John Pair - Special to the Sun

Saturday, June 21, residents of the north end of Verna St. in Bodfish had their second annual Ice Cream Social. The group, anchored by residents Merwyn and Iola Brown, Fred and Audrey Goss, John Pair, and Marie Wickline, have developed an old fashioned neighborhood spirit that brings ten to forty people together for their events. Annual events are the Ice Cream Social and Lola's Home-made-tortillas-and-burritos-with-all-the-fixins party.

Other get togethers have included; a Super Bowl party, a taco party, an egg roll party, a soup and salad supper, and a Spanish Sangria hour.

Friends and neighbors who live in this Bodfish neighborhood have found some creative and neighborly activities that foster camaraderie as the summer months pass.

New events added this summer are dinners out, beginning with an early supper at the Kern River Brewing Company and a Basque feast at the Woolgrowers, in Bakersfield.

Home made specialties load the tables at these affairs and there are always enough leftovers for two or three days of informal snacking and visiting. During the Spring, Marie Wickline surprised the neighbors with a treat from her native Vietnam: Durian fruit. Accompanied by fresh strawberries and ice cream, it was an interesting adventure (but definitely an acquired taste).

Iola and Merwyn Brown's children, grandchildren, and friends often liven up the parties when they arrive from Bakersfield, with a roar, on their Harleys and big bikes.