We are here on the verge of our Independence Day, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate once again with our community. While COVID-19 forced the cancellation of last year's All-American 4th of July Festival, I am pleased to be preparing for this event once again.

There have been a few changes. We have made the festival a little smaller, focusing our efforts on only one location, Philip Marx Central Park, but we have managed to cram an entire day's worth of activities into that park for all to enjoy. We are pleased to once again partner with the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District, the American Legion Post 221, the Tehachapi Warrior Booster Club, the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and the Tehachapi VALLEY WRESTLING CLUB, all of whom play a major role in this festival.

We have a new entertainment lineup this year, starting with a few local youngsters Averee Napier and Ryan Sillifant. Both have played the local coffee house scene and will bring their talents to our stage on July 4th. They will be opening for Muleskinner Revival, a local Americana band that will fit perfectly with our celebratory mood this 4th of July. The Muleskinner Revival plays rockabilly music, fun music from the 50's, rock & roll, country and originals. They cover music to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Great for the entire family and for those who love to swing dance and line dance alike.

Many of the old favorites like the 5K, Warrior Football Pancake Breakfast, the Noon Flag Raising Ceremony and Wall of Valor have returned. We are also appreciative of the efforts of the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association for organizing many local craft vendors that will be selling their work during the festival. Please bring your appetites, as well, because there will be a variety of food vendors and cuisine that showcases the diversity of America.

We hope you enjoy the festival and then shift your focus to the Rodeo and Event Center for the annual "Bad Bulls" bull riding event marking the triumphant return of the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association.

Our annual fireworks spectacular, the punctuation mark on a great day, will once again commence from the Tehachapi Municipal Airport and be visible throughout the area. While we were without a festival last year, we managed to produce a fireworks show for our residents and we are happy to be able to promote and welcome visitors to our area this year to see the show, which will be bigger and better than ever.

I hope after the challenging year that was 2020 you all will join us this Independence Day to celebrate what makes the United States a special country, and what in turn makes Tehachapi a great place to live. Enjoy the 4th of July, we have certainly waited long enough to celebrate, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you.