different. 559-498-2671
Discovery
Center -
a favorite for families, school tours and the general public.
Downing Planetarium - on the campus of California State University at Fresno. Shows are Fri and Sat only and we advise you phone for specific schedule (they change). They are closed during July. 559-278-4121
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Fresno Art Museum - 2233 N. First St; 559-441-4221
Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History and Science - Art Exhibits and some hands-on displays Open Tue - Sun 11a to 5p. 1515 Van Ness Ave; 559-441-1444
Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra -
is celebrating its 49th season. The orchestra has grown from a local
volunteer orchestra to a full professional orchestra drawing its musicians
from throughout the west. Fresno Philharmonic: 2610 West Shaw Ave; 559-261-0600
Master Artists Gallery - variety of landscapes, sea scapes, still life 559-252-9551
AMUSEMENT
PARKS
Boomers - traditional amusement park rides. 7354 North Abby St; 559-432-9684
Roeding Park - A Fresno City Park, described by them as, "... Beautifully landscaped with cool blue lakes, huge groves of trees, rolling green lawns, and dotted by flower gardens, the park contains eight championship tennis courts, two dance pavilions, horseshoe pits, slides and playgrounds, and many picnic areas, complete with picnic tables, and barbecue pits." They also boast a fine carousel plus a miniature railroad. Located just off US-99 on Belmont Ave; 559-621-2900.
San
Joaquin River & Parkway Conservation Trust
- offer many activities on the San Joaquin River for families and youth.
The Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies is new, and it serves
classroom "river" studies on the environment and preservation of
the San Joaquin River.
Wild Water Adventures - 52-acre water park. 11413 E Shaw Ave in Clovis (about 20 min east of Fresno); 800-299-WILD(9453)
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