A big year for Shafter in 2024

Here are second-half highlights of Shafter's year. Last week's first-half review can be seen on TheShafterPress.com.

July

Shafter saw thousands of people fill the Shafter High fields for the annual July 3 Fireworks show. There was also an activity area for the kids, with games and inflatables for the children to play on. Shafter's Minter Field Air Museum also was on hand, giving kids the chance to sit in the cockpit of their LOACH helicopter. The fireworks show was put on by Zamboli Fireworks, who has been doing the show for over a decade.

Shafter had two District Champions in Little League, when their boys all stars and girls all stars both won their respective tournaments. Daniel Burciega, director of the Little Leagues, said that this is the city's first year to have a Little League, and titles in their very first year.

Jose Padron became the first ordained priest from Shafter's St. Therese Church this year. Padron said that he is excited to be fulfilling a lifelong dream to have a parish and allow God to work through him. The Mass of Ordination took place in Visalia at St. Charles Borromeo Church, and was attended by a large number of the parishioners from St. Therese's. Padron is currently the priest at St. Anthony's Church in Fresno.

August

Shafter welcomed a new city manager after the resignation of Gabriel Gonzalez. Lance Lippencott was economic director for the City of Fresno. Lippencott was selected because of his extensive experience in the economic development field, both in the private and public sector.

The Shafter High Generals began their season with wins, but in week two, they were dealt a blow when quarterback Ezekiel Osborn broke his collarbone and was out most of the rest of the season.

September

The Shafter High Generals had a bye week so they decided to take advantage of it and do something for their fans and supporters. The school hosted a Movie Night at the stadium, playing the movie "Lego: Batman." The event drew over 100 people.

The Police Department got approval from the City Council to move forward with their Drone Program. This would allow the department to investigate buildings without having to send officers in first, using the drones to assess the situation. They also can be used in search and rescue.

October

The Shafter Generals kept their perfect record with a key victory against Kennedy High in a battle for first place in the SSL 34-28. Quarterback Mariyon Sloan scored five times on the night, accounting for over 300 yards in total offense. Sloan had over 200 yards in rushing, while gaining over 100 more yards in passing and return yardage.

The Generals also laid claim to the victory in their annual rivalry game with Wasco High. Shafter dominated the Tigers in the second half, keeping the Generals' perfect season alive and giving them another SSL title.

Shafter saw its first automated car wash open, Countryside Carwash. Countryside is a family-owned company that has brought Shafter its first Taco Bell, Starbucks and Subway.

November

Shafter's Minter Field Air Museum held its annual Wings 'n Wheels event at Minter Field, drawing thousands of people for the all-day event. It featured a variety of aircraft, tractors and custom vehicles. The event also included a host of vendors, a beer garden, raffles and a wide selection of food for families and enthusiasts of cars and planes.

The Friends of the Shafter Library held the launch of its Book Bench project to inspire a love for reading across the community. This initiative combines art and literacy by placing benches designed to look like books, each painted with unique artwork, throughout the town.

December

The Shafter Generals saw their season come to an end in the Central Section Division IV championship game with a heartbreaking loss to the Coalinga Horned Toads, 33-32.

Shafter came into the game as the top seed, but came up just short in the game, missing a couple of field goals and an extra point, and letting the Horned Toads score twice in the last four minutes of the game. It was still an outstanding season for the locals, and it gave them a 29-7 record for the past three years.

The city celebrated the holiday with its annual Christmas Parade. The Shafter Lions Club sponsored the event, with over 40 entries in the parade, including cars, bands, floats and Santa Claus.