As grape growers and consumers prepare to gather and celebrate the San Joaquin Valley grape industry, Saturday, October 19 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 20 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Whole Vine Festival on the Fresno State Campus, festival organizers are pleased to announce the dedication of the second year of the Festival to Central Valley grape grower Jon Marthedal.
Marthedal’s family has been farming in the Valley for over a century, and he has valiantly carried on the legacy of feeding the world as a responsible steward of the land. It is very fitting for Marthedal to be receiving this special honor on the grounds of his alma mater, Fresno State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Ag Business. In addition to farming grapes, blueberries and almonds, Marthedal provides custom farming services for many of his neighbors and serves on numerous boards and committees in the community, such as the Farm Credit Council and the Raisin Administrative Committee.
“I met Jon Marthedal while he was serving as the Chairman of Sun-Maid Growers,” shared Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau. “Jon, along with Nat DiBuduo who we dedicated our inaugural Whole Vine Festival to, has been a great mentor and rallying supporter of the Whole Vine Festival. Jon and I have had countless conversations that have helped shape the Festival to what we enjoy today. I have often called him my ‘corner man’ as he has coached me through hard things. He shared the vision of a festival celebrating the rich heritage of grape-growing and its impact on our Valley communities. He is also a doer and has not hesitated to jump in and help out with the festival in many ways, getting the job done in the true form of a farmer.”
Matthew Malcolm, Whole Vine Festival Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of American Vineyard Magazine, added, “We are thrilled for the opportunity to honor Jon Marthedal and invite all to join us during the Opening Ceremony in doing so. His commitment to feeding the world, service in the community and ‘behind the scenes’ leadership is unmatched. We are excited to recognize him for that.”
Marthedal will be honored at the Opening Ceremony, Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Whole Vine Festival at 10:00 a.m. at Fresno State near the Science II Buildings on Saturday, October 19. All are invited to attend this momentous occasion. For more details on this FREE event, visit https://www.thewholevine.com.
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About the Whole Vine Festival
The mission of the Whole Vine Festival is to bring the community together in celebration of all things related to table grapes, raisins, and wine produced in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as to raise the worth of the Valley in the hearts and minds of its people. The inaugural festival will take place Saturday, October 19 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 20 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Fresno State Campus near Barstow and Woodrow. A festive opportunity for families and individuals of all ages, attendees can enjoy grapes in all forms, a kids fun and educational area, live music, and local food vendors with grape-inspired cuisine. Admission and parking are free. Visit www.thewholevine.com to learn more and get involved.