Christmas Week is coming

Happy early Merry Christmas guys. Let’s go out and really support the local Christmas events this week. I’m going to be going to a few Christmas town type events! I’ll be back next issues with some pictures and possible videos.

Community

Adopt A Grandparent

Adopt a Grandparent is a local holiday initiative focused on something simple but powerful: showing up for our elders during Christmas. Many seniors in care facilities don’t receive visitors, gifts, or even cards during the holidays. This event is about changing that, even if it’s just for one evening.

Participants are paired with a grandparent to spend time with, deliver a gift, or drop off a handwritten Christmas card. You don’t have to stay the entire time, and even a quick visit or gift drop-off can make a huge impact. Donations like throw blankets, house shoes, and books are especially appreciated.

I personally signed up for one, and I love that they’re encouraging people to come in person if possible. There are still around 15 grandparents who haven’t been adopted yet, so if you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to give back locally, this is a great opportunity.

Important note: RSVP is required. You must text Jasmin at 661-347-5845 in advance, even if you’re only planning to drop off a gift. The facility won’t allow entry or gift drop-offs without confirmation.

This is one of those events that reminds you what the season is really about; community, presence, and compassion, Bakersfield-style.

I’ve signed up to adopt a grandparent with my family. If it’s something I’m preaching, I feel like I should be helping as much as I can. There are still around 15 grandparents who haven’t been adopted yet, so if you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to give back locally, this is a great opportunity.

Remembering the past. Bakersfield History.

Southern Pacific 2914

This is a piece done by my friend Robert. He has helped me out with history pieces in the past, and he’s back with another one! If you want to check out some more of his work based around the locomotive The Southern Pacific 2914, click right here! it’s a Facebook group he runs.

The Sunset Railway played a critical role in the development of western Kern County, serving as a purpose-built industrial railroad for the region’s expanding oil fields. The earliest rail development west of Bakersfield began in the early 1890's, when rail access became essential to support petroleum exploration near McKittrick and the Buena Vista Hills. By 1893 the Southern Pacific had reached McKittrick oil fields, and it would be from the southern point of this branch line at Gosford that the Sunset Railway would start from and head southwest connecting more rich oil-producing areas to Bakersfield and the wider rail network.

The sunset railroad was built in three stages from 1901 to 1908 and was jointly operated by the Southern Pacific and AT&SF alternating every 5 years. As major oil discoveries accelerated in the early 1900s, particularly between 1909 and 1912, rail traffic increased dramatically. The town of Taft quickly emerged as a key terminal and service point along the line, supported almost entirely by oil related rail traffic. During this period, the Sunset Railway expanded its sidings, depots, and yard facilities to meet the demands of drilling operations, refinery construction, and the growing workforce moving into the region.

The physical character of the Sunset Railway reflected its rapid development during the 1900–1915 boom years. Construction emphasized speed and economy, with light rail, modest grading, and practical alignments dictated by terrain rather than long-term permanence. Numerous stations and sidings such as Taft, Fellows, Maricopa, Pentland, Shale, and others were established where oil activity justified service. Freight traffic dominated from the beginning, with petroleum, pipe, drilling equipment, lumber, and supplies accounting for the vast majority of shipments. Passenger service existed throughout the line’s early years but remained secondary and was often handled by mixed trains.

Changes began to emerge in the mid 1920's and 1930's as improved highways, increased truck transportation, and the growing use of pipelines began to reduce dependence on rail service. Although the Sunset Railway continued to operate, traffic levels declined, passenger service was reduced, and some sidings and facilities were closed or downgraded. The spur between Pentland to Maricopa was abandoned in 1960; the rest of the line between Shale and San Emidio went dormant in 1976, and the track was finally removed in the first part of this century. The eastern-most section of track, out of Bakersfield, is still in use by the San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVR), a subsidiary of RailAmerica.

Today, much of the Sunset Railway has disappeared, but its legacy remains firmly embedded in the history of western Kern County. The Sunset Railway shaped settlement patterns, fueled industrial growth, and made large-scale oil development possible, it was a working railroad that did exactly what it was built to do and in doing so, helped build Taft and the surrounding oil field communities.

Trainline Article on the Sunset Railway: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sp2914/permalink/7693648757388250/

Recommended book: History of the Sunset Railway

by: John F. Bergman

🎟️ Events This Week: December 18th-24th

Just an FYI but the original draft of my normal 50+ events somehow got deleted. I didn’t have time to fully pull all the events again, but I think I got enough in here for everyone to find something to do

💡 Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

• Holiday Food Distribution @ David Nelson Pocket Park (4pm–6:30pm) 1511 Niles St. Free community food distribution with Santa visit, photo ops, hot cocoa, music, and DIY greeting cards.
• Temblor Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing Co (5pm) Weekly open chess meetup for all ages and skill levels.
• Digimon TCG @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. Weekly Digimon trading card game night.
• Men’s Basketball: CSUB vs. Nobel University @ Icardo Center (6:30pm) Home game for the CSUB Roadrunners.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space (8pm) 5417 Woodmere Dr. Live stage production of the classic holiday story.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

• Night Artisan Fair and Grinch Movie Night @ Riverwalk Park (5pm–9pm) 11298 Stockdale Hwy. Evening artisan market featuring local vendors and food. Movie showing will be 6pm-8pm.
• Carol-Oké: Cowboy Christmas Karaoke @ Arts Council of Kern (5pm–9pm) 1020 18th St. Holiday karaoke night with local shopping and vendors.
• Adopt a Grandparent @ Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab. (5–8pm) 1801 Julian Ave – A community holiday event focused on bringing joy, love, and companionship to local elders. Donations such as throw blankets, house shoes, and books are welcome. RSVP is required — text Jasmin at 661-347-5845 to attend or to drop off a gift, as entry is not allowed without prior RSVP.
• Santa’s Workshop Toy Giveaway @ Noble Park. (5pm) 700 S P St – Holiday toy giveaway spreading joy to deserving children while supplies last. Children must be present. Registration encouraged and guests are asked to bring a toy.
• Campus Vendors Christmas Market @ 912 New Stine Rd (5:30pm–9:30pm) 912 New Stine Rd. Holiday night market with local vendors.
• Jon Ranger (Solo Set) @ Tlo Wines (6pm–8pm) Intimate solo performance by Jon Ranger.
• Take Pictures with Santa @ Private Residence. (6–8pm) Eagle Vista Dr, 93311 – Free photos with Santa. Kids and dogs welcome. Bring your own phone or camera.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center(6:30pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. Weekly Magic: The Gathering event.
• Friday Night Social Dance @ Fairfax Grange 570 (7pm–9pm) 4 Fairfax Rd. Community social dance night; $10 entry.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space (8pm) Address available. Evening performance of the holiday classic.
• Jon Ranger (Full Band) @ McGarry’s Irish Pub (9pm–12am) Late-night full band performance featuring Jim Ranger.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

• F Street Farmers Market @ F Street. (7:45am–12pm) Downtown Bakersfield – Weekly farmers market featuring produce, food vendors, and local goods.
• Riverlakes Ugly Sweaters Market @ Centennial High School. (9am–1pm) 8601 Hageman Rd – Holiday-themed farmers market with vendors and festive attire encouraged.
• Girls Run B – Jingle Bell Run @ The Park at River Walk (8am) 12716 Stockdale Hwy. Holiday-themed group run; dress festive.
• Downtown Bakersfield Christmas Pajama Takeover @ Downtown Bakersfield. (All day) Multiple locations. Wear pajamas and enjoy specials, pop-ups, and events throughout downtown.
• Bako Market @ Centennial Plaza at Dignity Health Arena. (10am–3pm) 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 – The final Bako Market of the year featuring local makers, small businesses, handmade goods, and last-minute holiday shopping.
• Sip N Shop + Pajama Takeover @ Stage Fright Clothing (11am–8pm) All-day pajama takeover with coffee, vendors, and holiday shopping.
• Bakersfield Winter Wonderland @ E-Bako Night Market. (Weekdays 5pm–8pm; Weekends 12pm–9pm) 6328 E Brundage Ln – Holiday winter village with lights, seasonal vendors, and festive activities. Minnie & Mickey meet-and-greet Fridays (5pm–9pm) and Saturdays/Sundays (1pm–9pm).
• Women’s Basketball: CSUB vs. Eastern Washington @ Icardo Center (2pm) Address available. Home game for the Roadrunners.
• Photo Walking MOAI @ Robby’s Nursery & Calico Gardens. (12–1:30pm) 4002 Terracotta Ct – Guided photography walk connecting local creatives.
• Don’t Tell Comedy @ The Padre Hotel. (8pm) Address available. 21+ indoor comedy show with bar service.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space. (8pm) 5417 Woodmere Dr. Saturday night performance.
• SNOHAUS @ The Eligon. (8:00pm–12:00am) Downtown Bakersfield.
A high-energy winter-themed party featuring multiple DJs, immersive snow-globe vibes, photo ops, and a themed bar experience. Dress warm and expect a late-night dance crowd at one of downtown’s most creative venues.
• Capozzi + Xpress + Rezly @ Ay Mi Pa Bakersfield (Time not listed, likely evening) Address available. Bass house and techno event presented by Hyde Underground.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

• Riverwalk Artisan Fair @ Riverwalk Park (8am–2pm) 11298 Stockdale Hwy. Morning artisan market with local vendors.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9am–2pm) Weekly Sunday farmers market.
• Rio Bravo Farmers Market @ Rio Bravo Country Club. (10am–2pm) 15200 Casa Club Dr – Sunday farmers market with food trucks, boutiques, and fresh produce.
• Naughty or Nice Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes. (11am–12:30pm) 2623 F St Suite M. Guided holiday paint session.
• Bakersfield Winter Wonderland @ E-Bako Night Market. (Weekdays 5pm–8pm; Weekends 12pm–9pm) 6328 E Brundage Ln – Holiday winter village with lights, seasonal vendors, and festive activities. Minnie & Mickey meet-and-greet Fridays (5pm–9pm) and Saturdays/Sundays (1pm–9pm).
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space. (2pm) Address available. Sunday matinee performance.
• Ugly Sweater Sunday @ Ethel’s Old Corral. (All day) Address available. Wear your ugliest sweater for Sunday fun.
• Grinch Family Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza Pub. (4pm) 1817 Chester Ave – Guided paint night with Grinch-themed options. $15 per person, RSVP required.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22

• Temblor Bingo & Beers @ Temblor Brewing Co. (Time TBD) Address available. Weekly bingo night with drinks and prizes.
• Dungeons & Dragons Night @ Bakersfield Esports Center. (7pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. Weekly D&D meetup.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23

• Men’s Basketball: CSUB vs. Idaho Vandals @ Icardo Center. (2pm) Home game for the Roadrunners.
• Temblor Pub Trivia: Year in Review @ Temblor Brewing Co. (7pm) Address available. End-of-year themed trivia night.
• Holly Jolly Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza. (7pm) 1817 Chester Ave. Holiday karaoke night with no cover.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing Co. (4pm) Address available. Board and family-friendly games for all ages.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing Co. (5:30pm) Address available. Competitive cornhole tournament with prizes.
• Bingo Night @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk. (Recurring: Wednesdays 8pm) 1531 19th St, Bakersfield, CA – Weekly bingo night with country music, plus cocktails and food available.

That’s it for this week.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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The Bakersfield Guy

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