Highlighting success within the economic landscape of our community

Record attendance at 4th of July events highlights economic recovery for Tehachapi

The City of Tehachapi experienced the largest All-American 4th of July Festival since the inception of the event two decades ago. The first major event to be conducted post-COVID-19 restrictions was met with overwhelming crowds at Philip Marx Central Park. A welcome sight for vendors, non-profits, and entertainers.

The variety of food vendors experienced heavy customer traffic throughout the day up until the festival ended around 4 p.m. The reports back from the vendors confirmed a very profitable day in the Tehachapi sunshine, celebrating Independence Day with great live music and socializing with friends and visitors highlighting the afternoon.

The local entertainment lineup, consisting of Averee Napier, Ryan Sillifant and Muleskinner Revival, brought crowds to the northwest stage where folks gathered to listen to their talents and appreciate returning to a normal 4th of July celebration. Local arts and craft vendors organized by the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association also saw robust sales and support for their efforts after a year removed from public events. The Tehachapi Warrior Booster Club, who assisted both the football and soccer programs with their pancake breakfast and hamburger/hot dog sales respectively, reported over $9,000 in profits for their efforts. Those funds will go to those two teams to assist with equipment and other needs in the upcoming season.

The crowds at the All-American 4th of July Festival also spilled over to the Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds ,where the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association hosted the Bad Bulls bull riding event. Traffic getting into the venue caused major delays due to the capacity crowd on hand for the first professional sporting event in Tehachapi since 2019. While inconvenient for many, the robust attendance was a strong sign of economic recovery for many organizations like TMRA, who spent nearly 24 months not hosting any events due to pandemic regulations.

The one-day events attracted visitors from all over the state and poured thousands of dollars into the local economy and proved Tehachapi's desirability as a destination for visitors in and outside of Kern County. The weather, organization, promotion and execution of these special events continues to bring people to Tehachapi to capture a part of the small-town nostalgia gone from larger surrounding communities.

As an indicator of future summer and fall events to come, those organizing events in the City of Tehachapi are preparing for larger than normal crowds, while local businesses should also prepare for an influx of business during the events and festivities.

New owner of Tehachapi Flower Shop takes over historic downtown institution

Sara Frost is leveraging her 12 years of floral experience into a new venture as part of the 58-year history of Tehachapi Flower Shop becoming the new owner on July 1. The shop originally opened in January 1963 by Daisy and Pete Minton. Kandi Smith had worked for Tehachapi Flower Shop since 1990 and has faithfully owned and operated it the last 15 years. After moving to Tehachapi from Dallas in 2018, with 12-plus-years of floral design experience, Sara Frost began working seasonally for Kandi. The two built a trusting and lasting friendship which lead to a successful transition of ownership upon Kandi's retirement. Stop by the shop in the next couple weeks and wish Sara a "congratulations," or better yet, order some flowers for that special someone. As Sara says, "Flowers are always the answer."

Art 2021: Public art show July 24-25

Over 30 artists participated in the en plein air painting event in Tehachapi in May. Now, the paintings of our area will go on display for public viewing and sale on July 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and July 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Aspen Builder's Activities Center, 410 West D St. Visit the Tehachapi Arts Commission website http://www.artstehachapi.org.

Featured Property: Jennifer's Terrace

Jennifer's Terrace located on Curry is listed at $549,000. It has potential to continue as an event venue or other business as defined in the T 4.5 zone. This 1920's home has a total of five rooms, 994 square feet inside and over 2,700 square feet in the entire facility. Listing Agent: Larry Barrett, Coldwell Banker Best Realty.

Full listing information at http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/413-S-Curry-St_Tehachapi_CA_93561_M90353-84625.

For more Economic Development News visit http://www.liveuptehachapi.com/303/Economic-Development-News.