Maturango Junction '08

The sunrise of October 25th was greeted by a crowd of people setting up tables and booths in Old Town Ridgecrest. Vendors and volunteers put together an exceptional family fun day which included live bands and lots of halloween candy for the kids.

Volunteers from Indian Wells Valley Habitat for Humanity furnished information about the group and offered a nail driving demonstration for the kids.

Vicki and Jack Carle of the Barnyard were at the Inyokern Chamber of Commerce booth. The Inyokern Chamber handed out community information and close to 40 pounds of Halloween candy! Inyokern Rotary Club treasurer Jim Weeks also helped attend the booth.

The Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event and volunteers worked very hard. Chamber president Peggy Breeden of the Swap Sheet and Jean Millican were on hand with visitor information and Ridgecrest Chamber and business promotional literature.

Among the many food vendors was Pernell's kitchen which offered nachos and Mongolian Barbecue.

Toni Baker and Darlene Morgan volunteered to staff the Ridgecrest Lion's Club booth. The Lions sponsor 4th of July fireworks, vision programs and more.

'Tis the year and the season for elections and campaigns.

There were many booths for candidates for offices from school board to President.

Vendors of items as diverse as hats and Harleys shared Ridgecrest and Balsam streets. There was a chalk art booth, cheerleaders were holding a fund raiser, numerous home based businesses, and a great diversity of merchandise. Did I mention the chili cook-off? Most of all there were lots of kids, fun and smiles and an opportunity to enjoy a fun community get-together.

There was dancing in the streets for the experienced and a chance for the intrepid beginner to learn some new steps.

The webmaster thanks the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, Russ and Adrienne Mathewson and the people of Ridgecrest for the invitation to the 2008 Maturango Junction.