Oildorado, the celebration of Taft's 100th anniversary, was this year!  The ten-day Oildorado celebration was celebrated from October 15 - October 24, 2010.

Oildorado 2010 was undoubtedly a huge success and record-breaking crowds enjoyed many activities; the traditional civic luncheon, melodrama, and parade plus extra attractions such as hot air balloon rides, an Eddie Money street concert, and the popular Vintage aircraft flyovers and rides.

The West Kern Oil Museum was open daily during Oildorado and hosted over 1,000 visitors throughout the celebration. We hosted barbecues on Oct. 16 and 23, and served over 300 meals each time. The Oldtimers Registration brought a steady stream of visitors to the Museum to view the upgraded Yokuts Indian exhibit, Gardner Field exhibit, vintage gowns that were on display throughout the Museum, the saber-toothed cat, a special Oildorado exhibit, the gallery exhibit of Roger Miller’s oilfield photos and so much more. We registered over 650 oldtimers, an all-time high, and 1,034 visitors signed our book.

The Museum had a very successful book sale during Oildorado, including books by Larry Peahl, Pete Gianopulos, and Maurice Fishburn. On Oct. 23 the American License Plate Collectors Association held their area meet at the Museum. One collector bought a 1957 license plate from a vendor for $75.00, and then donated the plate to the Museum to be mounted on the Fire Truck. The Museum had three vintage vehicles in the Oildorado parade; the 1947 Mack fire truck, a 1929 truck which was restored by Chevron, and a D & L Autocar diesel A-frame.

Click here for pictures from Oildorado 2010 Events at the Museum.  We are still getting pictures in from Oildorado days so check back for updates to the pictures over the next few weeks.