Barker Park comes alive at Rose Festival

After a bustling morning with the Run for the Roses Color Blast Fun Run, a pancake breakfast, and the Rose Festival Parade, the community came together at Barker Park for the Wasco Rose Festival. Guests enjoyed a car show featuring 32 vehicles, from a Lamborghini to a Ferrari, along with numerous vendors, live music, cold drinks and delicious food.

Stephanie Mixco, who coordinated the Barker Park festivities, expressed her enthusiasm. "I'm very excited. It was a lot of hard work gathering over twenty food vendors and about fifty retail vendors. I'm thankful we're having a good turnout despite the hot weather. I'm happy everyone is enjoying the event and having a great time."

Vendors embraced the opportunity to showcase their products and engage with the community. Axzay Villareal, who sold sculptures and mosaic art, shared her motivation. "I wanted to be a part of the celebration, share my art with the community, and hopefully sell some of it. This is home, and it made me happy to be part of this important history."

Kyle Day of The Honey Comb, a vendor from out of town, sold unfiltered boutique honey. "It was a rewarding experience. The residents of Wasco are so nice and welcoming. They were excited to learn about my family's honey. Sales were great, and the community really showed their support. I would definitely come back."

For many attendees, the event held special meaning. Aly Jasso noted, "It was really packed, and seeing the community so united was nice. The organizers did a great job. There was a lot to do and many food options and WHS seniors helped keep the park clean. Everyone was so friendly."

Longtime resident Ray Romero appreciated the festive atmosphere. "The best part was the food; DJ Nonsense is always great. He plays good, up-to-date music. I enjoyed today's event. It was well-organized, and there was a real sense of community. Everyone comes together once a year for the parade and good food at the park. It's just a lot of fun."

The Barker Park event was the result of a collaborative effort by the Wasco Rose Festival team and the Orange Heart Foundation, which worked tirelessly to ensure a memorable experience for all attendees.

Members of the Wasco Rose Festival team included Juan Gallardo, Christi Johnson, Traci Mills-Clendenen, Stephanie Mixco, Kishna and Stephen Nored, Sharon Sharp and Camilo Vasquez. The Orange Heart Foundation volunteers was composed of Orquidea Ocampo, Traci Mills-Clendenen and Ruvi Ocampo. "We were all one team to make the entire Rose Festival happen," Mixco said.

Sponsors played a vital role in making the Wasco Rose Festival a success. Sharp explained, "We started reaching out to partners in April, and Wasco Rotary was the first to confirm. They are our top 'White Meidiland Rose' 2024 Sponsor of the Rose Festival."

"Some cities have a Chamber of Commerce and paid staff to put on events like this, but in Wasco, it's all community members volunteering their time. Without sponsors like Wasco Rotary Club, we couldn't grow this event year after year."

The 'Angel Face Rose' sponsors included California Home Pros, Kern Labor Contracting, Neuhouse Farms and Portwood Farms.

Sharp also acknowledged others who contributed to the festival's success, including all of the volunteers, the City of Wasco, Wasco Police Department, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield Young Marines, Kern County Fire Department, DJ Nonsense, teachers Denise Fahey, Leslie Martinez and Hayleigh Tayack, and everyone who participated in the parade and donated to Toys for Tigers.