Halloween House Competition Update

Rain, logistics, and my family being sick all week have pushed our Halloween House Competition back a week.

I want to give these homeowners’ hard work the attention it deserves. I’m taking the extra time to get the photos, videos, and voting ready and make this first competition the best I can.

Nominations will stay open for another day or two for consideration, and we’ll begin the competition next week. Know a house that goes all out? Reply to this email or contact [email protected] with an address or cross streets, photos if you have them, and any other helpful details. Even a lead helps!

Thank you to everyone who nominated a home, our participating homeowners, and D Best Realty for helping make this happen.

This is the third issue in a row with well over 100 events listed

Is it too much? I want real input. Is it too much, or 100+ ok and you guys are actually using the events list?

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IN THE CITY

Remembering Bobby Rocha

Bakersfield’s football community is mourning Robert “Bobby” Rocha, East Bakersfield High School’s athletic equipment manager and longtime coach. Rocha collapsed during the East–Foothill football game at Foothill on Friday, October 16, and later died at the hospital.

A South High graduate and former Bakersfield College kicker, he went on to coach and mentor local student-athletes. Players, coaches, and cheerleaders from both teams gathered in prayer after the emergency, and Bakersfield College honored him with a moment of silence the following night.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and the students whose lives he touched.

A new chapter for steelmaking in Kern County

Pacific Steel Group’s Mojave Micro Mill is expected to open in 2027, becoming California’s first new steel mill in more than 50 years. The project will use an electric furnace, solar power, and battery storage to turn scrap metal into construction rebar. The state projects 700 jobs, and the company is working with CSUB and local community colleges on pathways into steel-manufacturing careers.

Two new neighborhood parks in Shafter

NOR is celebrating the grand openings of Marcona Preserve Park and Raven Way Park on Tuesday, October 27. A ribbon cutting at Marcona Preserve Park starts at 2:30PM, with free scavenger hunts, lawn games, and photo opportunities across both parks until 4:30PM. Marcona is at North Jewetta and Pamplona; Raven Way Park is on Raven Way. All ages are welcome.

Zani’s celebrates its grand opening

Zani’s is celebrating its grand opening and ribbon cutting Saturday, October 24 at 8AM. The breakfast and coffee spot is at 11313 Stockdale Highway, Suite 400. Stop by to welcome another local business and check out what they’re serving.

Follow their instagram here!

A new look for The Marketplace

The Marketplace’s central courtyard is getting a makeover, with plans for a multipurpose lawn, new seating, string lighting, water-conscious landscaping, and a water feature. The redesigned space will accommodate concerts, seasonal activities, and everyday gathering. The project’s published schedule calls for roughly 100 days of construction beginning in September, and businesses remain open during the work. More about it here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BAKERSFIELD
October 23–29

Friday, October 23

Saturday, October 24

Sunday, October 25

Monday, October 26

  • Ready, Set, Cook! @ Riverview Community Center | 401 Willow Dr (4PM–6PM) Hands-on cooking for ages 8–10. This is the final class of the October 12–26 session; the full session costs $90.

  • Cosplay in Progress @ Beale Memorial Library | 701 Truxtun Ave (5PM–6PM) Finish a costume, get ideas, or connect with fellow cosplay fans.

  • Spooky Plant Bingo @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub | 1817 Chester Ave (Doors 5PM; bingo 6:15PM) Fifty rounds of bingo, mystery plant bags, a costume contest, and photobooth with digital prints. Food and drinks sold separate

  • Line Dancing @ Greenacres Community Center | 2014 Calloway Dr (5:30PM–6:30PM beginner; 6:30PM–7:30PM intermediate) Learn country line dances in a drop-in class for ages 13 and up. $6 per class.

  • Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6PM–10PM) Enjoy an evening with Kev King.

  • Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing Company (7PM) Join the weekly bingo night.

  • Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Gather for the weekly tabletop meetup

Tuesday, October 27

Wednesday, October 28

  • Pantry to Plate Serving Food @ First Congregational Church | 5 Real Rd (8AM–11:30AM) Volunteer tasks include distributing food, greeting guests, packing food, and directing traffic

  • Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing Company (4PM) Enjoy the weekly family game gathering.

  • Sprout & Speak Pop-Up Session @ Northwest Bakersfield park, exact location provided upon registration (4PM) Play-based session for early communicators approximately nine months to three years old. Admission 30 dollars per family; registration required.

  • Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing Company (5:30PM) Join the weekly cornhole competition.

  • FREE Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield | 4200 Resnik Ct (6PM) Enjoy free weekly bingo.

  • MicroMania Wrestling @ Legends Event Center (Doors 6PM; show 7PM) Wrestling show for ages 18+, with 21+ required to drink. Presale general admission 25 dollars and ringside 40 dollars; tickets cost 5 dollars more at the door.

  • MixxedFit @ My Dance & Fitness Studio | 4001 Union Ave (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank. Admission 7 dollars.

  • FREE Emoween Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub | 1817 Chester Ave (7PM–1AM) Karaoke, vendors, and a costume contest at 9:30PM. Flyer says all ages until 10PM and 21+ until midnight; final-hour

  • Bingo + Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Enjoy weekly bingo and live music.

  • FREE National Night Out & Trick-or-Treating @ Stramler Park | 4003 Chester Ave (5PM-8PM) Candy, specialized units, performances, and Sheriff’s Activities League food fundraisers. Costumes encouraged.

Thursday, October 29

That’s it for this week.

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The Bakersfield Guy