Bakersfield Country and Craft Festival
By Alberto Muro
Country music and great beverages came to Downtown Bakersfield.
The 3rd annual Bakersfield Country and Craft Festival was held at Mill Creek Park in downtown Bakersfield. Bakersfield’s very own Lengthwise organized the event as part of their multiple charity craft festivals in which all of the proceeds go to local children’s charities throughout Kern County.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people began lining up around Mill Creek Park dressed from head to toe in their best country themed clothes such as boots, hats, and overalls. The crowd grew ecstatic as the line of people began moving through the gates as they were greeted by friendly security. Patrons were also given souvenir Country and Craft Festival cups for sampling beverages.
Life-sized Jenga games and Cornhole boards gave attendees the opportunity to make new friends. While under pressure, attendees showed off their multitasking skills by playing Jenga while having a beverage in the other hand.
As impressive as it may seem, the arrogance in other players saw the immediate downfall of the wood pieces. The other participants that played on the Cornhole boards put their accuracy to the test as they launched sacks onto a smooth wooden surface with hopes of landing in the hole.
Local breweries from Kern County were also at Country and Craft Festival and also provided refreshments for attendees. Dionysus, one of Bakersfield’s newest breweries, served one of their popular beverages called “Sour Funk,” and anyone who tasted it left with a smile on their face. Dionysus employees went above and beyond to provide patrons with quality beverages and were very welcoming with their friendly attitudes.
Although local restaurants provided food for patrons, local brewery and host of the event Lengthwise stole the show once again with their infamous and delicious roasted pig. Lengthwise has provided the sensational pork attraction at all their charity craft events which attracts a flock of cameras and hungry mouths. Lengthwise also provided beverages and food to keep hungry onlookers occupied as they waited for the roasted pig to be ready.
The craft festivals in Bakersfield provide relief to charities throughout Kern County and also help bring a community together by turning strangers into friends.