Kernville gears up for the beginning of tourism season

KERNVILLE, Calif. (KERO) – Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and a town in Kern County has caught a celebrity’s attention when it comes to tourism.

Kernville’s own Kernville received that Oprah Winfrey Seal of ApprovalAccording to the Oprah Daily website, she is not alone.

Kern County’s Chamber of Commerce says Memorial Day will be the Kern River Valley tourist season and will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors by Labor Day.

“These businesses thrive outside of the tourist season,” said Orion Sanders, president of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce. “So come and enjoy it, visit us and have a great time.”

According to Sanders, the city on the river with 700 inhabitants attracted 200 times the normal number of tourists on the last day of remembrance. With other attractions like the amusement park reopening, he doesn’t see that this year is so busy, unlike last season. But there is still a list of fun activities for those who come out.

“We gather a lot in the parks, right? Therefore, Riverside Park is very popular for fishing, relaxing and picnicking with your family, ”he said. “There are different [areas] up the river where you can leave “

Sanders also said the Kern Rodeo Association is hosting the Junior High Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The event takes place in the McNally Arena and is free for everyone.

Kernville is a popular watering hole not only for its water activities, but also for the beer they brew. The award-winning Kern River Brewing Company has been in Kernville for 15 years. Co-owner Eric Giddens says he enjoys seeing visitors from different walks of life to enjoy their two breweries.

“To be able to make the beer on site and turn it from grain into something from the glass is a really unique experience,” said Giddens. “People enjoy that. They see the tanks and sometimes they see people brew. It’s part of the valley’s attraction. “

If you are planning on visiting this local treasure on the northeast end of the county, just watch out for the campfire restrictions on the campsites and make sure you unpack it when you pack if it comes to trash.