Peach Blossom Goes Virtual for the First Time Ever

For over 60 years, Fresno State has held the Peach Blossom event on campus. It gives elementary kids a chance to perform literature and poetry in front of a live audience. They also get a chance to tour the campus. 

Last year the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Not wanting to cancel another year, the students of the Fresno State communications department created a website to allow the kids to submit their performances virtually.

“So we have students record their presentations from wherever they may be studying. So if it’s there kitchen table, great. If they’re back in the classroom with their peers, great,” said Elise Barba, director of Peach Blossom Festival. “Will take a group of 30, will take a group of you and your two brothers. It’s really however, it’s come as you are.”

Typically, Peach Blossom gets about 1500 presentations, and this year there were about 120 videos submitted. Students were able to watch the performances on March 22 and 23. 

“Additionally they will be receiving a lot of feedback from our team,” said Christina Wells, director of Peach Blossom Festival.  “We have a specific team exclusive to providing them with feedback.”

In addition to the students performances, some community members volunteered to present their own piece for the students to see. 

Fresno State hopes to be able to hold the event in person again next year. 

The students submissions can be seen on the Peach Blossom Festival website.