Bringhurst will tell some of these stories from the book and sign copies during the Downtown First Friday Art Walk at the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, Visalia, at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7.

In September 2026, Visalia Junior College opened its doors to 63 incoming freshman on the Visalia High School campus (now Redwood). High school teachers taught the classes, and college life was much like high school. Bells announced the beginning and ending of classes, and students were given tardy slips if they were late.

The student body adopted the “Tartars” as their school mascot. Sports teams were quickly created along with music and theater programs.

Important in starting the college were two men whose names are now inscribed on Redwood’s auditorium: the L.J. Williams Theatre in the DeWitt Montgomery Auditorium.

But the high school campus was crowded, and Visalia Schools Superintendent Montgomery promised the college its own campus. High School and College Principal Williams found a remote 55-acre plot of land “far out in the country” on the Visalia-Tulare Highway (now Mooney Blvd.) He came under fire for selecting such a “large site so far outside of town.”

In September 1940 the new campus opened, with an administration/classroom building, gym and two industrial arts buildings designed in the “ultra-modern” Art Deco style.

In 1949, the student body chose a new name. Mineral King, Mount Whitney, Kaweah and Sequoia were considered. Students also chose a new mascot, the Giants, which represented the huge redwood trees in Sequoia National Park and the new college name, College of the Sequoias.

That year, Ivan Crookshanks, principal of Visalia High School, was chosen first president/superintendent/of the college, a job he held for a record 35 years.

The book goes on to record the turbulent 60s, unsettling changes in leadership, the addition of campuses in Hanford and Tulare, and many historic photos.

Bringhurst was a long-time history instructor at the college and has written many books, most about Mormonism. He also wrote “Visalia’s Fabulous Fox” about the history of the Visalia Fox Theatre, published when the theater was restored and reopened in 1999.

Those attending the talk can also view the art show on display by the Kings County Art League.

For more information, call the gallery, which is located in the Center for Spiritual Living, 559 625-2441 or go to www.brandonmitchellgallery.com/gallery

The post Celebrating COS’s 100th anniversary August 7 with book signing telling the college’s history appeared first on Valley Voice.

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Big Fish is told on two different timelines – one where Will is a boy whose father is often absent and another where an adult Will is an international journalist about to be married and start a family. As his father’s final chapter approaches, Will embarks on his own journey to find out who his father really is, separating the fact from fiction in the stories from his childhood.

The cast of Big Fish will perform the touching musical seven times with an opening on Friday, July 17 and continuing through Saturday, July 25. Audiences can now purchase tickets for five evening shows and two Saturday matinees at tcoe.org/TheatreCo/tickets.

Principal Characters

Edward Bloom
Leo Paez, 2026 graduate, Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center (Visalia)

Sandra
Erin McDonnell, 2026 graduate, Redwood High School (Visalia)

Will Bloom
Connor West, 11^th grade, Redwood High School (Visalia)

Young Will
Camden Grissom, 4^th grade, Garden Elementary School (Tulare)

Josephine
Diana Padilla, 2026 graduate, El Diamante High School (Visalia)

The Witch
Leah Hansen, 2026 graduate, El Diamante High School (Visalia)

Karl
Nicholas Simpkins, 11^th grade, University Preparatory High School (Visalia)

Amos
Matthew Cole, 11^th grade, Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center (Visalia)

Jenny Hill
Allison Plumlee, 2026 graduate, Harmony Magnet Academy (Strathmore)

Don Price
Dumisani Mason, 2026 graduate, University Preparatory High School (Visalia)

Zacky Price
Lincoln Graves, 2026 graduate, University Preparatory High School (Visalia)

The Mermaid
Calvary Sears, 9^th grade, Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center (Visalia)

The post TCOE Theatre Company to open musical, Big Fish, this week at Rotary Theatre appeared first on Valley Voice.

The first annual Elderberry Festival is a fun and free community event. The event welcomes people of all ages to come out to enjoy the morning while learning about ‘s , a magnificent California native plant which provides, food, medicine, and building material. The elderberry has been used by California indigenous peoples for millennia and continues to be used to this day. Elderberries are used by peoples around the world.

The Elderberry Festival includes free activities, cultural demonstrations, and free snacks and beverages. You can choose from arts and craft activities, observing the creation of  clapsticks, listening to a teen drum circle group, and or taking pictures in garden or photobooths. The gardens are within a City of Porterville public park along the Tule River just west of Jaye Street. Enter the park’s parking lot at the south bank of the Tule River directly across Jaye Street from Harbor Freight. This is north of the Jaye Street and Springville Drive intersection.

The Native Star Foundation is providing the clapstick workshop demonstration and bringing their teen drum circle. Clapsticks are a traditional Yokut percussion instrument made from elderberry sticks. The Tule River Parkway garden adopters are assisting with the event. Come and try your hand at rock painting, making paper poppies, blow art, spin art, have your face painted, and sit in the shade to color elderberry design pages. There are displays of elderberry products and foods made from elderberry.

The event starts at 9am with an opening and drum circle performance to welcome visitors to the event. At 10:00am there is a docent lead elderberry plant walk available. Special guests have been invited to perform at 11. At 11:45 there is a closing ceremony. Throughout the three hours visitors can try their hand at a variety of arts and crafts stations and demonstrations or enjoy a shady snack area.

Elderberries grow on every continent except Antarctica and have been used and consumed for through the millennia by the peoples living around the world. They are small, dark berries which grow on tall shrubs in clusters. Elderberry shrubs act as a keystone habitat, providing crucial food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. From insects feeding on pollen to mammals browsing the foliage, the entire plant is utilized in distinct ways by different animals.

The event is sponsored by Porterville Kiwanis, Vesper Mineral King Renewable Energy, Beneficial State Bank, Costco, and Tulare County Heath and Human Services through the Summer Night Lights grant. Contact Cathy Capone at tulerivergarden@gmail.com if you want to help at an event station or want information.

The post The Tule River Parkway Association puts on free community event at the Native Plant Gardens appeared first on Valley Voice.

Live Theater

The Barn Theater stages “Women Playing Hamlet” with an all-female cast playing numerous roles. A comedy for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. Runs July 17-Aug. 1 at 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

TCOE Theatre Company presents their summer show, “Big Fish,” a father-son tale where the father flashes back to Big Fish stories about a witch, giant, circus and war. July 17-25 at Rotary Theater, 330 S. Dollner, Visalia. www.tcoe.org/theatreco/tickets

Art shows

Arts Visalia exhibits 3D art that Dean De Cocker transforms into future vehicles in July. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays “Splendora—Born from Beneath,” acrylics and mixed media by Dalila Nehulosa exploring symbolism, folklore and mythology. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org  

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing “Art of Many Colors,” an eclectic collection of paintings and collage by the King County Art League, in July and August. Open during the First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia. 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.com

The Oval Gallery is featuring woodcut prints by the COS Printworks students. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display Wanda Cottengin Exhibit in July. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Tulare City Historical Museum features a “Patriotic Exhibit” with a military collection, armaments and model planes, displays of Rankin Field and Admiral Elmo Zumwal Jr., a native Tularean. Runs June 11-Aug. 1. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Moments” by local artist Miguel Pujol, acrylic paintings that show quiet moments and shared experiences. Open July 11-Sept. 27, Wednesdays-Fridays 10-4 (closed 12-12:30) and Fridays and Saturdays 12-4. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Ongoing events

Visit 21 Tulare and Kings Counties Museums from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the Summer Museum Passport Program and get your passport signed at each. List of participating museums at www.mctkc.org, the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove or the Arts Consortium, 300 E. Oak, Visalia.

New Location for Season Wednesday Farmers’ Market, every Wednesday this summer from 8-11:30 a.m. at Shannon Ranch Quail Park, 3440 W. Flagstaff, Visalia. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

Events by date

Thursday, July 16

• A free showing of “Reagan” (2024) starring Dennis Quaid at 6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Free giveaways before the movie. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Friday, July 17

• Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” is shown free at 1 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre. The story of how Mufasa rose from an orphaned cub to king of the Pride Lands. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Saturday, July 18

• Children’s author Amber Justis will be signing her book, “Love Like Nugget” at 11 a.m. at The Book Nook, 114 W. Main, Visalia. Her books have themes of belonging, connection and emotional safety. facebook.com/events

Thursday, July 23

• “Air Force One” (1997), starring Harrison Ford, will be shown free at 6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Come early for giveaways. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Friday, July 24

• Sample bourbons, tequila and vodka at the tasting event from 3-6 p.m. at Pita Kabob, 227 N. Court, Visalia. facebook.com/events
• Karaoke night from 6-9 p.m. with KJ Misti Dawn at the Center for Spiritual Living, 117 S. Locust, Visalia. Free. Food and drink for sale plus drawings. 559 625-2441 or cslvisalia.org/events

Saturday, July 25

• Visalia Summer Fest from 10-5 at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. Shop, sip and snack from over 100 vendors. visitvisalia.or/calendar
• Neon Dreams presents a black light event with electric dance music (EDM) at 9 p.m. at the 5^th Quarter, 3360 S. Fairway, Visalia. Instagram: getoutvisalia559

Thursday, July 30

• ImagineU Children’s Museum hosts a birthday bash for their mascot, Otis the Dinosaur, from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets at imagineumuseum.org/birthdaybash
• KPOP & Circus show at 4 and 6:30 p.m. A family-friendly show with music, dance and circus performers at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. Instagram: kpop circus live show or 224 585-9738

Saturday, Aug. 1

• Artist talk at 3 p.m. by Turlock-based artist Dean De Cocker whose sculptures and experimental photography inspired by planes, bikes and machinery are on display at Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak. 559 739-0905 or artsvisalia.org

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events!! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Events by date

Friday, July 3

• 3^rd Annual Independent Day Spectacular 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. at the Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd, Visalia. Kids’ zone, food vendors, beer garden, live music. Facebook: Independence Day Spectacular
• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Saturday, July 4

• Independence Day concert by the Sequoia Symphony at Adventist Health Amphitheater in Zumwalt Park, 500 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Bring blankets and a picnic. Tickets start at just $2.50 in honor of America’s 250^th www.sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com
• Fireworks after the Rawhide game, 300 N. Giddings, Visalia. milb.com/Visalia
• Great American Race with 5 and 10K plus costume contest at 7 a.m. at Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd, Visalia. Benefits Visalia memorial District. runsignup.com/race/CA/Visalia
• Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl in Downtown Visalia plus Best Dressed Contest. Tickets: Eventbrite: Red, White & Brew Crawl

July 4 & 5

• Free entry into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in honor of Fourth of July for U.S. citizens. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Thursday, July 9

• A free showing of “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011) at 6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Free giveaways before the movie. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• Vocal harmony group Boys II Men perform at 8 p.m. at Tachi Palace, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore. boxofficeticketsales.com

Friday, July 10

• Visalia Chamber Strings presents “Rooted in Tradition” with music by Mozart, Price and others at 7 p.m. at Visalia First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust. Free open dress rehearsal at 3 p.m. instagram.com/VisaliaChamberStrings
• Rock icons John Waite with John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band at 7 p.m. the Adventist Amphitheater in Zumwalt Park, 455 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare. gotickets.com

Saturday, July 11

• Artist reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for local artist Miguel Pujol who is showing his acrylic paintings at CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter). 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or cach-exeter.org

Sunday, July 12

• Goshen Night Market with free meet ‘n’ greet from 5-9 p.m. with “Toy Story’s” Woodie and Jessie singing “You Got a Friend in Me.” Plus food trucks, vendors, bounce house and train rides. Peter Mallock Park, 31081 Road 72, Visalia. instagram.com/getoutvisalia

Thursday, July 16

• A free showing of “Reagan” (2024) starring Dennis Quaid at 6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Free giveaways before the movie. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Friday, July 17

• Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” is shown free at 1 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre. The story of how Mufasa rose from an orphaned cub to king of the Pride Lands. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Live Theater

Ice House Theatre presents for one-weekend only “A Glee-ful Cabaret” July 10-12 with lots of your favorite songs. 410 E. Race, Visalia. 559 734-30

900 or www.visaliaicehouse.com

The Barn Theater stages “Women Playing Hamlet” with an all female cast playing numerous roles. A comedy for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. Runs July 17-Aug. 1 at 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

Art shows

Arts Visalia exhibits 3D art that Dean De Cocker transforms into future vehicles in July. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays “Splendora—Born from Beneath,” acrylics and mixed media by Dalila Nehulosa exploring symbolism, folklore and mythology. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org  

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing “Art of Many Colors,” an eclectic collection of paintings and collage by the King County Art League, in July and August. Open during the First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia. 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.com

The Oval Gallery is featuring woodcut prints by the COS Printworks students. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display Wanda Cottengin Exhibit in July. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Tulare City Historical Museum features a “Patriotic Exhibit” with a military collection, armaments and model planes, displays of Rankin Field and Admiral Elmo Zumwal Jr., a native Tularean. Runs June 11-Aug. 1. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Moments” by local artist Miguel Pujol, acrylic paintings that show quiet moments and shared experiences. Open Wednesdays-Fridays 10-4 (closed 12-12:30) and Fridays and Saturdays 12-4. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Ongoing events

Visit 21 Tulare and Kings Counties Museums from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the Summer Museum Passport Program and get your passport signed at each. List of participating museums at www.mctkc.org, the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove or the Arts Consortium, 300 E. Oak, Visalia.

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events for July!! Happy Fourth! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Live Theater

Encore Theatre will perform the beloved musical “Annie” about Little Orphan Annie trying to find her parents from June 11-27 at 324 South N, Tulare. 559 686-1300 or Facebook: Encore Theatre Tulare

Ice House Theatre presents for one-weekend only “A Glee-ful Cabaret” July 10-12 with lots of your favorite songs. 410 E. Race, Visalia. 559 734-30

900 or www.visaliaicehouse.com

Art shows

Arts Visalia exhibits printmaking and cartoons by Trishelle Jeffery and print and mixed media hybrids by Jolynn Reigeluth in June. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays cultural costumes in “Visalia around the World” in May and June, spotlighting over 23 counties’ attire, culture, dance and music. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org  

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing “Reaching for Greatness,” Multicultural abstract acrylics and acrylic pours by Eva Nicholson. Open during the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Visalia in June, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia. 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.com

College of the Sequoias Learning Resource Center shows the Pathway to Museums Club’s “Collaborative Project” March 3-June 26. Open Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 10-2. LRC Gallery, Lodgepole Building. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

The Oval Gallery is featuring “Two Dogs in a Trench Coat,” a duo exhibition by Jalisa Sousa-Silva and Brandon Hernandez that delves into the complicated relationship of one’s identity. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display “Frankie,” art by Frank Wong, June 4-July 4. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Tulare City Historical Museum features a “Patriotic Exhibit” with a military collection, armaments and model planes, displays of Rankin Field and Admiral Elmo Zumwal Jr., a native Tularean. Runs June 11-Aug. 1. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “California Landscapes” by Betty Berk from April 4-June 28. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

Lindsay Museum & Gallery has on exhibit “Still Point and its Echo,” a cross-cultural exchange from Korea inspired by local artist Shane Guffogg, through June 26. Open on Fridays from 12-4 p.m. 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. www.lindsay

The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Ongoing events

Visit 21 Tulare and Kings Counties Museums from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the Summer Museum Passport Program and get your passport signed at each. List of participating museums at www.mctkc.org, the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove or the Arts Consortium, 300 E. Oak, Visalia.

“Portuguese Experience in Tulare County,” a film shown at the Tulare County Museum every Saturday and Sunday in June to celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month. Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia. www.instagram.com/TulareCountyMuseum

Events by date

Friday, June 19

• Juneteenth Celebration honoring African-American history from 5-7 p.m. at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob, Visalia. Exhibits, kids’ activities, art, live music and drumming. Facebook events

Friday, June 26

• Summer Night Lights from 5:30-7 p.m. with food, games and music at the Manuel Hernandez Community Center, 247 W. Ferguson, Visalia. Free. Facebook: Summer Night Lights

Saturday, June 27

• Free showing of “Twilight” (2008), the romantic vampire fantasy film, at 6 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Preceded by a themed market night from 5-9 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite vampire. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Friday, July 3

• 3^rd Annual Independent Day Spectacular fireworks at 6 p.m. at the Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd, Visalia. Kids’ zone, food vendors, beer garden, live music. Facebook: Independence Day Spectacular
• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Saturday, July 4

• Independence Day concert by the Sequoia Symphony at Adventist Health Amphitheater in Zumwalt Park, 500 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Bring blankets and a picnic. Tickets start at just $2.50 in honor of America’s 250^th www.sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com
• Fireworks after the Rawhide game, 300 N. Giddings, Visalia. milb.com/Visalia
• Great American Race with 5 and 10K plus costume contest at 7 a.m. at Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd, Visalia. Benefits Visalia memorial District. runsignup.com/race/CA/Visalia
• Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl in Downtown Visalia plus Best Dressed Contest. Tickets: Eventbrite: Red, White & Brew Crawl

July 4 & 5

• Free entry into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in honor of Fourth of July for U.S. citizens. visitvisalia.org/calendar

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events!! appeared first on Valley Voice.

What began in 2018 with just 97 passengers has grown into a well-loved tradition, with over 500 passengers traveling by train to the 2025 Juneteenth Festival. Travelers are encouraged to book now to secure their seats and to enjoy further savings by combining discounts, as detailed on the Gold Runner Deals webpage.

The fun for all ages event will feature food trucks, music, dancing, merchandise vendors, and tours of historic buildings.

“We are proud to continue this annual tradition of bringing Californians together to celebrate Juneteenth at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park,” said Chris Orlando, Chief Executive Officer of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, which operates Gold Runner. “Each year, more people choose to be part of this trip and to experience the history and community that make the Allensworth celebration so meaningful.”

Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former enslaved man, Allensworth was created as a town where Black families could build lives, businesses, and institutions on their own terms. Today, it is preserved as a California State Park and stands as California’s first community founded, financed, and governed by Black leaders, giving it a singular place in the state’s history. The park’s history is kept alive through its annual events, which invite visitors to gather, learn, and celebrate at the very place where this remarkable community once stood.

“Juneteenth is one of our most important national holidays, and Allensworth is one of the most meaningful places in California to observe it,” said Lori Wear, California State Parks. We’re proud to welcome visitors here every June, and grateful to Gold Runner for helping us reach Californians seeking an alternative route to the Park.”

The southbound trains (Sacramento – Allensworth) running for the event include trains 702 (11:41 a.m. arrival) and 710 (12:41 p.m. arrival).

Northbound (Bakersfield – Allensworth) trains include 713 (9:41 a.m. arrival), 715 (11:41 a.m. arrival), and 717 (2:47 p.m. arrival).

When purchasing train tickets, a discount will automatically be applied. If eligible, riders can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available which include:

Infants under 2 years of age ride for free

Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day

Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off

Veterans & active military members receive 15% off

Disabled riders save 15% off

Visitors attending the Festival via Gold Runner trains will arrive at the Allensworth station (CNL), which will serve as a special stop for this event. Upon arrival, a complimentary 35-passenger shuttle provided by Tulare County Area Transit will transport riders between the train platform and the historic schoolhouse.

Throughout the year, CNL serves as a whistle stop available only to pre-booked groups. However, for special events at the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, including the October Rededication, Black History Month, and the Juneteenth Celebration, Gold Runner operates special trains at discounted prices in order to connect travelers with this historic and important destination.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at the Colonel Allensworth landing page or contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at csetness@sjrrc.com.

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Boasting a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historical icon. In 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

The post Gold Runner to Run Special Trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for 2026 Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday June 13 appeared first on Valley Voice.

“We’ve released our highly anticipated summer Live & Play Activity Guide, packed with events, classes, and programs and activities start this week,” shares Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager. “School is out and summer fun in Visalia is just getting started.”

From interactive youth camps and swim lessons to adult sports leagues and community-wide special events like the Independence Day Spectacular on July 3, this season’s guide serves as a comprehensive roadmap to an active, engaging, and memorable summer.

“Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, keep the kids active while school is out, or just connect with your neighbors at our community events, our team has put together an incredible schedule,” adds Roggenkamp.

Highlights of the 2026 Summer Lineup Include:

• Aquatics and Swim Lessons: Dive into the season with public swim sessions, swim lessons for all age groups, and aquatic fitness classes to stay cool.
• Youth Camps and Teen Enrichment: Keep young minds and bodies active with multi-sport camps, creative arts, and STEM-focused summer programs.
• Adult Sports and Fitness: Stay competitive and healthy with adult leagues, fitness, and dance classes.
• Community Events: Find favorites like the Juneteenth celebration, Summer Night Lights, and the highly anticipated Independence Day Spectacular on July 3 at Riverway Sports Park.

The digital version of the Summer Activity Guide is officially live and accessible on the City’s newly redesigned website at www.visalia.gov/LivePlay. Visitors can browse programs and classes and complete their registration online.

Physical copies of the Summer Live & Play guide are also available at city facilities, including the Visalia Senior Center, the Anthony Community Center, and the City of Visalia Administration Office. For more information regarding registration, programming, or accommodations, please visit www.visalia.gov or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (559) 713-4535 or recreation@visalia.gov.

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This month, the forum is, “U.S. at 250: Why We Celebrate, and How,”

The forum is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday June 9 at 210 W. Center Ave.

Tulare County Voices @210 is a monthly public forum in Visalia that has been a space for community discussion for more than 15 years. It is co-sponsored by the Visalia Times-Delta, the Valley Voice and First Presbyterian Church (which provides the venue and live stream).

This forum will be a combination of activities. It will include a brief quiz on American history. Then, we’ll have a panel discussion of local historians and teachers to discuss how history is being taught and learned. And finally, a review of the activities that the city of Visalia has lined up to celebrate America’s  semiquincentennial.

Our discussion on the teaching of History brings together College of the Sequoias professor and author Newell Bringhurst, and retired High School history teacher as well as the coordinator of Visalia’s annual History Day, Curtis Wilson.

For starters, this forum will get everybody in the mood with a brief quiz on American history. The questions will run along the lines of this one:

Who was the most important diplomat for the colonies during the Revolution?

1. George Washington

2. Alexander Hamilton

3. Benjamin Franklin

4. John Jay

(Answer below)

At the heart of our discussion on how American history is taught, and learned (or not) is:

• How has the teaching of American History changed from the 1950s to the present?

• How has the current political environment changed the way American History is being taught?

Does the way Americans view their history change with the political climate? Why does Americans’ view of some periods of American history, the Reconstruction Era, for instance, change with the times?

Why do Americans often learn that what they thought of their history is wrong?

Our panel members will wrestle with that question and more, including questions from the audience, as we consider what is being taught to history students, and how that has changed.

Our nation’s semiquincentennial is foremost an opportunity to celebrate 250 years of freedom, justice and equality,  so we intend to get to the celebrating part. A representative from the city of Visalia will be on hand to explain what our city plans to celebrate our 250th.

The events in Visalia will certainly be a surprise, including a convention here of a national veterans organization, the display of an iconic flag, and an Old-fashioned Fourth at Riverway Sports Park.

So join us on June 9. to learn what we are celebrating and how.

As for the quiz answer, here’s a hint: His face is on the $100 bill.

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