Holiday magic, history meet at Depot

The annual Christmas Celebration at the Depot at the Shafter Depot Museum took place on Saturday, featuring the Shafter Brass Band playing traditional holiday carols and songs. Attendees enjoyed a visit from Santa, along with stuffed animals for the children , courtesy of PetSmart.

The event showcased a selection of decorated Christmas trees, with community members voting for the best design. The museum was adorned in a festive theme, and guests indulged in homemade cookies and hot cider. It was an afternoon filled with holiday cheer and Christmas spirit, offering an opportunity for the community to get to know the museum.

Roger Strader, president of the museum and a board member for 25 years, said this event is a highlight every year and one of the biggest. He was grateful for the live music provided by the band, which was composed of Judge Gary Ingle, Randy Toews, Walt Crider, Robert Arnold, Ben Wilson, Ed Besenfelder, Skip Penner, Ken Gross and Paul Hirst.

"It's fun to support history. We have people here today who have lived here 30 years and have never been to the museum, so with today's event, it was nice to get them here to expose them to history in their own community."

Angel Jimenez, a lifelong resident, brings his children to the museum because he wants them to learn about the town's history. "The museum does a great job with these Christmas events for the kids, with the band, the presents and Santa. Instead of going to Bakersfield, we have something amazing right here in Shafter."

For Yoana Francis, it's a holiday tradition for her family, especially her young son, who looks forward to seeing Santa. She enjoys voting for the Christmas trees. "My favorites were the ones decorated by the Shafter U.S. Postal Service and the Maynard Family.

"The event was a lot of fun. They do a wonderful job of putting it together, and the history showcased here in the museum is incredible. I love watching my dad look at all the trains. He used to work at the railroads."

This year's theme for the decorated trees is "The Lights of Christmas." The public still has a chance to vote on Saturday, Dec. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winners will be announced on Jan. 4.

Assistant Curator Stephanie Benito believes that the whole purpose of the museum is to gather and preserve the history of the community and the people of Shafter. "Without the people that make up the community, we wouldn't be here. We want the community to know we are here. This Christmas event is really a way to pull people in who might not stop by on a regular Saturday."

Stan Wilson, lead curator, invites the public to visit the museum and explore its extensive exhibits, which feature unique and rare artifacts showcasing the city's history. Admission is free.