Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2024

22 2024 Scenic 395 Welcome To Our Beautiful Kern Valley! Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm (store) • 7am-5pm (yard & nursery) Sat. & Sun. 8am-5pm www.lmlumber.com • sales@lmlumber.com 760-379-4631 4700 Isabella Blvd. • Lake Isabella A Complete Line Of: • Lumber • Building Supplies • Paint • Tools • Automotive Needs • Nursery Products Shrubs • Plants • Trees Bargains throughout the store everyday with help and advice for the do-it- yourselfer and a complete department to bid on your contract job! Serving the Kern River Valley Since 1963 A river runs through it By Darla A. Baker The Daily Independent Life in the Kern River Valley is much like the river that runs through it. On the surface, all appears serene and calm. But, be- neath the surface of the crisp, blue water, there is so much more going on. As the census numbers continue to slowly rise in the commu- nities that make up the valley, improvements to its infrastruc- ture have been going on to keep in step with the growing need for change. The once sleepy community is beginning to see more hustle and bustle these days making it even more attractive to vacationers than ever before. The Kern River Valley has always attracted tourists due to wa- ter sport opportunities which are abundant at Lake Isabella and on the Kern River, especially during the warmer months. How- ever, the community’s biggest draw takes place every February during each President Day weekend. The 66th Annual Whiskey Flat Days was another example of how the community continues to build on its successes as promoters report another banner year for the vastly, popular attraction. Close to 100,000 people attended in 2022. This year’s event was equally successful. As the year continues to slip past us, the Kernville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 68th Annual Whiskey Flat Days. “The theme for this year is ‘White Water andWhiskey,’” said Orian Sanders, Chamber president. This theme seems particularly appropriate as the river has seen more white-water rapids this year due to record snowmelt that occurred last spring. Currently, the Chamber is in the process of hosting its annual artist contest for Whiskey Flat Days advertisement. Said Sanders, “Our goal is to have that approved and begin promoting probably during the first week of December. Last August, the Whiskey Flats Encampment area was washed out due to flooding that occurred when California was pum- Continued on Page 23 Recent improvements to the rodeo grounds of the John E. McNally Arena have led to more event opportunities such as the BOO-Tacu- lar Fun Run held in October. Courtesy Photo Kern River