Vintage Days 2022
Fresno State students have been working on plans for this year’s Vintage Days event since September 2021, and after two years of virtual events due to COVID-19, they are looking forward to being in person this year.
“We’ve been gone for two years and we’re back and ready to get to work,” said Jazmyne Barron, who has been the lead student coordinator for the last three years.
Vintage Days was created in 1975 solely by students, making this the 48th annual Vintage Days and the largest student-run campus event.
This event brings in roughly 50,000 people from all over the San Joaquin Valley.
Barron says that they pride themselves on the fact that this event has a little something for everyone.
“There’s stuff for kids, there’s stuff for adults, stuff for people that really enjoy music and want to discover new bands, plenty of good food, and so much to see,” said Barron.
Within this three-day festival, they have live music from bands around the area, a kids zone and carnival, and a wine and beer garden for those 21 and older.
New this year: they partnered with Esports to create a gaming arena.
Within this arena, a history of old gaming consoles, some traditional games, new ones, and even a racetrack set that allows players to both ride karts and see their progress on screen.
“Even for people who don’t normally play video games, I think they’ll definitely still enjoy it,” said Barron.
Some traditional vendors are returning for this event; however, it proved to be difficult to solidify some due to the three-day mandatory commitment.
With that in mind, we won’t have the cinnamon rolls, but we will have The Old Kettle, the Dutch Bros Truck, and shaved ice this weekend.
They also have numerous additional food and craft vendors, so you can support small businesses and enjoy some hidden treasures within the San Joaquin Valley.
The overall layout of the festival changed this year as a result of COVID-19 and fire marshal requirements.
They had to ensure that student booths follow health codes and are a safe distance away from one another.
Along with distance, they also have to make sure that there are plenty of cleaning supplies to maintain a clean and safe environment.
“We open our doors to our whole valley to come and enjoy,” said Barron.
The festival runs Friday, April 29 to May 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maple Mall.
They are also having an outdoor movie night Friday at 8 p.m. in front of the Satellite Student Union.
“We’re all just really eager to get out there and see people,” Barron said, “I’m so excited, I’ve been waiting all year for this and it’s finally happening.”