Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2022/2023

10 2022 Scenic 395 First weekend in November • rpfestival.com Ridgecrest In addition to a cool gift shop filled with all things Ridgecrest/California related, California’s newest Welcome Center will feature virtual tours of the petroglyphs and Death Valley, reruns of old westerns and other movies filmed locally, infor- mation on other local movie productions including the original Star Wars, bro- chures and a display of prehistoric camels of California. Said Crutcher, “I think this is going to become a hub for our community and travelers alike.” Peters also expressed his pleasure with the finished building. “I think this will be a huge success for the community. It will attract visitors and tourists from all over having a first rate center like this,” Peters said. The grand opening was also held in collaboration with the Annual Petroglyph Festival, held Nov. 5 and 6 in celebration of Native American Heritage Awareness Month. Each year, folks from all around flock to Leroy Jackson Park in downtown Ridgecrest to recognize the historical petroglyph art surrounding the Indian Wells Valley. “This (festival) unifies as one and keeps us all together as a big family as Ridge- crest is known to be,” said Andrew Diaz, administrator coordinator for RACVB. A TV and Film Experience exhibit was the first to open within the CWC— Ridgecrest, featuring projects filmed in Death Valley, Lone Pine, Red Rock Can- yon, and other areas around the region. QR codes will link to location maps that include the sites for Lady Gaga and Ri- hanna music videos, Top Gun: Maverick, Iron Man, Star Trek, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Agents of SHIELD, andWestworld. Video presentations will focus on sci-fi locations that continue to draw produc- tions to the unique topography of Califor- nia’s deserts. Along with the TV and Film Experience, the CWC features the top 5 Amazing Archaeological Adventures of California, appealing to those with more historical interests. With Ridgecrest joining the Visit Cal- ifornia family, access and exposure to millions of people visiting California will be exponentially higher for businesses in the Ridgecrest region. The CWC includes brochures, magazines, and advertising information for local attractions, din- ing, and hotels in and around Ridgecrest. The designation has traditionally led to a significant increase in the percentage of travel-generated employment for each region represented. This effect has led to documented positive impacts in second- ary spending and employment, as each region increases their share of Califor- nia’s in-state travel spending. Located at 880 N. China Lake Blvd., the California Welcome Center will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (800) VIS- IT-30, or visit  info@racvb.com . Continued from Page 9 Come and take virtual tours of Death Val- ley and the Petroglyphs at the new Ridge- crest Welcome Center. Photo by Meris Lueck/The Daily Independent