Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Celebrates Annual Rededication on Oct. 11
Contact:
Lori Wear
State Park Interpreter III
(661) 524-4025
Scenes from this year's Juneteenth celebration at Col. Allensworth State Historic Park. Photos from California State Parks
What you need to know: This year’s event honoring the history and contributions of African Americans is part of yearlong celebration of California’s 175th anniversary of statehood
EARLIMART – California State Park’s Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (SHP) will celebrate its Annual Rededication on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event is part of California State Parks’ yearlong celebration of the Golden State’s 175th anniversary of statehood and will be co-sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation. Visitors will be able to enjoy a day of history and culture with live music, dancing, historical reenactments and speakers.
First dedicated in October 1976 during the nation’s Bicentennial, the park preserves the legacy of Allensworth, a unique township that was founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The Annual Rededication highlights this remarkable history and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to the development of California.
The annual event will also host a variety of food vendors and merchandise available for purchase. This year, visitors will also have a special travel option: Amtrak San Joaquins is adding a stop at the park, making it easier than ever to join the celebration.
Here are details about the event:
WHAT: Colonel Allensworth SHPAnnual Rededication Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: $10 per vehicle, $50 per small bus, and $75 per large bus. California public-school fourth-grade students and their families can attend for free with the California State Park Adventure Pass. Learn more about the pass at parks.ca.gov/adventurepass.
WHERE: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219
DIRECTIONS: The park is about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. From Highway 99 near the town of Earlimart, take Avenue 56 Exit (Exit 65), then turn west toward Alpaugh and go 7.4 miles on County Road J22 (W. Sierra Ave). At Highway 43 (Central Valley Highway) turn south and proceed to the intersection of Palmer Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the park entrance.
AMTRAK: Amtrak San Joaquins will offer a special stop at the park for multiple trains, with exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.” Travelers from Northern California, the Bay Area, and the Central Valley can enjoy a scenic day trip aboard the train and arrive directly on the park’s east side of the park in time for the celebration. Seats are limited, so attendees are encouraged to book early. Additional savings are available by combining discounts, as listed on the Amtrak San Joaquins Deals webpage.
For more information, please call the park at (661) 849-3433 or visit its website at Colonel Allensworth SHP.
Please Note: Dogs are allowed in the park but must remain on a leash that is 6 feet or shorter. Service animals are welcome per California State Parks'Service Animals Policy.
California State Parks supports equal access. If you need a reasonable modification or special accommodation for the event, please call (661) 849-3433.
About the park:
Colonel Allensworth SHP is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. On June 30, 1908, they formed the California Colony Home Promoting Association. They selected an area in Tulare County because it was fertile, there was plenty of water, and the land was available and inexpensive. In 1974, when the town site became a state historic park, restoration of the existing historic structures began, and plans for further preservation, restoration, and reconstruction of the historic town, and for interpretation of the history of Allensworth.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.