This year, we celebrated a truly monumental milestone: the 80th Kerman Harvest Festival. For eight decades, this cherished tradition has brought together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of our community. And this year, despite facing one of the most economically challenging periods in recent history, we came together and created an event for the ages—a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of The Kerman Chamber of Commerce.
The festival was a wonderful mix of old and new, with the rides, games, and mouthwatering food we’ve all come to love setting the stage for days filled with laughter and fun. The annual parade down Madera Avenue was a vibrant highlight, with bands performing energetic tunes, cheerleaders bringing their dazzling routines, and stunning floats showcasing the creativity and pride of our community. The streets were alive with excitement, as many generations gathered to celebrate this community tradition.
One of the most special aspects of this year’s festival was the pleasure of reigniting an old tradition: the honoring of a Harvest Festival Queen. This year, we were thrilled to dedicate this position to Miss Evelyn Knowles. Her true dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to Kerman has shone brightly throughout her time in our community, making her the perfect choice for this honor. Alongside Evelyn, we also had the privilege of honoring our 80th Grand Marshal, Meg Winchester. Meg’s tireless dedication and impactful work in Kerman exemplify the values we hold dear, and we were proud to celebrate her contributions.
The festival also provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past 80 years. In our exhibit hall, we showcased the history of the Harvest Festival and celebrated the many memories and milestones that have brought us to today. Wonderful student projects lined the hall, demonstrating the incredible talent and promise of Kerman’s future generations. And, of course, we once again enjoyed the beloved senior bingo nights, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air.
Through all of these moments—whether honoring community leaders, admiring the creativity of our students, or simply enjoying the food and festivities—we were reminded of the enduring spirit of Kerman. The 80th Harvest Festival wasn’t just a celebration of the past; it was a celebration of who we are as a community and where we are headed.
We couldn’t have achieved this without the tireless efforts of the Kerman Chamber of Commerce, local volunteers, and everyone who poured their hearts into making this festival a success. Thank you for helping us honor 80 years of tradition while creating unforgettable memories for the future.
Here’s to the next chapter of the Kerman Harvest Festival—a celebration of joy, resilience, and the incredible community spirit that binds us all. Thank you, Kerman, for making the 80th Harvest Festival one for the history books!
