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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 1, 2010
Eye Street
Index America Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Spotlight Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Shalia Draical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Robert MacNeil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Hairdressers for Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-25
Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
Who needs BC? Go to Shafter Town does fireworks show right — and it’s free BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist
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or many longtime Shafter residents like Karen Wilkins, the city’s annual fireworks show is a family tradition. “I’ve been attending for 30 years and my youngest was in my arms the first time,” she said. “My kids grew up with it — they still come back for it every year.” Although the fireworks display doesn’t begin until 9 p.m., the gates open at 6 p.m. Lots of people come early and enjoy the pre-show activities. Seats in the stadium are limited, so some families spread out a blanket on the grass or bring lawn chairs from home. “It’s the whole community atmosphere that’s so nice,” Wilkins said. “People greet old friends they haven’t seen in a while, you can visit with your neighbors and the kids can run around and play.” “No alcohol is allowed,” she added, “so it’s a fun, safe time.” Shafter, population about 16,000, is a pleasant tree-shaded town about 20 miles northwest of Bakersfield. It is named for Gen. William Shafter, a hero of the Spanish-American War who once owned a large ranch in the area. Wilkins, who works for the city of Shafter, is one of the many volunteers who help organize the event, which is always held the evening before Independence Day. She says it couldn’t be done without the support of the community. “We really do this on a shoestring,” she said. “It’s hard times right now — people do whatever they can.” Debbe Haley, president of the Shafter Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event, said the total budget is $13,000. The major portion, $9,500, pays for the fireworks; the balance is for the sound system and various fees. “We have businesses that support it every year,” Haley said. “I think we’re about the only ones in the county who still don’t charge. Everyone is welcome — it’s not just for people who live in Shafter.” Admission is free but donations will be accepted at the gate. Also, the chamber has placed containers at various places around town so residents can donate in advance. “That way people who don’t go because they live nearby (the stadium) and can see the fireworks from their yards can donate,” she explained. “And they are stepping up
CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN
Fireworks light up the night sky in Shafter in 2009 during the annual Independence Day event at Shafter High School.
to help.” During the first three hours before sundown, the Shafter High athletics department will sell hamburgers and hot dogs; other booths will sell inexpensive trinkets and jewelry. A bounce house, rock-climbing wall and other play activities are available at the adjacent sports complex.
percent off fireworks purchase when you donate blood. Fireworks 9:15 p.m. at the end of Engineer Point, Lake Isabella. 760-3795236. Free. Fourth of July Barbecue, with activities for children, musical entertainment, fireworks at the end, begins at 4 p.m., “Nuui Cunni” Native American Cultural Center, 2600 Highway 155, Lake Isabella. Bring a chair. 760-549-0800. Star Spangled Spectacular Family Fun Day, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Delano, with activities for the whole family, 5 to 9 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m., Delano Memorial Park, South Lexington, Delano. 725-1286
Other celebrations
Sunday
Annual Fireworks Show When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Shafter High School Stadium, 526 Mannel Ave., Shafter Admission: Free Information: 746-2600
Friday Celebrate America with The Super Sonic Band, part of Best of Kern Concert Tour, 7 to 10 p.m., FruitvaleNorris Park, 6221 Norris Road.
Saturday Bakersfield Speedway, annual firework extravaganza featuring Modifieds, Street Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Stock Powder Puff, gates open at 4:30 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $18; $7 ages 612; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com; 393-3373. Blood Drive at Fireworks Stand VFW Post #97, benefitting Houchin Blood Bank, 8 a.m. to noon, at 5350 S. Union Ave. Enter to win a $100 fireworks package, also receive 25
Bakersfield Blaze vs. San Jose Giants, with fireworks to follow the game; game begins at 7:45 p.m.; Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $5$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Fireworks Show, with live music, refreshments, begins at 7:30 p.m. fireworks at 9 p.m., Tehachapi Depot, 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. $10 adults; $3 for ages 4-12, children under 4 are free. Bring a blanket for the lawn or chair. 821-0086. Tehachapi Community Orchestra, annual Pops Under the Stars Concert, with fireworks, 7 p.m., Coy Burnett Football Stadium, East Tehachapi Boulevard, Tehachapi. 821-7511. Wasco’s annual Aerial Fireworks Display, at dusk, Barker Park/Babe Ruth Ballpark, 1280 Poplar Ave., Wasco. Free.
CALIFORNIAN FILE
Spectators watch the annual fireworks show in Shafter.