Community Spirit

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Between the welcomed gluttony of Thanksgiving and the first kiss of a new year, there is a month of unrivaled merriment for our city. After all, Bakersfield takes its holidays seriously. We always have.

Back in 1947, and just two years after the end of World War II, Bakersfield was in full Yuletide mode, boasting a Christmas parade and spreading seasonal community spirit to bystanders on Chester Avenue. There was simply no time to wallow in the misfortunes of a post-war country. We had halls to deck and trees to light. We dealt with trouble every other day of the year; this was a time of celebration.

The Radio Drama Club of the Bakersfield Youth Center broadcast a rousing version of A Christmas Carol and rallying around the community became priority number one. Local fight impresario Steve Strelich staged his annual amateur boxing card benefit for the children of local hospitals on December 22. The Y.M.C.A. gave 200 food baskets to those less fortunate and the American Legion threw a party to gather gifts for children at Kern General Hospital.

In the 62 years since, our spirit has never diminished and our focus on community has grown steadily. Think about it: we’re a town that refers to one of our main drags (Truxtun Avenue) as “Christmas Lane” every December.

So while the parade heralds in a time in each our lives that symbolizes hope, love, and goodwill, the entire season is made up of charitable people wanting to bring a little holiday cheer to those around them.

But does someone have a number for the Druids? They’ve been MIA for the past few parade meetings and those lolly-pops aren’t going to hand themselves out.

Article appeared in our 26-5 Issue - December 2009