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Tulare County Fair Parade Grand Marshal is Susan Leal – Fair Opens Wednesday!!

Payton Ryan — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:43:47 +0000

The Tulare County Fair Board has selected longtime educator, mentor and community member Susan Leal to serve as the 2026 Tulare County Fair Parade Grand Marshal, announced Tulare County Fair CEO Dena Rizzardo.

“Susan represents what the Tulare County Fair Parade is all about community, tradition and generations of families coming together,” said Rizzardo. “For decades, she has dedicated herself to the young people of our community as an educator, mentor and instructor. Her longtime involvement in Tulare’s parades makes this recognition especially meaningful.”

Born in Porterville to Manuel and Hazel Leal, Susan grew up alongside her brother, Steve Leal, before eventually making Tulare her home.

Susan attended Tulare Western High School, where she was a majorette with the school band, and later continued as a majorette at College of the Sequoias. Her love of baton twirling and working with young people led her to open Susan’s Super Stars, where for more than 20 years she taught and encouraged generations of young performers.

Susan later began working at Kohn School and became the school librarian, further developing what would become one of the greatest passions of her life helping children learn and succeed. During those years, she also served as the auxiliary and color guard instructor at Tulare Union High School for approximately 10 to 15 years.

While balancing those responsibilities, Susan continued her education at National University, earned her teaching credentials and began a new chapter as a classroom teacher at Sundale School. She started as a fourth-grade teacher and, during more than 20 years at Sundale, taught nearly every grade level. Her impact extended beyond the classroom, including playing an important role in establishing Sundale’s Legacy House, a special place where students could learn, participate in activities and simply enjoy being kids.

Although Susan eventually retired from both her baton studio and teaching career, retirement has not separated her from the children and school community she spent so much of her life serving. She continues to help at Sundale whenever she can.

Susan also has a long history with Tulare’s local parades, particularly the Tulare County Fair Parade. For years, parade organizers would arrange the lineup so Susan could travel the route first as part of the band, then return to the beginning and make the trip again with Susan’s Super Stars.

“Anyone who grew up in Tulare during those years probably remembers Susan or Susan’s Super Stars coming down the parade route,” Rizzardo said. “After all those years of making sure her students had their opportunity to shine in the parade, it’s Susan’s turn to be celebrated.”

Today, Susan enjoys spending time with her partner, Chris Shannon, her daughters, Danielle and Ashley, and her much-loved pets, Dollie, Lacey and Kitty. She also enjoys trips to the beach house, flowers, Fresno State games, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Throughout her life, Susan has served her community as an educator, mentor, instructor and friend. Her decades of service and countless hours spent encouraging young people have touched generations of Tulare-area families.

The community she has spent a lifetime supporting will have the opportunity to celebrate Susan Leal as Grand Marshal of the Tulare County Fair Parade September 16, 2026.

Fair Hours & Admission

Wednesday, Sep 16: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Veteran’s Day – Service members free with ID; Open ceremony at 12:00 pm, Downtown Parade at 10:00 am)

Thursday, Sep 17: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Kids Day – Kids 12 & under free)

Friday, Sep 18: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am

Saturday, Sep 19: 2:00 pm – 12:00 am (Dairy Replacement/Beef Sale at 11:00 am; Fury in the Farmland demolition derby)

Sunday, Sep 20: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Junior Livestock Auction at 10:00

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Visalia Home EXPO celebrates its 25th year

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:35:00 +0000

On September 12 & 13, the Visalia Home EXPO returns to the Convention Center celebrating its 25th milestone. This year the show salutes the local family businesses, crafters and artists, and community organizations that have contributed and support all or our past shows.

Show Manager, Steve Tarter, commented, “ It seems like just yesterday, that Alan Hurley and I decided to start a new Fall Home Show, just after the first anniversary of 911. And, after that the show grew and grew, and began hosting a variety of family activities like the Kid’s Cook-Off, the First Responders Chili Cook-Off, the Street of Dreams showcases, and more…”

Steve added, “We tried to bring new things to the show such as Home Offices, office work was moving home, easy and smart home gadgets to increase security and , comfort, and we previewed a fully furnished She Shed, and even a variety of prefab and tiny homes.” Unfortunately, with the increased demand for these small dwellings, we will not have any onsite this year.

As usual, show visitors will find affordable decorating and home improvement options provided by family-owned local contractors and experts. There will also be smart home products, great lighting options, and security services. And the experts at the Visalia Home Depot will be on hand to help with DIY projects and home repairs.

As the summer heat lingers and you haven’t gotten ready for outdoor dining, then secure help with landscaping, pool construction, or the addition of a patio awning to enhance the backyard. And lowering utility costs is always a good idea, so check out HVAC dealers, solar panel experts, insulation and airflow specialists. And be sure to stop by your local dealer – who has been just down the street – Superior Air, and talk with Raul about rebates that might be available for your next A/C upgrade.

This year’s Street of Dreams features home furnishing and Fall redecorating. Start at the Gowin Green Landscaping display to see how to transform you outdoor living areas. Then step inside and talk with Megan, the Couch Girl. She has the trendiest home furnishings and the latest styles – all MARKED DOWN – under her label. Need accessories. No worries. Next door are beautiful tables fashioned by Gary Bardonnex to accompany your new couch.

At the end of the Street of Dreams, you’ll find the Habitat for Humanity’s Restore who will also have great treasures that can be refurbished, for pennies. And before you leave – try your luck at the putting green built by Divine Landscapes. Just in time to practice your putt before Habitat’s Big October Golf Tournament.

Speaking of October, look for a variety of scary Halloween decor as you shop at crafter and home-based retail booths. Preview Home Depot’s lifelike Halloween yard art before they sell out! Enjoying Southern barbecue and exceptional Mexican plates. Or, skip right to desserts as you enjoy caramel apples and gourmet baked goods.

Whether you’re a homeowner seeking to revamp your living space or a gardening enthusiast looking for fresh ideas, the Visalia Home EXPO has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this exciting event that brings together the best in home and garden under one roof. Join us for a day filled with creativity, exploration, and endless possibilities at the Visalia Home EXPO!

If it’s time to add more accessibility or safety, stop by and talk with Michelle and Bob at the Elements Design Center booth. They can help design your bathroom and kitchen for accessibility such as roll-in/curb-free showers, wheelchair-accessible cabinetry and countertops, lower placement of shower plumbing and electrical fixtures, as well as slip-resistant flooring.

Seniors will also find a variety of local resources from community organizations including Visalia Gleaning Seniors, Porterville Quilter’s Club, the Visalia Veterans Mural Restoration Committee, Visalia Masonic Lodge, and Habitat for Humanity.

Online, senior tickets are $3, and may be used TWICE, if you wish to attend both days. At the door, senior tickets are $4. General Admission, online is $5, or $7 at the door. Buy now and save. For more information visit VisaliaHomeShows.com.

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Award winning play The Father coming to Visalia’s Ice House Theater

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:30:30 +0000

Immerse yourself in the world of the Florian Zeller Tony and Olivier award winning play, THE FATHER.

Meet André, an aging man, whose mental facility is in decline. Meet Alzheimer’s. Meet Dementia. His daughter Anne, wants to care for her father, making efforts to bring caregivers into his life, which he rejects.

The audience is brought into the ever increasing confusion of André’s mind, as the back and forth from reality to confusion to memory move and shift visually and emotionally, causing the audience to experience in real time what André and his caregivers face from this life stealing disease.

“You don’t direct a show like THE FATHER on a whim. The subject matter of the show is intensely personal to me. I have come to find out it is intensely personal for many members of my cast and crew. For anybody who is going through a struggle involving Alzheimer’s or Dementia, or who knows what it is like through past experience, this is a play that will make you feel seen.” Antony Lotenero, Director.

Due to some subject matter and language, this show is recommended for audiences ages 16 and up.

Cast List:

André – James Sack
Anne- Ali Janusiewicz
Pierre – Adam Soriano
Laura – Quinn Soriano
Woman – Cinthia Ibarra
Man – Colin Helpio
Venue: The Ice House Theater, 410 E. Race Street, Visalia, CA 93291

Performance Dates and Times:

THE FATHER performs for 3 weekends, opening on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm 9/11, 9/12, 9/18, 9/19, 9/25, 9/26

Thursday student rush evening performances at 7:30pm, 9/24

Sunday matinees at 2pm 9/13, 9/20

To purchase tickets, go to www.visaliaicehouce.com

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Arts Visalia Presents: FAMILY Community Art Exhibition

Arts Visalia — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:33:32 +0000

The community comes together to showcase and sell artwork based on the theme of Family during the annual juried Community Art Show. This yearly art extravaganza takes place September 3 – 26 with a free Opening Reception and Awards Presentation on Friday, September 4 from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Cash awards will be given to Best of Show, 2D and 3D Merit. Visitors are asked to vote for People’s Choice Award during the Opening Reception. A free presentation on community resources by Family Services of Tulare County will take place on Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 pm.

October gets exciting with three new exhibitions at Arts Visalia. The main gallery showcases the vibrant cultural paintings of Arturo Martinez. Martinez explores Mexico’s diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures through a myriad of colors and forms in this eye-catching exhibition. Featured also will be tactile ceramic work by Tim Clark. Clark’s work brings awareness of those who are visually impaired in our community by creating touchable ceramic experiences. Also showing are the abstract oil pastels of Jamie Meadows. Meadows explores creative joy and is inspired by Biblical texts. See all three artists and more this October 1 – 31, 2026. An Opening Reception will take place Friday, October 2, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

Registration for Fall Youth Art Classes is now live! Support your young artists’ creativity with an after-school class once a week at Arts Visalia. See the full schedule and register online at www.artsvisalia.org/education/.

Visit ARTS VISALIA, 214 East Oak Avenue, Visalia, California, Wednesdays through

Saturdays, Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Follow ARTS VISALIA on Facebook and Instagram and check out our website at

www.artsvisalia.org

Contact ARTS VISALIA at 559-739-0905 or Info@artsvisalia.org

Support ARTS VISALIA Invest in the Arts at www.artsvisalia.org/support-us or mail your

donation to P.O. Box 251, Visalia, 93279

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Tulare County Voices at 210 explores COS: A Century of Excellence

Paul Hurley — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:21:59 +0000

One hundred years ago, a new institution of learning was established on what is now the Redwood High School campus where it remained until 1939-40 while the present Mooney Ave campus was constructed.

In the century since 1926, College of the Sequoias has become the center of higher learning in Visalia. The city itself grew around the Mooney COS location, so it is no longer on the outskirts but in the center, and vital to Visalia’s growth and development.

This year COS will celebrate 100 Years of contributions to the community. As much as any Institution, COS deserves an answer to the question: Where would Visalia be without it?

“Tulare County Voices at 210” intends to explore that question in its latest forum, “COS: A Century of Excellence.”

That is also the title of a new book by COS retired professor of history, Newell Bringhurst who will be among those on hand at the forum at 7 p.m., Tuesday

Sept. 8 at 210 W. Center Ave.

“Tulare County Voices @210” is a monthly public forum in Visalia that has been a space for community discussion for more than 15 years. It is co-sponsored by the Visalia Times-Delta, the Valley Voice and First Presbyterian Church (which provides the venue and live stream.)

Leading the review of the 100 years of College of the Sequoias in Visalia will be college President and Superintendent Brent Calvin.

The discussion will include:

How has the College changed in the last several decades
What has stayed consistent throughout the last several decades with an overview of core academic programs
What are the College’s future developments over the next two decades, including its partnership with Fresno State to bring four-year education to Tulare County

Bringhurst will provide insights from his book that show how COS has made contributions to our community.

There will be ample time for audience members to share their own COS experiences.

Be sure to join us on Sept. 8 as we look back on 100 years of excellence at COS and become part of the community conversation.

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CACHE to host fourth annual benefit fundraiser

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:18:40 +0000

The Center for Art, Culture, and History—Exeter (CACHE) will host its fourth annual benefit fundraiser. This year will feature a suspenseful melodrama titled “The Missing Masterpiece” on Saturday, September 26, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

CACHE will present an over-the-top melodrama about a missing work of art and a sinister villain in collaboration with local Exeter musician James Houston. The dramatization will be held outside the CACHE building, with B Street blocked off for outdoor dining. Attendees will enjoy the melodrama’s slapstick humor and spine-tingling suspense while savoring a delicious meal.

The evening will also feature an unveiling of a new Kiwanis history exhibit. During the fundraiser, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exciting live and silent auction items. The live auction items will include a 3-day, 2-night stay in Cayucos; a Monet’s Dinner for 6; an original Marty Weekly painting; a custom genealogical research package; and a case of citrus gin. If you are interested in donating auction items for the benefit fundraiser, please contact Charlie Stearns at 559-786-2288.

Tickets cost $75 per person or $800 for a sponsored table of eight. They are available for purchase at CACHE, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, NSE Insurance, or on our website at www.cach-exeter.org/event-details/cache-melodrama.

For more information, contact us at info@cach-exeter.org or 559-592-5900.

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Visalia non-profit fighting homelessness hosts sixth annual Summer Soiree

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 03:42:37 +0000

Salt + Light will host its 6th Annual Summer Soirée, Sahara Nights, on Saturday, August 22, at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building. The annual fundraising event brings together community members, local businesses, supporters and partners for an evening celebrating the power of community and the transformational impact of giving someone a place to belong.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature dinner, drinks, a live auction, Mystery Boxes, and a powerful personal story from one of the neighbors who calls The Neighborhood Village home.

The evening’s neighbor story will offer guests an opportunity to hear firsthand how community, stability and belonging can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Rather than simply hearing statistics about homelessness, guests will hear directly from someone who has experienced the journey and found hope, connection and a place to call home.

“Every year, the Summer Soirée gives our community an opportunity to come together and celebrate what is possible when we choose to invest in our neighbors,” said Adrianne Hillman, Founder and CEO of Salt + Light. “This year, we are especially excited for our guests to hear directly from one of our neighbors. Their story is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person with hopes, dreams and incredible potential.”

Salt + Light works throughout Central California to transform the lives of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness by fostering community, connection and belonging. Through its programs and The Neighborhood Village, Salt + Light provides housing and opportunities for neighbors to build stability, health, purpose and meaningful relationships. The Summer Soirée serves as one of Salt + Light’s largest annual fundraising events, helping provide the resources necessary to continue this work throughout the year.

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Visalia Live & Play registration open now for fall fun

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 03:38:50 +0000

Fall is right around the corner, and the City of Visalia Parks & Recreation team has released the new Fall 2026 Live & Play Activity Guide.

Packed with fresh classes, adult, and youth sports leagues, as well as seasonal community events, the interactive digital guide is live online now at www.visalia.gov/FallGuide. The Fall 2026 Live & Play features a community calendar, interactive pages and is ready to help families across Visalia plan their autumn schedule.

“Fall is always a special time in Visalia because as the weather cools down, the fun heats up! Our programs and parks really come alive with movies, sports, games and family friendly fun for everyone,” shares Holly Ellis, Recreation Supervisor, City of Visalia.

Youth and families have plenty to choose from this fall, with registration open for Tiny Tots, youth basketball, karate, dance, science, music and more. New this season is Kaboom Nights, an after-dark twist on the summer camp experience.
Adults can stay active and connected with volleyball, basketball, pickleball, ping pong, fitness classes and more offered throughout the community.
Those age 50 and better can enjoy fitness, piano, social activities, and weekly events at the Visalia Senior Center.
Fall events include the return of the Fall in Love with Visalia series, Corporate Games, Movies in the Park, the Haunt the Home decorating contest and more seasonal favorites.

“We encourage everyone to flip through our interactive guide and sign-up now before spots fill-up,” adds Ellis. “The Live & Play is the perfect one-stop seasonal calendar for staying active, entertained, and connected in Visalia.”

Online registration is open now at www.visalia.gov/FallGuide. In-person assistance is available at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia, during regular business hours.

For registration support or general inquiries, contact the Visalia Parks & Recreation team at (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@visalia.gov.

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Donna’s Calendar of Events!!!

Donna Orozco — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:51:08 +0000

Live Theater

The Kings Players present “The Mousetrap,” Agatha Christie’s famous thriller about people trapped in a snowstorm getting killed one after another, from Aug. 14-30. Temple Theater, 514 Visalia St., Hanford. 559 584-7241 or www.kingsplayers.org

Lindsay Community Theater presents their annual Shakespeare in the Park, “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” a farce about Falstaff caught sending love messages to two women. Runs Aug 20-29 at dusk. Plaza Park Stage, 190 N. Elmwood. 559 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Icehouse Theatre opens the fall season with “The Father,” a tragic-comic mystery through the eyes of a man experiencing dementia, from Sept. 11-20. 410 E. Race, Visalia. 559 734-3900 or www.visaliaicehouse.com

The Barn Theater presents “The Philadelphia Story,” the play version of the well-known movie starring Katharine Hepburn, from Sept. 11-20. 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

Encore Theatre is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” a devilish sci-fi horror comedy about a carnivorous plant named Audrey, from Sept. 11-26. 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

Art shows

Arts Visalia exhibits “Young at Art Youth Exhibit,” showing art by summer youth classes in August. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays “Splendora—Born from Beneath,” acrylics and mixed media by Dalila Nehulosa exploring symbolism, folklore and mythology. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing “Art of Many Colors,” an eclectic collection of paintings and collage by the King County Art League, in July and August. Open during the First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia. 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.com

Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove is showing “Central Valley around the World,” cultural dance costumes from 30 countries through the end of September. Open Thursdays-Mondays 10-4. 27000 Mooney Blvd., Visalia. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

The Oval Gallery is featuring “Where Memories Reflect” by Derek Long-Estrada, a Central Valley painter and tattoo artist. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display “Con Fervor,” a celebration of the Mexican/Latino culture from Aug. 6-Sept. 12. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Moments” by local artist Miguel Pujol, acrylic paintings that show quiet moments and shared experiences. Open July 11-Sept. 27, Wednesdays-Fridays 10-4 (closed 12-12:30) and Fridays and Saturdays 12-4. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Ongoing events

Visit 21 Tulare and Kings Counties Museums from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the Summer Museum Passport Program and get your passport signed at each. List of participating museums at www.mctkc.org, the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove or the Arts Consortium, 300 E. Oak, Visalia.

New Location for Season Wednesday Farmers’ Market, every Wednesday this summer from 8-11:30 a.m. at Shannon Ranch Quail Park, 3440 W. Flagstaff, Visalia. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

Events by date

Aug. 22-30

National Parks Week with a special theme each day. Special kids’ activities on Saturday, Aug. 22. Free entry on Tuesday, Aug. 25, the day National Park Service was founded in 1916. visitvisallia.com/calendar

Saturday, Aug. 29

Market on Mooney, a monthly outdoor event from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch featuring local talent, homemade goods, crafts and art. 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. visitvisalia.org/calendar
Tea with the Directors of Arts Visalia from 11-12. Enjoy tea while talking about anything arts—art opportunities, marketing and exhibiting. 214 E. Oak. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Saturday, Sept. 4

Multicultural Festival by the Tulare County League of Mexican American Women from 11-4 at the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove, 27000 S. Mooney, Visalia. Experience cultures from around the world with live music, dance and art. Food and craft vendors. Children 12 and under free. Google: multicultural festival tclmaw.org
Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org
Awards reception for the Arts Visalia Annual Show from 5-7:30 p.m. during the First Friday Art Walk. 214 E. Oak. 559 739-0905 or artsvisalia.org
Book signing, talk and show by illustrator Merry Miller-Gass of her just-published children’s books from 5-8 p.m. at the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, during the First Friday Art Walk. brandonmitchellgallery.com

Saturday, Sept. 5

1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stsaturdaytr.com
Country singer/songwriter Nico Moon performs at 8 p.m. at the Adventist Health Amphitheater, 455 E. Tulare in Tulare. visitvisalia.org/calendar
Banda Carnaval, Cuarto de Milla and other bands play at 7 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. ticketon.com

Tuesday, Sept. 8

TC Voices@210: COS 100 Year Anniversary, 7:00pm, 210 W. Center, Visalia

Friday, Sept. 11

Beyond the Binary: Music and Talent Festival from 6-9 p.m. featuring local queer artists, resource fair and free food. Visalia Veterans Memorial Center, 609, W. Center. visitvisalia.org/calendar
“Cars” (2006), an animated Pixar film, will be shown at dusk as part of the free Movies in the Park series hosted by the City of Visalia at Soroptimist Park, 4311 W. Buena Vista Ave. Bring a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs. Food vendors on site. visitvisalia.org.calendar

Sept. 11-13

13^th Annual Dark Sky Festival in various places in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is the largest night sky festival in Central California. Star gazing, guest speakers, movies and music. 559 565-4256 or visitvisalia.org/calendar

Saturday, Sept. 12

Annual Soktoberfest from 12 noon-10 p.m. at 1852 Visalia, 707 W. Murray, Visalia, with German beer, games and music. Wear your lederhosen and dirndl. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Sept. 16-20

Tulare County Fair opens Wednesday at 10 a.m. with a Downtown Tulare parade. Events include amusement rides, demo derby, livestock auction, quilts for patriots, vendors at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, 620 South K, Tulare. See schedule at tcfair.org

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Nature tour to be held at Tule River Parkway on August 15

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:53:24 +0000

Fidel Banuelos, a garden adopter and retired teacher, will lead a nature tour on Saturday August 15^th. The tour participants will see how California native plants survive the summer months. This is a free guided tour of the Tule River Parkway Native Plant Demonstration Gardens. We welcome all ages. Fidel will provide the tour in English and Spanish as needed. The parkway has a drinking fountain and there are benches throughout the gardens.

California native plants exist in all the climate zones of California. The plants which are locally native to the Southeastern San Joaquin Valley use strategies to live through the hot dry summer months. These strategies vary from species to species but follow a few predictable patterns. Fidel will explain gardening techniques which support healthy plant growth at the same time as minimizing the need to add summer waterings. Plant selection, matching plant needs to existing shade/sun conditions, and hydro zoning are a few of the factors which increase garden beauty while minimizing irrigation needs.

This tour is an opportunity to hear from and speak with an expert gardener. The Tule River Parkway Native Plant Gardens provide an outdoor classroom where the public can experience and learn from nature. The gardens contain over 100 species of California native plants. Each garden has a web page which includes the garden plan and plant list. The website address is tuleriverparkwayassociation.org. These gardens are open year-round and are maintained by community garden adopters and other volunteers. The gardens demonstrate the beauty and benefits of planting California native plants. Currently there are over 10 species blooming in the gardens.

Join the tour by meeting Fidel at the kiosk near the west end of the Jaye Street parking lot at 9 am. Enter the lot from southbound Jaye Street across the street from Harbor Freight at the Tule River in Porterville. The tour is free to the public and is hosted by the Tule River Parkway Association.

The Tule River Parkway Native Plant Demonstration Gardens are a section of the Tule River Parkway. The parkway is a pedestrian and bicycle path that runs from Fallen Hero’s Park, a city park near Plano, to the junction of HYW 65 and 190. The gardens contain 32 individual gardens each planted with California native plants. Each garden is adopted by a local family, club, or business. There are three gardens and two patio areas currently available for adoption. For more information call Cathy Capone at 559 361 9164 or visit tuleriverparkwayassociation@gmail.com

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