Welcome!

It's August, which means school will be starting soon, football games will be held . . . and Tehachapi will celebrate its 56th annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival!

August is a time for coming home – home for Tehachapi High School reunions of times past, home for the annual Old Timers Picnic in Central Park, and of course the Mountain Festival, which is always held the third weekend of August – this year August 16-18.

The Mountain Festival draws up to 40,000 residents and guests to our wonderful mountain city.

Tehachapi's slogan is "Live Up," and visitors have to drive "up" to attend the festival.

There is always something for everyone, young and old. There are dances at the local VFW, the PCRA Rodeo, held at the Tehachapi Rodeo grounds, the carnival and fun rides, adjacent to the downtown park, and of course the parade – which runs down F Street on Saturday morning.

And don't forget the Rock and Gem Show at the Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER, pancake breakfast at the veterans Hall and Artisan Festival held at Railroad Park. Vendors from all over Southern California will be under the shade trees in Central Park, offering crafts and food.

The Thunder on the Mountain Car Show will be presented Sunday morning, on downtown streets. I will be there choosing a classic vehicle worthy of the Mayor's Trophy.

The City of Tehachapi is an amazing place to live. Its residents and business owners don't know the meaning of the word "no." Volunteers and business owners with sponsorships make these things that I have mentioned possible.

And when another event comes up, you can bet that you will see the same faces out there working away to provide everyone with a great time. Thank you to all who help each year!

I will be out and about at almost every event. I always see local residents and visitors from all over Kern County. So stop by, enjoy the cooler mountain weather and relax.

See you there!

–Susan Wiggins, Mayor, City of Tehachapi