60th Annual Whiskey Flat Days
By Alberto Muro
This Presidents Day weekend saw the return of the 60th annual Whiskey Flat Days in the city of Kernville, California.
For 60 years, Kernville hosted a 3 day celebration of western themed festivities for adults and carnival rides for the youth. Live music kept the patrons dancing as the streets filled with spectators and western enthusiasts.
Kernville is located near the Sequoia National Forest, so there was no shortage of vendors selling handcrafted wooden souvenirs such as signs, necklaces and accessories. Vendors also sold vintage western attire, flags, handmade clothes, and a wide variety of food.
Live bands played for the sea of visitors flowing through the streets of downtown Kernville. There was an unplugged trio that consisted of a double-bass, acoustic, and a violin playing on the outside of a corner store. The other live band played upbeat tunes in the park with electric equipment and could be heard throughout the event.
The carnival at Whisky Flats provided entertainment for the youth with rides that rose to an elevation of 10 feet. The carnival rides were set up next to the Kern River, so patrons had the opportunity to view the entire event with the sound of the roaring river.
The western theme of Whisky Day Flats became noticeable as shops in downtown Kernville echoed with the sound of boots stomping on the wooden floors and prop firearms knocking against the stools. The old-time saloon days made a comeback for Whisky Flats Day and thankfully no duels were initiated.