🦃 Turkey Day, tree lighting, and teddy bears.

Welcome to your weekly Bakersfield update! Today is Thursday, November 28, 2024.

In this week’s Bako Weekly:

• 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!

• 🎄Christmas trees

• 🤠 Country tunes

• 🏒 Hockey game

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate, and to everyone, enjoy the holiday weekend with family, friends, or a well-deserved break! Stay safe and avoid any kitchen disasters as you prepare your meals. And don’t pour cooking oil or grease down drains. Instead, safely and properly dispose of them at these collection sites.

Looking for spots open for dinner this Thanksgiving? Check this thread for options!

P.S. The Bakersfield Christmas Parade is happening next Thursday—it’ll be featured in next week’s post.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

🌳 The Bakersfield City Council has approved a $317 million plan to revitalize and expand city parks over the next 10 years, with a focus on underdeveloped areas. The plan will impact 10 parks, improving amenities and repairing parks like Martin Luther King Park and the Kern River Parkway.

🏠️ The Bakersfield City Council has approved $2.5 million in funding for a new homeless center to be built at 529 Dolores St. This facility, set to break ground in January, will provide a safe haven for homeless individuals, victims of sexual assault, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act. The new center is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

🎄 CALM’s HolidayLights event has started offering Christmas trees, with all proceeds going towards the care and conservation of California’s native wildlife. Trees are available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except December 1 and Christmas Day), and no museum admission is needed to make a purchase. Tree prices vary by size and type, with Douglas firs priced from $60 to $87, Noble firs from $35 to $175, and Nordmann firs from $35 to $110. Every tree sold directly helps fund CALM’s wildlife preservation efforts.

🔥 A fire broke out Sunday at the Amazon distribution center on Petrol Road, leading to the evacuation of the facility. Monty Latrell Goree, 26, of Bakersfield, was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson and arson after the blaze, which was contained to a 9-foot tall pod on the fourth floor. No injuries were reported. Goree, an Amazon employee, has been suspended, and the facility is now operating normally.

🚔️ California Highway Patrol has activated its Maximum Enforcement Period, running through Sunday, December 1 at 11:59 PM. Officers will focus on promoting safe driving, ensuring seatbelt compliance, and cracking down on impaired driving. Last year’s enforcement resulted in over 1,000 DUI arrests and 27 fatal crash investigations. Drive safely and remember to wear your seatbelt!

⛸️ Bakersfield’s Family Holiday Skate returns at the Valley Children’s Ice Center. Enjoy festive music, holiday décor, and plenty of skating fun from November 29 through January 5. View schedule for details.

🎅 Bakersfield’s Christmas Town opens this Friday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, welcoming visitors to celebrate the holiday season through December 31.

Bakersfield Weekend Weather

Food and Drinks

🍕 Jerrys Pizza & Pub Black Friday (Downtown): Enjoy pozole all weekend, along with $5 mimosas, $5 Bloody Marys, and a $10 beer + shot + slice special! This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Things to Do

🎄 Christmas Pet Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting (Southwest): Annual Tree Lighting at Town & Country Village shopping center, located at the corner of Stockdale and Coffee. Enjoy live entertainment and free treats! Friday, November 29. 3 PM to dusk.

🎉 The 90’s Party Vol. 4 - The Max & Small Business Saturday Celebration (Downtown): Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend and Small Business Saturday with a 90’s-themed event. Come in your best 90’s attire and enjoy DJ Nokturnal spinning pop, dance, country, and alternative hits. Shop with local vendors. Free entry. Bring cash for purchases. 21+ event. Saturday, November 30. 11 AM to 3 PM.

👢 Twangin’ At The Big Red Boot (Downtown): Bakersfield's own The Soda Crackers will be performing at Emporium Western Store. Enjoy the Bakersfield Sound and country tunes. Free. Saturday, November 30. 12 PM to 1:30 PM.

👾 Collector’s Vault Comic-Con (Downtown): Collector’s Vault Comic-Con hosted at the Marriott at the Convention Center. Featuring special guests Peter Kelamis (DBZ Goku, Ed, Edd, n Eddy) and Steve Kramer (DBZ Shenron), plus collectibles like Pokémon cards, Funko toys, comics, sneakers, and more. Perfect for families and collectors alike. Kids under 8 free admission. $7 admission: Saturday, November 30. 10 AM to 5 PM. $5 admission: Sunday, December 1. 11 AM to 4 PM.

🎄 8th Annual Tree Lighting (Downtown): Join Mayor Karen Goh, Santa, and Mrs. Claus at the annual Tree Lighting ceremony in front of the Mechanics Bank Arena. Free. Saturday, November 30. 5:30 PM.

🏒 Bakersfield Condors’ Teddy Bear Toss (Downtown): The annual Teddy Bear Toss is back this weekend! Join the Condors for their game against the Ontario Reign. Fans are encouraged to throw teddy bears and stuffed animals onto the ice when the Condors score their first goal. These toys will be collected and donated to the United Way for children in need. Last year’s event set a record with 6,771 stuffed animals tossed by nearly 9,000 fans.Tickets are available for purchase here or here for a “3-pack” deal, which includes two vouchers for any regular season game, a coupon for a large Little Caesars pizza, and one skating pass to the Ice Sports Center. Saturday, November 30. 7 PM.

Local Markets

• Riverlakes Farmers Market (Northwest): 8601 Hageman Rd. Saturday, November 30. 9 AM to 1 PM.

• In Your Wildest Dreams Small Business Saturday Pop Up (Downtown): Support over 100 small businesses in one location! 2819 F St. Saturday, November 30. 9 AM.

• Small Business Saturday Pop Up Shop to Benefit Breakthrough Ministries (Downtown): 2415 G St. Shop local for hand made items, jewelry, accessories, home decor, and much more. Saturday, November 30. 10 AM to 3 PM.

• Bako Market (Downtown): 1001 Truxtun Ave. Saturday, November 30. 10 AM to 2 PM.

• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market (Southwest): 8800 Ming Ave. Sunday, December 1. 9 AM to 2 PM.

• Kern County Vintage Flea (Downtown): 1601 21st St. Sunday, December 1. 10 AM to 4 PM.

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See you next week!

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