Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

The Kernville Chamber of Commerce hosted a free community barbeque and concert in Circle Park last Monday, Aug. 18, to unveil their plan to install a gazebo in the popular spot in 2009. Over 100 excited community members came to enjoy the music, food, and camaraderie at the event, which raised more than $5,300 to assist with the cost of building the planned gazebo.

The event began at 4:45 with the Jazztones playing a blend of jazz and big band tunes, followed by the National Anthem, sung by the Sweet Adelines quartet Sierra Sound, and the pledge of allegiance led by Dave Rossback. Kernville Chamber Vice President Jeanette Rogers then led the invocation, followed by President Cheryl Borthick thanking all of the volunteers who made the event and the gazebo possible. She then introduced the Director of Kern County Parks and Recreation Department (KCPRD), Bob Lerude. Borthick joked that it was a good thing that Lerude was present, since she had forgotten to acquire a permit for the event in the park.

Mike Hess, of the band Set in Stone, belts out a song at Monday’s event.

Lerude assured the crowd that the Parks Department was very much behind partnering with the Kernville community in the gazebo venture, which the Kernville Chamber first approached him about two years ago. He gave a couple of examples on how such partnerships have had successful results in the last two years, such as the skate park in Frazier Park and the Little League field in Taft. “We want to try to work with the communities to get you what you want,” said Lerude.

After Lerude finished speaking, Borthick returned to the microphone and explained that the Kernville Chamber was seeking donations to help pay for the cost of building the gazebo, although the plans have already been created by volunteer Roger Richman. Borthick announced that anyone making a donation of $100 or more would have a brass plaque commemorating their donation on the finished gazebo, and that they hoped that it would bring concerts and other community activities to Circle Park in the future. “It’s all about the gazebo,” said Borthick.

Next, Rogers honored two families who have a long history in the Kern Valley. Both families, the Malones and the Rossbacks, are descendents of pioneers into the area in the late 1800s, and both were presented with plaques in appreciation of their families’ lifelong contribution in preserving the western heritage of the Kern Valley. The Rossback family had eight members representing three generations at the event, and Dave Rossback was touched by the commemoration. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said.

While everyone enjoyed their hamburger dinner, local Christian Rock band Set in Stone played some original music, and lead singer Mike Hess took the opportunity to proselytize to the crowd before singing one of the songs on their new album.

The Kernville Chamber of Commerce is still seeking donations to assist with the costs associated with building the new gazebo. For more information, call the Kernville Chamber at 376-2629.