This year, the Fresno Fair partnered with the Fresno Mural Program to bring creativity and aesthetics to the fairgrounds through murals. Over 20 students, aged 10 to 15, worked together on weekends to paint murals celebrating Fresno’s agricultural heritage and diverse culture. 

“Mural is teamwork and communication like all elements,” Jason Esquivel said.

 He started the Fresno Mural Program in 2020. Esquivel teaches Fresno Unified students to express their creativity through murals in their school and community. 

Students spent hours each weekend painting themes highlighting Fresno’s history, from livestock shows to the region’s role as the “breadbasket of the world.”

“They took ownership of these murals,” Naomi Marie said. “We gave them full creative freedom to change something or add a personal touch. It was about letting them express themselves.”

In addition to enhancing the fair’s atmosphere, the murals have delighted vendors stationed nearby. Vicky Vang, whose booth sits directly in front of the murals, expressed excitement about the transformation.

“Vendors usually occupy the space, but now, with the murals, it’s such a pleasant change,” Vang said. “It’s pleasing to the eyes and brought a whole new color to the fair. People stop and take family pictures, making the area feel more colorful.”

Marie emphasized that this project allowed students to connect with Fresno’s history meaningfully. 

“It’s really about making them realize that they’re not just painting Fresno’s past—they’re becoming part of its history themselves,” Marie said. “Their work will be on display for years to come, and that’s something they can take pride in.”

The murals have brightened the fairgrounds and allowed students to make a lasting contribution to their community and be a part of Fresno’s history.