The 28th Fruit Days of Križevci County, the central part of the eponymous event, were held on the square in Đurđevac, gathering around 50 exhibitors, fruit growers, and producers of fruit products. The central square was filled with the tradition, colours, and scents of local produce, while visitors could view and purchase various types of fruit, juices, jams, cakes, and other local products.
The event was organised by the Koprivnica-Križevci County, the City of Đurđevac, and the local tourist board, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Association of Fruit Growers and Producers of Fruit Products of the Križevci County. In addition to the exhibition, a rich programme was prepared for all generations, with the youngest enjoying apple catching and fruit salad workshops, while adults could listen to lectures on plant protection and participate in the 'Autumn Gable' workshop by Podravka. Lectures on the natural methods of protecting and caring for plants were led by Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić, while associations, kindergartens, schools, and school cooperatives presented their products and work.
At the beginning, the gathered crowd was addressed by County Prefect Tomislav Golubić, the Mayor of Đurčevac, Hrvoje Janči, and the President of the City Council, Željko Lacković, with the latter also welcoming the participants. The event was officially opened by the Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, MP, and Mayor of Križevci, Mišel Jakšić, who highlighted that the tradition of Podravina and Croatian agriculture is strong and of high quality, stating that local producers are key to the healthy growth and development of the region and of Croatia as a whole.
The Prefect noted that the region has been affected by drought in the last two years, but that they are doing their best to help. He pointed out that last year they had doubled the funds for agriculture, thanking all farmers for their tireless effort and work. He added that the Fruit Days had already shown themselves to be a successful event, allowing all producers to showcase and promote their traditions in the county.
The local mayor highlighted that the Fruit Days offer an opportunity for producers to connect with potential customers, as well as for the easier distribution of local products. He highlighted the project 'Podvina', which is currently located in the market and gathers more than 100 producers and more than 500 local products, and announced its relocation to new premises in Beden, near the Stari Grad fortress.
The most popular selection was the choice for the best fruit strucla and the most beautifully decorated stall. The best stall was awarded to OPG Cvrtila, the second place to OPG Kranjce, and the third to OPG Darko Krčmar. The best fruit strucla was baked by the members of the Women's Association of Đurđevac, the second place by the members of the Women's Association of Repa, and the third by the women's association of the Peski of Đurđevac.
In the entertainment part of the programme, the children's group 'Mišići' of the Maslačak Kindergarten, as well as the children's group of the KUD Petar Preradović Đurđevac, performed. The programme concluded with the cutting of a large fruit cake. The Fruit Days were held as part of the 'Autumn in Đurđevac' programme, with the event having been held for 28 years, promoting agricultural production, fruit growing, and the production of fruit products, while presenting the producers from the region. The county traditionally publishes a Catalogue of Fruit Producers, which has been providing data on fruit growers and their production for 28 years.
