Mountain Festival events cancelled Sunday, Aug. 20 due to Tropical Storm Hilary

At the advice of the National Weather Service and emergency management agencies in preparation for the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary, the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and the City of Tehachapi are announcing the cancellation of all Sunday events connected to the 60th Annual Mountain Festival. This includes the Thunder on the Mountain car show and festivities at Central Park, Railroad Park and the Tehachapi Rodeo and Events Center. This is for Sunday events only; all Saturday events will continue as scheduled as weather permits.

Due to safety concerns for residents, visitors and the projected impact of the weather on travel conditions, Sunday's portion of Mountain Festival has been cancelled. The California Highway Patrol is advising against traveling on Sunday as the Tehachapi area is expected to see the heaviest impact of the storm on Sunday afternoon, when most events were scheduled to conclude. Heavy rain and wind are expected through the day beginning Saturday night and continuing through Sunday with flooding expected in many areas of Kern County.

"While it is difficult to end an event like Mountain Festival early, we must take these warnings and advice from our partners very seriously and with travel not recommended for Sunday and potentially dangerous road conditions, it is safer for residents, visitors and vendors to conclude events on Saturday," said City Manager Greg Garrett.

The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce has been in constant contact with the City of Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Police Department, both of whom have been participating in daily briefings with the National Weather Service and the Kern County Office of Emergency Services as officials coordinate a response to this weather event. Unfortunately, the unprecedented nature of this storm system will impact the 'Diamond Anniversary' of the Mountain Festival.

"While we always hope for great weather and great memories at Mountain Festival, we need to consider public safety and where this event fits in the grand scheme of things," said Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce President Jeannette Pauer. "One day of events is better than nothing and given the unique nature of this storm, canceling Sunday is the appropriate thing to do."

The Tehachapi Police Department reminds residents to not travel unless absolutely necessary on Sunday, avoid areas prone to flooding and to contact the police department should in the event of an emergency.