Felicia Caraway-Special to the Sun

Upon arriving in Kernville during December, Christmastime of years past is immediately brought to mind. When the holiday lights are strung at Circle Park, most of Kernville follows suit, including homes and businesses. Circle Park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with snowmen, reindeer, the Peanuts Gang, Christmas Trees, nutcrackers, Santa’s village, and much more. Saturday evening brought St. Nick to Circle Park in style. Classic automobile enthusiasts of the Kern River Valley and other areas escorted Santa to the park following a parade of classic cars, trucks and hot rods.

The parade started at 4 pm at Circle Park with 40 classic vehicles, a hay wagon full of children pulled by a powerful truck, and Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers in a sled pulled by a 1948 Chevrolet delivery van with a loud, old-fashioned horn. The convoy traveled through the neighborhood behind Circle Park to the delight of those big and small who were watching the parade. Many stops were made to pick up donated toys from residents during the hour-long jaunt. The partly-cloudy twilight began to sparkle with stars and the fresh white snow shone from the mountains as the chilly air began to tingle little noses in the hay wagon. The loop ended at Circle Park where Santa, his wife, and their elves, were delivered to their village. Crowds of children anxiously awaited the arrival of Kris Kringle to share with him their wishes for Christmas.

Children are bundled up and filled with excitement as they wait their turn to visit Santa Claus in Circle Park Saturday night.

The beautifully decorated park sparkled in the children’s eyes and those of the not-so-young. The wait for Santa’s lap and ear was nearly an hour if starting at the end of the line. Parents and grandparents holding small ones in their arms and the hands of older children were seen at every stop in the crowd. Many young people could barely contain their desire to duck under the lights and play among the decorations, which seemed so lifelike to little eyes. Keeping them from running among the magical animations was the constant reminder of Santa’s watchful eye. To quote a popular Christmas song, 'You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry, you’d better not pout, ’Ķ' As the children became first in line, parents had to reel many in so the present lap-sitters could have their full time to explain to St. Nick, in graphic detail, their hope for Christmas morning. Santa patiently listened as Mrs. Claus and the elves helped to clarify each item and allowed picture-takers to get the perfect shot. The children were joyfully offered a candy cane from the pointy-eared helpers and gave up their seat for the next requestor to take his or her spot in Santa’s welcome arms.

The smell of old-fashioned popcorn and cider were in the air throughout the festivities as baked goods such as cookies, fudge, and breads, as well as popcorn, and spiced cider were offered for a small donation. These delicious goods were gobbled up by all ages and solidified the feeling of past Christmases where horse-drawn wagons, handmade decorations, and candles would have replaced the gas-powered vehicles, air-filled snowmen, and electric lights.

Making all this wonderment happen are George and Darlene Randall of Kernville. Six years ago, the Randalls owned the Kernville Inn and started 'Christmas in Kernville' on the lawn of the inn. During their first year, the couple decorated the inn and grounds and offered apple cider. After two years, the Randalls began collecting toys for children in our community whose families do not have money for presents. After receiving a permit from the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, the festivities were moved to Circle Park. This allowed the community to come together and support the Randall’s cause. The toy donation and Santa’s Village have grown tremendously and require more effort each year. The Randalls set up collection boxes throughout the Kern River Valley in support of Christmas in Kernville and were able to financially cover the expenses of last year due to the donations of community members.

Isabella Motors held a fundraiser for Christmas in Kernville with hot chocolate, coffee, and hot dogs. Among the wonderful items they received were 18 new bicycles from Tim at Tim’s Auto Glass of Lake Isabella. Friends of the Randalls from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Santa Fe, New Mexico also donate toys and clothing. Among the items given to the cause this year were Burger King gift certificates, two-dollar bills, and candy. Lists of families in need are given to the Randalls from Principal DeLapp at Kernville Elementary School, the Family Resource Center in Lake Isabella, God’s Storehouse, and other organizations in the Kern River Valley. Families from the entire community area benefit from the Randalls efforts. This year, over 70 large sacks will be delivered to these families, on Christmas Eve Day with the help of volunteers from the Sheriff’s Department.

According to Darlene Randall, employees Jeff Bartlett, Toby and Bernie help to set up all of the decorations at Circle Park. During the car parade and Santa’s arrival at the park, Lyle, the Kern River Valley’s local security expert, provides much needed protection with his knowledge of safety practices. Kenny Rhodes organizes the classic automobiles for the car parade and the special car which delivers Kris Kringle to his village. This year, the Whitman Dancers provided special entertainment with their wonderful dance routine in front of the Circle Park businesses. Darlene Randall said she would like this to be a continuing tradition but would like the troupe to dance before the parade so everyone can see their talent in the daylight.

George and Darlene Randall do not see any financial gain from their holiday handiwork, but are fulfilled in the joy their work brings to our community. Darlene Randall feels, 'Plenty of kids [in the Kern River Valley] don’t have much, but if they can remember during December the town lit up for them and they received presents, they can remember it forever.' For those who did not get to see St. Nicholas, or want to find out if asking him more than once will help, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves will be at Circle Park until Christmas during Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 7 pm. For more information, call the Kernville Chamber of Commerce at 376-2629.