BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A free patriotic festival is coming to Bakersfield on July 3 as part of the US 250 Tour, a nationwide celebration making stops in all 50 states in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
Tour Director Tony Griffith said the event is designed to be more than just a concert or a patriotic ceremony \u2014 it is built to bring families together, regardless of background.<\/p>\n
“We want, rich or poor, black, white, purple, pink, we don’t care. We want them to come and have a good time and learn about the country and just enjoy Bakersfield,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
At the heart of the festival is Freedom Village, a pop-up colonial-era experience featuring interactive workshops with artisans and re-enactors, live demonstrations from blacksmiths and weavers, hands-on history booths with historical tools, costumes, and games, and photo opportunities with costumed Founders. A Market Square with local vendors and themed merchandise will also be on-site.<\/p>\n
The kids’ zone includes face painting, family craft zones, bounce houses, and games. On the Freedom Main Stage, attendees can expect a dance party, bubbles, beach balls, costumed mascots, stage speakers, local storytellers, and patriotic performances.<\/p>\n
One of the more unique attractions is an interactive, life-size hologram of Benjamin Franklin that responds to questions from the crowd.<\/p>\n
“You literally can ask him those questions,” Griffith said. “People ask him the wildest questions \u2014 things that I did not know about Ben Franklin.”<\/p>\n
Griffith said Franklin’s hologram is self-aware about its own nature.<\/p>\n
“The only thing he knows about current affairs is, hey, I’m a hologram. And isn’t it cool that I was a part of discovering electricity and now I’m literally all electricity,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
Nashville musician Kaitlyn Croker is among the performers scheduled to appear. Griffith said a full production show with lights is planned for the final hour before fireworks.<\/p>\n
Griffith said Bakersfield was selected as the California stop after he visited the city and met with Mayor Karen Goh.<\/p>\n
“I had a conversation with Mayor Goh, and if anybody’s ever been around her, she’s the most patriotic Spitfire lady I’ve ever met,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
The event is free to attend. Griffith said local sponsors and partners help make that possible.<\/p>\n
“We get sponsors and partners here locally to get involved with us because we don’t care where they come from,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
Griffith said the broader mission of the tour is to encourage unity and inspire younger generations.<\/p>\n
“I missed the time when we could all just get together and love on each other and have fun,” Griffith said. “It’s OK to have a conversation. It’s OK to not agree on everything, but it’s also OK to love each other and care for each other.”<\/p>\n
The US 250 Tour stop in Bakersfield is July 3 at the Park at Riverwalk, 11298 Stockdale Hwy., from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy<\/p>\n
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