Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2017 by Kern River Courier

Join us in Kernville February 17-20, 2017

February

2017

N W

The Best Map of the Flat E pages A4 & A5

Whiskey Flat, Californiia

FREE

Join in the old-fashioned fun as Kernville returns to the 1800’s for

Whiskey Flat Days!

Years

Make sure that you know all the Whiskey Flat gun check requirements.

Whiskey Flat Days

President’s Day Weekend February 17 through20

A3 The fun starts with the Whiskey Flat schedule of events

Old Girl talk -\ west town Mayoral race raising some feathers returns Whiskey Flat Weldon, South Fork of the Kern merchants and people that are River Valley. Her parents are Bob supporting the campaigns. The Claim Jumper to life and Rose Robinson. She attend- organizations I am raising

Michael Batelaan/Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Pictured left to right are mayor candidates ‘Sarsaparilla Sue’ aka Susie Seeger and South Fork Sass’n Cathy’ aka Catherine Paradise.

'South Fork Sass'n Cathy' is running to raise funds for Nuui Cunni and for the Hot Springs Wetland Preservation fund. 'Sarsaparilla Sue' is soliciting funds for the Kern Valley Healthcare District Skilled Nursing Facility. 'South Fork Sass'n Cathy,' aka: Catherine Robinson Day Paradise was born and raised in

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Let your mind go back in time, back 150 years when the California was a state only 12 years old, when large portions of it were still Spanish land grants. The mighty Kern River splashed unfettered by concrete, dams or controls of any kind, down to a swampy San Joaquin Valley. The swampland down below, a vast area known as Tulare Lake, was full of tule reeds and was home to millions of birds. In those days, there was little travel in the San Joaquin Valley itself because of the almost impassable land. Travel existed mainly in the foothills, where rivers and

ed local schools and graduated from Kern Valley High School. South Fork Sass'n Cathy is running for Mayor of Whiskey Flat. She's traveling the dusty and wet roads and trails of the Kern River Valley, lookin' to sell bribes to all her family, friends and neighbors along the way. She says, "Come out and support two good causes and enjoy the fun. South Fork Sass'n Cathy would like to thank the

money for are Hot Springs Wetlands Preservation Fund. It is raising funds to preserve and develop the area for the community to enjoy. Nuui Cunni Cultural Center is a Native American based organization that displays artifacts, history of the area, library, craft shops, diner, local plants and offers education tours to schools and other

Wild West Encampment

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper A lot of visitors wonder, as they enjoy Whiskey Flat Days in the town of New Kernville, exactly where the town of Old Kernville was. They know the original location is out in the lake bed, but where was Whiskey Flat? A clue to where Whiskey Flat was is the old part of the Kern River Valley Cemetery,

which was a part of Old Kernville originally and is now part of the town of Wofford Heights. Wofford Heights is adjacent to the former site of Old Kernville. Wofford Heights is named after an old-time rancher by the name of Irven Wofford, who sold off part of his ranch to valley folks who needed new places to live when the lake went in during the early 1950s.

page B1

See Mayors pg. B5

Old Kernville was located just to the northeast of Wofford Heights. Look in the lake bed just south of the Old Cemetery and you’ll see foundations. Those were part of Old Kernville. There are still people in New Kernville who can tell you what buildings those foundations belonged to. Many of them serve as docents at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville, just down from the post office.

What the heck is this riches to rag publication?

rides into town

Exactly where was Whiskey Flat?

See Old West pg. A7

INSIDE:

In years when the lake is higher, you can’t see the foundations at all. They’re covered by the waters of Isabella Lake. But in lower water years, the former location of Old Kernville/Whiskey Flat is visible again. The lake recedes and little sandy flat where Old Kernville was becomes much as it was, with the placid Kern River as it did in the old times.

B3 Catch whats hoppin’ in Whiskey Flat

Every town must include a little drama... This town is no different.

Whiskey Flat Daze Wild West Rodeo on pages B6&B7

page A2

February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Whiskey Flat Celebration 2017 Weapons Carry Regulations For anyone wanting to carry a weapon during the Whiskey Flat Days celebration, a weapons and ammunition check is required. There will be a weapons check station at the corner of Piute and Big Blue Road Kernville and for Encampment reenactors it will be at the "Sheriff's" tent in Whiskey Flat Camp (across from the rodeo grounds) Thursday evening though the weekend. Those carrying weapons in the Whiskey Flat Parade can have a weapons check at parade line up/check-in on Saturday morning starting at 8:30 a.m. Each participant must sign a release agreeing to the following rules: 1. Safety is our prime concern; for the re-enactor and the viewing public. 2. Read and acknowledge your right and responsibilities under AB144 and PC 26350. 3. In order to be eligible for weapon carry, participants must be in period costume and participating in the parade or organized event as authorized by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, such as costume contest. 4. Handguns must be carried in a holster. No "belt" carrying allowed. 5. No live ammunition to be carried in the weapon or on your person at any time. If live ammunition is found, that individual will not qualify for "open carry" for this event and the Sheriff's Department will be notified and the applicant will be so advised.

6. Dummy ammunition only. Spent primers are preferred. 7. For those participants engaging in 'Gunfight' routines, blank rounds should only be chambered just prior to the routine, and removed immediately after it concludes. 8. Participants will be issued a ribbon indicating that they have agreed to the restrictions listed above and those required by law (AB-144 and PC 26350). This ribbon should be displayed prominently on the participant's costume above the waist. The ribbon means that the weapon with or without blank ammunition, confirmed as "dummy" type ammunition "for show only" has been checked by authorized designee appointed by the Chamber and the participant has read/signed the required waiver. 9. Weapons carrying participants may be subject to random checks by the Kern County Sheriffs Department to confirm they are in compliance with the above regulations and AB -144. All parade and Whiskey Flat Days open carry gun checks are provided as a courtesy service to the Kernville Chamber and at all times, are subject to any directives and/or restrictions of the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Kernville Chamber of Commerce and gun check personnel will not be held responsible for any gun display or use beyond that which is permitted by the weapons carry regulations or state law. Participants may be subject to random checks by the Kern County Sheriffs Department to confirm they are in compliance with the above regulations.

Message from the Kern County Sheriff's Office On January 12, 2012, a new law was enacted in California related to the open carry of unloaded handguns. The new law, PC 26350(a)(1), makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded firearm in public. Local law enforcement is committed to keeping the residents and visitors of Kern County safe and secure. They have also committed to enforcing both the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law. They recognize the long time tradition of the Whiskey Flat celebration. It is the intent of local law enforcement to enhance the safety of both the spectators and those participating in the celebration. This will require a commitment of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Sheriff's Office to notify the public attending the Whiskey Flat event. Penal code 26375 states, "Section 26350 does not apply to, or affect, the open carrying of an unloaded handgun by an authorized participant in…[an] event, when the participant lawfully uses the handgun as part of that production or event, or while the participant or authorized employee or agent is at that production or event, or rehearsal or practice for that production or event." The Kern County Sheriff's Office will require the following: 1. On Saturday, February 18, during the

parade and events on Piute Street, the public will be exempt from PC 26350 providing they and their weapon have been checked at an official inspection site and are visibly wearing the proper identifying marker indicating their weapon has been inspected. Or 2. They are a member of an officially recognized reenactment group performing during the event; and their weapon has been checked at an official inspection site and are visibly wearing the proper identifying marker indicating their weapon has been inspected. Or 3. They are within the Whiskey Flat encampment; their weapon has been checked at an official inspection site and are visibly wearing the proper identifying marker indicating their weapon has been inspected. Law enforcement has the authority to inspect weapons upon demand, make arrests; issue citations and seize weapons as evidence if the law is violated. It is the Sheriff's Office's intent to insure the visitors and participants of the Whiskey Flat celebration adhere to these requirements in order to provide a safe environment for all in attendance.

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Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

February 2017

page A3

Schedule of Events

Whiskey Flat Days Diamond Jubilee Celebration 1957 - 2017

This schedule of events is subject to the information available to the Claim Jumper and the Kern River Courier at press time. All event times and locations are subject to change at any time without notice. Events may be canceled, postponed and/or rescheduled at any time due to weather, or any other circumstances beyond the control of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, its independent entertainers, vendors, volunteers and groups involved.

Friday February 17 "It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world." - Dolly Parton

7 a.m. Breakfast All 'Round the Valley

Find your favorite eatery. In Kernville, there is Cheryl's Diner, Cracked Egg Café, El Rio, Ewings on the Kern, Big Blue Bear, and breakfast items are available at Sierra Gateway and Primo's.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kern Valley Museum

Open on Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. Historical Society, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts and photos from yesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whiskey Flat Encampments

Cowboy and Mountain Men, Indians and miners. On Scodie Avenue across from the Rodeo Grounds. You'll see history and gunfights. See chuck wagon cookin' and coffee, a horse trader and livery. There'll be horse shoe'n and horse doctor'n, the Whiskey Flat Saloon, a Justice of the Peace, leather craft, bath house, a beautifier, storytellers of the Old West, mining and sawmill demonstrations, a Confederate camp and new this year, a Buffalo Soldier camp.

1 p.m. Golden Gulch opens

at Circle Park. Crafts, handmade items, jewelry, info booths, and art vendors. Whiskey Flat headquarters and info booth on the corner of Kernville Road and Tobias Street selling Whiskey Flat and memorabilia. "Big girls need big diamonds." - Elizabeth Taylor

1 p.m. Riverside Park & Frontage Rd. opens

Riverside Park has the food court, family entertainment and miscellaneous vendors. Frontage Road has vendors, vendors and vendors.

Whiskey Flat Days Info Booth

at the corner of Tobias and Kernville Rd. Pick up your Whiskey Flat Days gear, the Claim Jumper, Miner, and the most up-to-date schedule of events including the Adult Costume contest, Child Costume contest, Pet Parade contest, and Whiskerino contest.

3 to 5 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage Music by the Kern River Band. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

5 p.m. Schoeppner Carnival opens

Amusement carnival opens-On Kern River Drive by Riverside Park. Come and enjoy great adult and children's rides and games. "I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond." - Mae West

Dinner is served

All around town at all your favorite restaurants.

6 to 9 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage

Music & Street Dance with Stoneflys. Stoneflys are an original alternative/ska/jam/rock/jazz/reggae music group of musicians formed out of Ventura and Kernville. Put on yur dancin' boots and hit the street! Let's rock! The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

7 p.m. Whiskey Flat Melodrama

at the Kernville Elementary School auditorium. Admission is $7 for adults, 12 and under, and as always, lap sitters and stroller riders are free. This year see, "Treachery at Cartilage Creek".

Saturday February 18 7 to 10 a.m. "Country Breakfast"

$8 a plate, tickets at the door. Kern River Masonic Lodge, 562 James Road, Kernville. Eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage, ham coffee and juice. Turn uphill past Sierra Gateway Market. Always a favorite breakfast: get there early!

8:30 a.m. 2017 WFD Parade Line Up

Along Sierra Way and Kernville Road. Follow the check in instructions in the application. "There are two kinds of diamonds in this world: The diamond itself and the eyes full of love!" - Mehmet Murat ildan

9 a.m. Golden Gulch opens

9 a.m. Riverside Park & Frontage Rd. opens

Riverside Park has the food court, family entertainment and miscellaneous vendors. Frontage Road has vendors, vendors and vendors.

9 a.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage music by Riverwind. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

10 a.m. Whiskey Flat Days parade hosted by Geoff Emery of KUZZ

the Grand Marshal is the Kern River Valley Historical Society, celebrating 50 years of historical preservation. Get yer spot early! Parade route: From Sierra Way and Kernville Road, south. Across the bridge to Kern River Drive by Riverside Park. Around Riverside One Stop and up to Kernville Road to Tobias. Then Piute Drive to Big Blue Road and end at Kernville United Methodist Church, Big Blue Road and Sirretta Street. "Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding the diamonds..." - Ana Claudia Antunes

10 a.m. Kern Valley Museum Opens

Noon Schoeppner Carnival opens

Amusement carnival opens-On Kern River Drive by Riverside Park. Come and enjoy great adult and children's rides and games. Open until 10 p.m.

High Noon to 5 p.m. Whiskey Flat Encampments

Immediately following the Parade. Cowboy and Mountain Men, Indians and miners. On Scodie Avenue across from the Rodeo Grounds. You'll see history and gunfights. See chuck wagon cookin' and coffee, a horse trader and livery. There'll be horse shoe'n and horse doctor'n, the Whiskey Flat Saloon, a Justice of the Peace, leather craft, bath house, a beautifier, storytellers of the Old West, mining and sawmill demonstrations, a Confederate camp and new this year, a Buffalo Soldier camp.

1 p.m. Whiskey Flat Days Rodeo

McNally Rodeo Arena. Brought to you by Cotton Rosser's Flying U Rodeo. Featuring Open Team Roping, Bull Riding, Hide Race, Open Barrel Race, Junior Barrel Race, Calf Scramble, Sheep Riding, and more. To participate, sign up before noon. "Remember diamonds are created under pressure so hold on, it be your time to shine soon." - Sope Agbelusi

2 p.m. "First Heat" of the Frog Jumpin' Held at the corner of Big Blue and Kernville Rd. Look for the green contest stage on Piute Drive. Come and bet on your favorite jumpin' frog! Finals Sunday. Free admission.

3 p.m. Line dancing

on the green contest stage on Piute Drive. The TLC line dancing show!

4 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage

Music by the Kern River Band. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

6 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage

Music by 82 Deluxe, a country group that loves to play live and get people dancing. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road. “A diamond on a dunghill is a precious diamond still.” - American Proverb

6 p.m Whiskey Flat Encampments Valentine’s Dance

Cowboy and Mountain Man Encampments old time dance on Scodie Ave across from the Rodeo Grounds. For those in old West attire, come dance with your sweetheart under the lantern light.

7 p.m. Whiskey Flat Melodrama

at the Kernville Elementary School auditorium. Admission is $10 for adults, 12 and under, and as always, lap sitters and stroller riders are free. This year see, "Treachery at Cartilage Creek".

On Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical Society, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts and photos from yesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

See Schedule pg. A6

page A6

February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Schedule of Events

Whiskey Flat Days Schedule

continued from pg. A3

Sunday February 19 7 a.m. Breakfast All 'Round the Valley

Find your favorite eatery. In Kernville, there is Cheryl's Diner, Cracked Egg Café, El Rio, Ewings on the Kern, Big Blue Bear, and breakfast items are available at Sierra Gateway and Primo's.

8 a.m. Whiskey Flat Encampments

9 a.m. Golden Gulch opens

9 a.m. Riverside Park & Frontage Rd. opens Riverside Park has the food court, family entertainment and miscellaneous vendors. Frontage Road has vendors, vendors and vendors.

9:45 a.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage

Music by 82 Deluxe, a country group that loves to play live and get people dancing. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

10 a.m. Old West church service

at the Whiskey Camp Encampments. Worship in the old West and experience the way it happened.

10 a.m. Schoeppner Carnival opens

On Kern River Drive by Riverside Park. Come and enjoy great adult and children's rides and games. “Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.” - Samuel Johnson

10 a.m. Kern Valley Museum Opens

On Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical Society, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts and photos from yesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whiskey Flat Encampments

11 a.m. "Final Heat" Frog Jumpin' Contest

Held at the corner of Big Blue and Kernville Rd. Look for the green contest stage. Come and bet on your favorite jumpin' frog! “Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs.” - Malcolm Forbes

Contest Sign Up Time!

At the green contest stage on Piute Drive. Forms at the green contest stage at the corner of Big Blue and Kernville Rd. Noon. 1860's Adults and Children Costume Contests sign ups. Judging starts at 12:30. 1 p.m. Whiskerino Contest sign ups. Judging starts at 1:30. 2 p.m. Pet Parade Contest sign ups. Judging starts at 2:30.

1 p.m. Whiskey Flat Daze Rodeo

McNally Rodeo Arena. Brought to you by Cotton Rosser's Flying U Rodeo. Featuring Open Team Roping, Bull Riding, Hide Race, Open Barrel Race, Junior Barrel Race, Calf Scramble, Sheep Riding, and more.

1:55 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage Music by 82 Deluxe, a country group that loves to play live and get people dancing. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road. “You are, at this moment, standing, right in the middle of your own 'acres of diamonds.'' - Earl Nightingale

2:30 p.m. Kern Valley Cheer

performs at the green contest stage at the corner of Big Blue and Kernville Rd.

3 p.m. 2017 Honorary Whiskey Flat Mayor Announced!

Who will be the 2017 Whiskey Flat Mayor? Find out at the BUC Main Stage gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road. Drawings: Who will win candidate’s raffles and the $500 shopping spree?

4 p.m. The Bakersfield Used Car Main Stage Music by 82 Deluxe, a country group that loves to play live and get people dancing. The stage is the gazebo located on the corner of Tobias and Kernville Road.

“I love to put on diamonds and beautiful evening gowns and make my girl-friends upset.” - Zsa Zsa Gabor

“Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles.” - Thomas Browne

Monday February 20 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Golden Gulch opens

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Riverside Park & Frontage Rd. opens

Riverside Park has the food court, family entertainment and miscellaneous vendors. Frontage Road has vendors, vendors and vendors. “Diamonds never leave you... men do!” - Shirley Bassey

Whiskey Flat Days Info Booth

Ya’ll come back, now next year ya hear?!

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Old West continued from pg. 1 streams still had to be forded, but riding by horseback or muleback was much easier. Gold had been discovered at about the same time California had become one of the United States. Gold seekers came from every corner of the world, many by sailing ship into the port of San Francisco. They streamed overland into the interior portions of California. Gold was rumored to have been discovered at a place where two forks of a big river met, a place called the Kern River Valley. They streamed over the Greenhorn Mountains that formed the western boundary of the valley, their wagons slowed on the downhill side by big logs cut for that purpose. They came in mainly through Keyesville and down over the route that is now State Highway 155. In the year 1860, a man by the name of Adam Hamilton was one of those who made the trip over the Greenhorn Mountains. He was an American entrepreneur who decided to make him-

February 2017

called by several names, but the one that stuck was Whiskey Flat. Four years later, things had changed a lot. Old A new county, Kern County, had formed. Kernville There were houses and hotels in the town, some Hollywood eating houses and a few stores. discovered There were real streets, a dry goods store, a old Kernville during the Western movie feed stable, some saloons, a blacksmith shop and a brewery. craze of the late The town was now too civilized to be called 1920’s and it was Whiskey Flat any more. So it was renamed. The the site for many name that they chose was Kernville. movies. Kernville in its original location existed for You can learn more almost 100 years. It survived the years when the at the Kern Valley gold ran out. The citizenry switched to ranching Museum in and similar pursuits. Kernville saw the coming of Kernville. hydropower plants put in to serve the electricityhungry city of Los Angeles. The area was later discovered by Hollywood as an ideal place to make Western movies, and from time to time, stars like Tom Mix, Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy could be seen here. John Wayne came here to shoot a scene for the classic “Stagecoach.” WWII came and went, and then the Kern River Valley saw something new coming in that self a bit of money by selling what many of the changed the face of it forever. miners craved after a hard day’s work – a drink Kernville was told its days were numbered. of spirits. Residents who had grown up here, some whose So he led his burro laden with two barrels of families had been here for generations, were told whiskey down the eastern side of the they had to move away. A government flood conGreenhorns. He had heard about a gold strike at the bottom of the gulch he was traveling down. It was some mighty well-paying ore, and there More history is to be found were a lot of miners working in a mine called the at the Kern Valley Museum Big Blue. So Hamilton found the center of the mining We hope you enjoyed reading camp, found a plank of wood, set it across his about Old Kernville. There are two barrels and started selling his whiskey. many more historical photos than Unfortunately, the spot he picked was in the we could possibly print, and lots middle of folks who did not care for the evils of of stories, artifacts and maps of spirits. They asked him to move his makeshift all kinds of at the Kern Valley bar away from that spot, and he did. Museum in Kernville. It’s not The spot he picked was on a little sandy flat hard to find -- it’s next door to the next to the river, now more placid than it was Kernville Post office. higher up in the mountains. If you like exploring the histoThe miners started moving their own camps ry of this area the museum is a down closer to his establishment. As the ones good place to start and admission who enjoyed a tipple now and again gravitated is always free! there, a town started to grow. That town was

page A7

trol reservoir was coming into the Kern River Valley. The citizens of Kernville were told they had to move to higher ground or have their houses by covered by the rising lake. Kernville refused to lose almost 100 years of history. Many of the citizens of Kernville decided to move en masse to higher ground a few miles to the north, onto the former Burlando Ranch, where they could establish a new Kernville. By the early 1950s a new Kernville stood. Some of the original buildings from Old Kernville were moved there; others were newly built. The people of New Kernville picked up their lives and started a new history. But the citizens couldn’t forget the original town’s old history, a colorful Gold Rush past that was matched by very few communities. So the townspeople decided to hold a yearly celebration in the winters when times were slower and people could enjoy the fullWestern

mountain experience and remember the Gold Rush times.

Each year the townspeople of New Kernville put on their Western duds and prepare to greet the many thousands of visitors who come to join in the celebration that celebrates the 1860-64 days of Whiskey Flat. People come from all over to see the Whiskey Flat Days Grand Parade and the shoot-’em-up shows, take part in the many contests such as the old-time costume contest or the frog jumpin’ contest, partake of the carnival rides, enjoy the shenanigans of the Honorary Whiskey Flat Mayor contest, eat some great food, or just walk around and enjoy the clean mountain air in one of the nicest little towns you’ll ever see. People flock to the Kern Valley Museum to see photos of the original Kernville, maps of the area before the lake was here, and displays featuring the history of the Indians called this area home long before settlers came. Want to see some of the other original buildings from Whiskey Flat? Go to Silver City Ghost Town in Bodfish, where they moved a lot of local old-time historical buildings in order to save them. Enjoy the music, the parade, the old-fashioned contests, the mountain views, even the weather as we celebrate the era of 1860-64 all over again, when Old Kernville was Whiskey Flat.

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page A8

February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

It’s about time: Historical Society named Grand Marshal Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper You may be wondering how the whole Historical Society got named this year's Whiskey Flat parade Grand Marshal. It's because this year the Historical Society, who manages the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville turns 50. The Kern River Valley Historical Society was formed in 1967 to preserve and record the rich history of the region. Eleven people met at Ardis Walker's home in Kernville. The Society filed incorporation papers in 1968 with 95 charter members, envisioning that a museum

The Kern River Valley Historical Society

Celebrating

a Museum Area was included. It opened in 1975. In 1989, the Historical Society purchased the doctor's office at its current location for a down payment of $35,000 and mortgage of $100,000. Through strong funding raising efforts, community support and large donations from private foundations, the Historical Society soon paid off the mortgage. The Historical Society remodeled the doctor's office and with substantial donations of artifacts from the local community and the present museum was opened to the public. Since the Kern River Valley Historical

Yea Years

and Grand Marshals of the 60th Whiskey Flat Days Parade

would ultimately be built. They worked with the Art Association to build the Kernville Chamber of Commerce Building in which

Society is an all-volunteer organization, the Society was able to open and continues to provide free admission to the public. There are over 12,000 visitors each year to the Museum. In 1991, the Historical Society was willed the Ardis and Gayle Walker home in Kernville with extensive art, documents and approximately 7,000 books. The Walker House and its contents have been cared for by the Historical Society since 1991. By 1993, the Historical Society ran out of room to display all the holdings so added on to the exhibit area. In 2005, the Society built an outside venue for meetings and

the popular summer time evening showing of movies filmed in the Kern River Valley. It became known as the Pack Station. In 2010, the Pack Station was expanded to provide shade cover from the hot sun. In 2014, a lot across the street from the Museum was donated to the Historical Society to house the holdings of the Ardis and Gayle Walker House. The facility will the contents more accessible to the public for research and to provide room for educational seminars. Construction of the new 'Annex' in was completed October 2016. The interior furnishings are almost done. The Society expects to open the

Annex in the spring 2017. The Historical Society Board is refocusing their energies toward events and educational opportunities. The Historical Society expects to soon an-nounce the 50th Year Historical Society Anniversary Celebration, and a series of educational classes. With sustained community support and thousands of volunteers over the last 50 years the Historical Society has achieved wonderful results in preserving the history of the Kern Valley and created a Museum for which they are justifiably proud. Come by and visit. The Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

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Just a hop, skip and jump outside Whiskey Flat • FLOWERS • PLANTS • & TREES•

4700 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, 760-379-4631 HOURS: Monday - Friday 7- 6 Saturday & Sunday 8 - 5

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

February 2017

Sierra Nevada Productions Whiskey Flat Encampment is back. It's hard to believe this year is the 14th anniversary of Lone Star Productions Whiskey Flat Encampment. Every year the Encampment has grown and last year it was estimated that on Saturday there were upwards of 5,000 visitors treated to the absolutely period correct experience by over 100 re-enactors. This Camp promises a very unique historically accurate experience for the whole family again this year, siad Mike Woodward, Producer of Whiskey Flat encampment. We even have a surprise or two in mind for the new and repeat visitors. This Camp is dynamic and offers new experiences every year. This all takes place February 17 thru the 19 during Whiskey Flat Days. Camp events begin at 11 a.m. Friday February 17. and ends at 2 p.m. Sunday February 19. The Encampment is across from the Rodeo Grounds down in the "Flats" by the River. There will be five camps for your enjoyment: The Whiskey Flat Camp, Mountain Man Camp, the Native

Time travel -\ Step back in time and see what the Old West was like. Stroll the Indian village, and see reenactments of old Whiskey Flat tales. Michael Batelaan Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Return to the 1800’s American Indian Village, Mining Camp with real Gold Mine, Civil War Camp and Buffalo Soldiers. These attractions show you the real Whiskey Flat town and Native American traditional life as it was 150 years ago and a feature of Whiskey Flat Days celebration for over a decade now. The Encampment is designed to give the whole family a glimpse at what life may have been like back in the day of the 1800's.

Encampment Schedule Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 12 to 5 p.m. Valentine Dance 6 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Church Service 10 a.m. Authentic demonstrations of life in the Old West!

Join us for History Days in May Museum

The Kern River Valley Historical Society

Celebrating

Years

and Grand Marshals of the 60th Whiskey Flat Days Parade

Camp activities will be interactive and there will be many opportunities to speak with the residents of old Whiskey Flat, Mountain Men, and Native American Indians from the 1800's. Come smell the cowboy coffee and experience life as the pioneers did. Old fashioned train service begins from the Museum to the Whiskey Flat Encampment. The Whiskey Flat Encampment will feature hold-ups and gunfights, immigrant wagon with

period music, cowboy cookin', horse tradin', livery and wagon sales, blacksmithing and handmade trinkets. Whiskey Flats Saloon with dancing girls, Justice of the Peace and old west church service on Sunday at 10 a.m., old west chuck wagon, old saw mill and mining demonstrations and story tellers of Old Whiskey Flats. Stories will be acted out by real actors and actresses of how miners, cowboys and outlaws got along (or didn't get along)

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in the old days. A hold-up or two of the scheduled pack string led by Mule Skinner Julie to the Whiskey Flat Camp. Visitors will be thrill ed at how Julie never backs down from an outlaw and sends em a packin. (your gold is safe with Julie). Don’t miss the Saturday night dance featuring special music. The Native American Village led by Horse and Kate Robinson will include authentic crafts, Native American hand games, Native American food, demonstration on basket making, beading, regalia making, and other items, drumming, singing, dancing and speaking in local native language Native American cultural displays using artifacts from their ancestors, and actual building of the huts from natural native resources of the local native plants. The Mountain Man Camp will include fur trading, tee pee's, trapping and hunting demonstrations, period cooking demonstrations, mountain man shelters, winter camp and clothing and tomahawk throwing opportunities to test your skills. For further information and a schedule of events go to whiskeyflatcamp.org/ or on Facebook 'Whiskey Flat Encampment"

Come visit us at the

KERN VALLEY MUSEUM Where the Valley’s history comes alive! And home of the Kern River Valley Historical Society

Wagon & Stage Displays

• Native American Objects • Gold Mining • • Lumbering • Farming • Ranching • Western • Movies • Gift Shop • & Art Gallery Pioneer Cabin Exhibit

Open Thursday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm Admission is always Free 49 Big Blue Road, Kernville (760) 376-6683 (Next to the Post Office)

RIVERNOOK CAMPGROUND The Best Family Camping on the Kern River for Over 45 Years!

Come stay with us, kick back, relax and make your next vacation your greatest. Explore our 40 acres on the riverfront, check out some of the best fishing spots in town and take some time to enjoy all the fun and beauty of the Kern River Valley, because the best memories are the ones you make outdoors. We hope to see you soon! Under New Management and Ownership

14001 Sierra Way, Box 8, Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-2705

www.rivernook.com Facebook.com/familycampingrivernookcampground

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February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Event gem of a theme

What in theheck is this riches to rag publication? The publication you be holding is called the Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper. It’s published once year, especially for the Whiskey Flat Days festival. And this is our 13th year in publication! In 2004, then Kern Valley residents Dolly Ogawa and Allyn Amsk started this little gem of a paper, followed shortly thereafter with the introduction of the Kern River Courier. Back then today’s publisher, Michael Batelaan, was the Production Manager for this upstart paper. Other papers had come and gone and they said this one would never last, but here it is, thirteen years later! In 2009, Michael Batelaan and Michael Devich purchased the Kern River Courier and all its publications from Ogawa and Amsk, who had decided to leave the Kern Valley for other gold seeking pursuits. Batelaan and Devich were both experienced newspaper men who relished the idea of promoting the Kern River Valley and all of its virtues. Then in 2011 Devich decided to

skip town, leaving Batelaan alone to keep the labor of love alive, promoting area tourism and highlighting the positive view of life as we live it in the Kern River Valley. For a few days every February, Kernville residents return to the 1860-1864 era of the Gold Rush, when the town went by its original name, Whiskey Flat. The Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper is put out by the same folks who publish the Kern River Courier, the Valley’s only free distribution weekly newspaper based out of Wofford Heights and available for pickup Fridays all over the Valley and can be found oline at kernrivercourier .com. Or if you want the convenience of subscribing by mail, you can receive the Kern River Courier every week for only $65 a year. Here’s a list of some of the Courier folks and friends who contributed to this year’s Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper. (If your name isn’t here, forgive us!): Michael Batelaan, Jennie Cox, Priscilla Scott, Ron Benson, the help of the folks at the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, and too many others to list. The Kern River Courier and Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper would love to hear from its readers. If you’d like to make a comment on the Claim Jumper or get a hold of us at the Courier, here’s our contact information: Mail: P.O. Box 1145, Wofford Heights, CA 93285. Phone: (760) 376-2860. Fax: (760) 376-2862. E-mail: office@kernrivercourier.com.

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Kernville Chamber of Commerce Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Normally, the Kernville Chamber of Commerce has a little contest to come up with a theme for Whiskey Flat Days each year. This year, however, was kind of a no-brainer. This is the 60th year of Whiskey Flat Days and it is a cause for celebration. So "Diamond Jubilee" Celebrating 60 Years was agreed upon by the Chamber Board of Directors and so began the planning for one of the most popular Festivals in Southern California. Whiskey Flat was originally a gold mining town, but this year, some poetic license has been taken and the theme miner is panning for diamonds. Started in 1957, Whiskey Flat Days is a leap

Whiskey Flat residents fight Bingo taxes Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper The gentle citizens of Whiskey Flat have rebelled against proposed taxes on bingo. "I'll rip their arms off and feed them to my hogs," screamed Lettie Honeybutter, who normally spends her days doing pettipoint and making lace curtains while listening to her Victrola when she's not playing bingo down at the

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back to the good ol' Wild West days when the area was settled by gold miners, cattle ranchers and trappers. Each year, Kernville reverts to its old name "Whiskey Flat" for four nostalgic days of fun for the entire family. This years' Whiskey Flat Mayor candidates are raising funds for the hospital skilled nursing facility, the Nuui Cunni Indian Cultural Center and the preservation of the Hot Springs Wetlands. Every year the candidates have made a sizable contribution to the community of the Kern River Valley. The beautiful theme artwork was created by Kernville resident Jeanette RogersErickson. The Kernville Chamber of Commerce thanks her for capturing the joyfulness of this community.

One

Whiskey Flat Social Hall. "Nobody messes with my bingo!" Only she didn't say "messes." Unleashing a string of profanities that would leave a motorcycle gang member staring in shock, Lettie raised her cane and made a threatening motion toward the Claim Jumper reporter. "I only have my Social Security check and my couple of thousand shares in American Telephone & Telegraph. And that'll never be worth nothin'," said Lettie as she quivered in indignation. "What'll they take next, my false teeth?" The Whiskey Flat city fathers claim that they need to tax the paltry sums that senior citizens win from bingo. "I need to make a payment to my bookie," said Toadly Lardbottom, a city father (well, he's father to about half of the kids in Whiskey Flat, anyway). "We gotta raise taxes so we city fathers can get our semi-annual, semimonthly, semi-hourly and semi-minutely raises." Scheduled for further taxation are baby buggies, baby buggie bumpers (a separate tax) and rubber baby buggy bumpers (a separate tax from the regular, non-rubber baby buggy bumpers). Oh, and babies will now be taxed as well. "And if we could figure out how to tax the actual act of procreation, we'd tax that too," thundered Lardbottom. Safe from taxes for now are people's land and their incomes, but who knows, someday the guvmint will figger out how to do that too.

good turn deserves another... "Use water wisely, it's essential"

Calif rnia Water Service Co. 7138 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 760-379-5336

Whiskey Flat

m ai l C

Ju m pe r

February 2017

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Whiskey Flat

Frog jumping lineup Sponsor

Sponsor Alzheimer’s Assoc. Amazing Bounce Betty B’s Vacation Rentals Buzzard Gulch Bethany & Co. Cheryl's Diner Click Realty Corral Creek Resort Cowboy Bail Bonds Designs by Erin Fence Post Harry Thal Keepers of the Kern Kellee Scott Insurance Kern Candle Company Kern Lodge Kern River Conservancy Kern River Courier

Frog Name Forget Me Not Amazing Bounce Just Jumpin’ 4 U Buzzar TBA Pie Ala Toad Slick Click Croakin’ Corral Coffin City Pete Diamond Lily Lil Fence Post Bob Bud-weis-er Keeper 'er Clean Kickin’ Up Kellee Wick It Rocky & Rolly City Slicker Claim Jumper

Frog Name

Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce Kern Valley Sun KRV Gun Association Kern River Radio

Anna Phabian Sun Spot Fun Gun Tastes Like Chicken Kern River Radio Tastes Like Beans Kernville Chamber Chamber Maid Kern Village Geriactric Lanny Borthick Douglas Fir Banks Monty Mason Mighty Monty Pizza Barn Pizza Pete Rivernook Campground Hoppy Camper Riverview Lodge Riverview Ralph Sarsarparilla Sue Sarsaparilla SouthFork Sass’n Cathy Slippery Muddy Boots Starlite Lounge Bad Influence Starlite Lounge Head Wino Sweet Adelines 4-Part Hoppity The Burlington TBA The Drug Store Pill Popper The Mother Lode Mother’s Free Loader In Memory of Harley Charley Harley Charley

ABLE

Lanny Borthick General Contractor

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Consulting Residential Commercial

Serving the Kern River Valley Lic. #00982861

www.AblePm.com 6435 Lake Isabella Blvd. (Post Office Center)

Lic. #269081

760-379-5479

P.O. Box 910 Kernville, CA 93238 760-379-7832

‘KICK’EM UP KEL’ 2004 WHISKEY FLAT MAYOR

KELLEE SCOTT Insurance Agent License 0833364

Leaping lizards!!! Why the leap to frog jumping? In 1863, a young journalist named Samuel Langhorne Clemens, traveling from San Francisco, CA to Virginia City, NV spent the night in Angels Camp, Calaveras County, California. Here, he heard the story of Daniel Webster, a famous frog who jumped higher and further than any other frog around. His owner, local gambler Jim Smiley never got tired of placing bets on his celebrated jumping frog. One day, a stranger took the bet. But when Jim wasn't looking, the stranger poured quail shot into Daniel Webster's mouth making it impossible for him to jump at all. The stranger won the $40

I COME TO YOU!

bet and escaped before Jim realized the con. The story was first published in 1865 in New York's Saturday Press and the young journalist used the pen name Mark Twain. It not only laid the foundation for his fame, it also put the tiny mining town Angels Camp on the world's map. The winning frog nets you "frog bucks" script worth merchandise at local participating Kern Valley merchants. See the Whiskey Flat activities for the times and place of the races on Saturday and Sunday.

JOSIE PETERSON MOBILE BUSINESS SERVICES

Tax Preparation/General Typing (760) 549-9022

Phone: (760) 376-8703 Fax: (760) 376-8603

13425 Sierra Way Kernville, CA

We Be a’Protect’n • Wagons • Homesteads • Butts & Concerns

WHISKEY FLAT

WEEKEND Friday February 17th thru Monday 20th 9:00am to 6:00pm at the food court in Riverside Park, Kernville The Elks Lodge & Ladies of the Elks will be servin’ up mouth waterin’ Tri-Tip BBQ Sandwich & Chips $8.00 Hot Dogs $3.00 Water or Sasparilla $1.00 All proceeds after bills,go to support the Elks charities, which include scholarships and other youth activities & Veteran’s needs in VA Hospitals.

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February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Host of chracters -\

e “Fsrteore! in hoto P oth” Bo

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Collectibles • Books • &Furniture •

A Rustic, Western Interior with 20 Vendor Spaces & New Items Daily Open 7 Days Sunday thru Friday 11am to 4pm Winter • 10am to 4pm Summer Saturdays 11am to 5pm Winter • 10am to 5pm Summer

Judi Dodd & Perry Steinhoff Proprietors

Located at 8 Tobias, Kernville at Circle Park

760-376-3384

Vicious Virginia (Kathleen Creighton) is a bit upset that Bogus Rancidview (David Couch) does not want to marry her in a scene from the upcoming Whiskey Flats Melodrama "Treachery at Cartilage Creek" to be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb 17 and 18 at Kernville Elementary School. Photo submitted

Whiskey Flat Melodrama

"Treachery at Cartilage Creek" Sierra Performing Arts Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Store: 760-379-2041 Cell: 760-549-3330

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any 50 lb bag of chicken feed with this ad coupon Limit one coupon per person Expires 2/28/17

Did dinosaurs once roam where now stands the little town of Cartilage Creek? That's the question that draws our heroic Johnny Onthespot (Cian Desmond) to this desert hotspot. He takes up residence in the home of Widder Plunkett (Cinamon Park), the richest woman in town. Love beckons with another boarder, the lovely schoolmarm and Mother Goose enthusiast, Crystal Clear (Lydon Olivares). Alas, the unscrupulous Bogus Rancidview (David

Couch) also has his eyes on our heroine. Not only that, but this cad has convinced the Widder she is losing her faculties. Assisted by his partner-in-crime, Virginia Mayonnaise (Kathleen Creighton), he fakes a power of attorney and raises water rates so high no rancher can afford to pay. Then Rancidview offers to buy them out at a penny an acre! Will he get away with it? It's a cascade of hilarious melodramatic action! Sierra Performing Arts presents this spoof on Feb. 17 and 18, 7 PM at the Kernville Elementary School. Directed by Helen Smoot.

For your family of animals,from hounds to horses, pigs to parrots and lots in between 6400 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella across from the Senior Center

Store: 760-379-2041 Cell: 760-549-3330 Hours: Monday, thru Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm Closed Sunday

Like Martin the mule, the Law Office of Phyllis M. Hix team is looking forward to helping you solve your legal problem. We'll be in the office from our rides, Monday thru Friday, 9am to 3pm Call us at 760-376-3761 or see us at 112 Buena Vista, Kernville, CA 93238

RLB Engineering LLC Electrical Power Systems Design Title 24 Compliant Lighting System Design Photovoltaic System Design Ron Brooks P.E.

Getting around town Sometimes getting around Whiskey Flat can be a daunting task. But there is a way to get further, get there faster, and help you make the most of your time. This year at Whiskey Flat Pedicab People Movers will be in town to help you get there. A Pedicab can be hired for a specific period of time based on $60/hr or $1 per minute. Pedicab drivers operate on the "tip system." While rides are not free, it's up to the driver and the passenger to establish a rate before, during or after the ride. The drivers are sober, informed, and eventsavvy to help patrons get there safely and securely. The Pedicabs have well-lit lights and extra features to ensure high visibility. So when the next event you want to see is on the other side of town, just hail a Pedicab!

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224 CYPRESS LANE WOFFORD HTS.CALIFORNIA

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760-549-9260

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

February 2017

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Mayors continued from pg. A1 groups." "These two organizations are dear to my heart. I grew up in Kern River Valley and cherish the history of it and preserving the resources. To be able to help by raising funds through the help of the community, gives a sense of contributing to future generations to enjoy the rich history we enjoy today. See you out there. I'll be the one wearing muddy boots." 'Sarsaparilla Sue,' aka: Susie Seeger is also a Kern Valley native, who started her working career at her mom's place, Cheryl's Diner. She now works for the Skilled Nursing Facility, and it has never been the same since she arrived. 'Sarsaparilla Sue' decided to give up her esteemed career as a top-ranking Ferris wheel extraordinaire in the Whiskey Flat Days Carnival and is proud to run for the high office of Whiskey Flat mayor. Now many of you may ask yourselves how can a Whiskey Flat Days carnival star attraction give up such an esteemed and glorious career like mine to run for political office. "It's simple," she said. "While I was recuperating (which by the way means "getting better") from the lump of my head at the old folks home. I saw a pure dee need!! Why them old folks out there at the home ain't got nothing to sit on but an ol' straw tick mattress and a couple of old rickety chairs." Sue went on to explain, "Why they have nothing better to play poker on than a couple of whiskey barrels and a plank, that's fine and dandy if yer an ol' prospector mining gold out of the Kern River or hunting for diamonds. But we're talking about the old and the infirm." 'Sarsaparilla Sue' thinks they deserve better.

She had nothing better to do while there, so was forced to join in a couple a poker games. "Why folks I couldn't even see the hand I was dealt fr' the sun was shining in my one good eye due to the pitiful excuse for a window coverings they had. They was nothing but flour sax from the ol' A. Brown store tacked up with glue made from Hafenfeld's hoofs right out of the South Fork. 'Sarsaparilla Sue' promises not only to entertain but also raise the funds to get this revamping project started. Even to her own detriment as the new set of choppers she ordered back in Georgia are still sitting on a shelf. She will put her own vanities on hold to steal bribe and lie her way into the hearts and wallets of all the fine folks of Whiskey Flat. Editors note: It must have been quite a whack in the head to send her into politickin' What the Whiskey Flat mayors race is all about In 1991, the Kernville Chamber was having trouble getting Whiskey Flat Mayor candidates. Then Chamber president, Lanny Borthick got the idea of splitting profits with charitable organizations. The group then agreed on a 60/40 split with 60 per cent going to the Chamber. "That 60 percent promotes local business, promotes tourism, and keeps the visitors coming," said Cheryl Borthick, the current Kernville Chamber President.

Dangerous levels of water found in local whiskey The newly formed Environmental Interference Agency has found dangerous levels of water in the whiskey at Whiskey Flat, in a statement released Thursday. "The government has found that the whiskey sold in Whiskey Flat along the Kern River in California," the statement says, "is contaminated with large amounts of water. The levels of nitrates, arsenic, cyanide and mouse droppings are just fine --good whiskey needs that for flavor -- but unadulterated water is bad for your health and should be avoided." The EIA has warned local Whiskey Flat saloons that in case any of their patrons gets a water overdose to serve them lots of Corn Nuts and buffalo with their whiskey to compensate. Beer is also a good alternative, since the brewing process tends temper the negative effects of the water. For more information, telegraph the EIA in Washington, DC.

Kernville Carriage Co.

•Advertising • Weddings • & Events

“Serving the Kern River Valley” Mike Woodward

310-480-4252 kernvillecarriageco.com lonestar@kernvalley.com

KERNVILLE APOTHECARY HAS FOR SALE A FULL ASSORTMENT OF

GENUINE FAMILY MEDICINES, Selected with the utmost care. Also, an extensive supply of

PATENT MEDICINES, LEECHES, PERFUMERY, AND FANCY ARTICLES, Such as comprise the usual Stock of an Apothecary of general accepted size. known also as

The Drug Store 111 Piute Drive 376-2216

RITA D’ANGELO REAL ESTATE

Located in the Center of Whiskey Flat

(Beautiful downtown Kernville)

In this office we are Helpful We Answer Phones We Have Fun We are Knowledgeable We are Patient We are Friends We are Successful We Work Together We are A Team: Rita, Beth,Tina, Kelly and Becky We may deal in Real Estate, but our business is People!

11113 Kernville Rd. Kernville Lic#01033686 760-549-9579 Proverbs 3:5-6

Howdy, Whiskey Flat Pardners! Did You Know There Is An Amazing Wine Bar & Restaurant in Kernville? It's TRUE!

YELP & FACEBOOK Reviewers have given us "The Kern River Valley has waited a long time for a place like this." "The best food & wine in the Valley. Period." A ND T AKE A G ANDER A T T HE R IP R OARIN ' G OOD T IMES A T O UR P LACE E VERY G ULLDURNED W EEK ! * LIVE MUSIC on Thursdays 6pm - 8pm * * CLASSIC MOVIES on the Lounge's Big Screen Fridays 4:30-6:30pm * * CABARET SOIREE Karaoke Fun on Saturdays 6:30 - 9pm * * FUN & GAMES on Sundays 4 - 9pm * Check Our Website and Facebook Page for Menu/ Event Details & Updates! www.starliteloungewinebar.com Come see what all the fuss is about at 13423 Sierra Way in Kernville!

760-376-1895

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February 2017

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Whiskey Flat wild West Daze Rodeo

John E. McNally Arena Saturday & Sunday February 18th & 19th

The Whiskey Flat Wild West Daze Rodeo is the town's first Rodeo of the season. Get your boots and saddles and head on up for this leap back to the good ol' wild west days. The 2 day event is held at McNalley Rodeo Arena at 1 p.m.

Kernville Rodeo History

Irwin Wofford had the contract to provide horses and cattle for Westerns and John E. McNally, Jr. was one of the ranchers who rented out his stock to the movies. In the 40s and 50s, McNally

also supplied horses and cattle for rodeos and supplied animals for the Kernville Rodeo and maintained the grounds and buildings for several years. The Kernville Chamber of Commerce named those rodeo grounds the "John E. McNally Rodeo Grounds" and they remain in active use. McNally also worked as a logging truck driver and drove a DW-20 while working on the Isabella Dam project in the late 40s, early 1950s. Along with author/historian, Ardis Manly Walker, McNally helped start the annual Whiskey Flat Days Parade in 1957 and he was there announcing in Circle Park for 28 years. He also served as the parade's Grand Marshal. Before his death at age 94 in July 2007, John E. McNally, Jr. said, "I wouldn't trade anything I've done. I'd do it all over again. My life has been very interesting.”

Pi ute Pump Water Wells Pumps • Boosters Filtration Systems • Water Storage & Solar Don’t croak if you run out of water “We do it well”

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760•379•4422 License #944370

Thrills & spills -\ Bull rider, right, risks it all to wow the crowd. Michael Batelaan Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Rodeo Events Barrel Racing

In this event, time is the only enemy and horsemanship is a rider's greatest weapon. Because of barrel racing's fast and furious pace it is always a crowd favorite. Each contestant enters the arena on a sprinting quarter horse at full gallop. Every contestant must ride a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels before exiting the arena. A five-second penalty is awarded for each overturned barrel; however no penalty is given for touching or moving a barrel. The final times are recorded to the hundredths of a second.

Bull Riding

This is one rodeo contest the novice spectator can enjoy fully as much as does the hard core fan. It demands athletic skill and hard-won knowhow. But essentially this is a contest of raw courage and a true, deep-seated spirit of try. In short, it takes good, honest guts. A loose rope straps a man's hand to threequarters of a ton of awesome power. There isn't time to think and react. It must be natural, automatic coordination and determination that keeps the man on top. If the spirit hesitates for a split second, even subconsciously, the rider is doomed. The animal is still judged for how hard he bucks, and the bulls that perform in a tight, fast spin usually draw the highest scores.

Steer Riding

This event is offered for our teenaged cowboys and cowgirls ages 12 to 15. It is similar to bull riding only the riders are mounted on steers-which can buck as any bull! The rider

must stay mounted for eight seconds and is judged on how the animal bucks as well as how the contestant rides. The cowboy or cowgirl with the highest score wins.

Mutton Bustin’

This even has evolved over the past several years for our young buckaroos ages 5 to 7. These youngsters can give you a run for their money as they bounce out of a chute mounted on the back of a wooly sheep. No rope is used, and these youngsters, wearing protective helmets, can give as exciting a ride as seen anywhere. Each buckaroo is awarded a ribbon for their daredevil ride.

Hide Racing

The hide race is exciting and unique to the Kern River Valley. The race consists of a team of two of any gender. One person is mounted on horseback; the other is mounted on a rawhide attached to the end of a lariat. The person on horseback holds the other end of the rope usually dallied around the saddle horn and races around the arena, pulling their teammate on the rawhide. The excitement comes as the one on the rawhide is dragged around the arena flipping, turning and eating arena dirt at breakneck speed. The team with the fastest time wins.

Bell Calf Roping

For this event, the calves have turned into young steers. A group of steers is turned loose in the arena, and one wears a bell around his neck. At the same time, all mounted contestants, cowboys or cowgirls, enter the arena on horseback with ropes ready. The contestants attempt to rope the steer wearing the bell. The one who ropes the belled steer first wins.

You’re Almost There

☞

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

L ITTLE S TORE • L OTTA S TUFF

Located across the bridge in Whiskey Flat 11317 Kernville Rd., Kernville 760-376-2426

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Entry fee

Rodeo Terminolgy Arena Director

The person responsible for conducting a fast, smooth-running rodeo.

Average

At rodeos with more than one g-round, contestants earn money for each go, and those with the best total scores or times win additional money.

Bareback Rigging

A leather fixture with a suitcase-like handle that the rider grips with one hand.

Barrier

A line stretched across the roping box that is released when a calf or steer crossed the scoreline. If the contestant rides through, breaks the barrier before it is released, a tensecond penalty is added to his total time.

Bull Rope

A flat, braided rope that circles the bull's chest and is the rider's only means of holding on. No cinches or buckles are allowed-it's held in position by the grip of the rider. A heavy bell attached to the rope pulls the rope free after the ride.

Cantle

The seat back of a bronc riding saddle. The rider attempts to reach the cantle at the end of a spurring stroke. This is called "cantle-boarding."

Catch-as-catch-can

A calf roper is allowed to catch the animal in any way he chooses as long as he turns loose of the rope when throwing the loop, and so long as the rope hold the calf until the roper reaches it.

Contact Rule

States that bucking horse riders must place their heels above the horse's shoulders, making contact until the first jump is completed. If the rider fails to do so, he "misses the mark" and is disqualified.

Dally

A turn of the rope around the saddle horn. Team ropers dally their ropes after a catch to secure the steer.

Dink

A bucking horse with a reputation as a poor bucker.

Dog-fall

Downing the steer in steer wrestling so all four feet and the head are not facing the same direction. Illegal. To get a time, the cowboy must turn the steer over or let it up and throw it again legally.

The money paid by the contestant before he can compete at a rodeo. Contestant must pay a separate entry fee for each event entered.

Fair

(Legal) Catch: In team roping, the header must catch the steer around the horns, head or neck.

Flagman

Rodeo Official who signals the end of elapsed time in the timed events.

Flank Strap

A sheepskin-lined strap with a quickrelease buckle that is passed around th flank of a bucking horse or bull. It causes no pain but encourages the animal to buck.

Free Hand

The hand not used to hold on during a ride. The rider is not disqualified if he touches the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand.

Go-round

That part of a rodeo event in which every contestant has competed on one head of stock .

Hazer

A cowboy who rides alongside a steer opposite the steer wrestler. His job is to keep the steer running straight and close to the contestant's horse.

High Roller

A horse that leaps high into the air when bucking.

Hondo

The eye in one end of a lariat through which the opposite end is passed to form a sliding loop.

Hooey

The half-hitch knot a calf roper uses to tie three of the calf's legs.

Lap and Tap

An even start where the cattle in timed events do not get an advantage of 10 to 30 feet; used in small arenas.

No Time (NT)

Failure to qualify on timed event cattle, signaled by field flagman waving his flag side to side.

Pickup Man

Mounted arena official who assists bareback and saddle bronc riders in dismounting from their horses.

Piggin' String

Small soft rope, six feet long used by calf ropers to tie the animal's feet.

Draw

Stock selection.

Pulling leather

When a saddle bronc rider touches any part of the saddle with his free hand during the eightsecond ride he is said to be pulling leather, or "grabbing a the apple" and is disqualified.

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Rake

Spurring action of the rider on roughstock. Bareback and saddle bronc riders are required to continue spurring throughout the rides; bull riders are not, but sometimes score higher when they do so.

Re-ride

Another ride given to a bronc or bull rider in the same go-round when either the animal or cowboy is not afforded a fair opportunity to show his best, such as a chute-fighting animal that is impossible to get mounted on.

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Score

1. Distance between the chute opening and the score line; the head start timed event cattle are given in roping and steer wrestling, determined by the size of the arena. 2. The marking given rough-stock riders by the judges after a qualified ride.

Turn Out

To withdraw from a competition. the scoreline. If the contestant rides through, breaks the barrier before it is released, a tensecond penalty is added to his total time.

Rowel

Circular, notched, bluntly pointed and freewheeling portion of a spur. They do not cut a bronc or bull.

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