Hotels in Taft, California

A little about Taft...

Taft is a city in Kern County, California, United States. The population was 6,400 at the 2000 census.

Taft is situated in a major petroleum and natural gas mining region in California. A large system of oil pipes and refineries surround the town.

Today, the railroad is gone but the area has a significant oil industry presence. Workers at the Midway-Sunset Oil Field in Fellows commute from here. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons operates a prison on Cadet Road south of town. There is a large, modern high school serving area students. The West Kern Oil Museum, at 1168 Wood Street, has vast holdings including pumps, fire apparatus, trucks, a historic wooden derrick, photos, models, and extensive displays of local history back to Indian times. The town's daily newspaper, the Midway Driller, is reputed to be the oldest daily newspaper in California. Taft-Kern County Airport (FAA identifier: L17) is located at the east edge of town at FAA-provided coordinates 35°08'27 N, 119°26'28 W.

Every 5 years during October, Taft holds a quinquennial birthday celebration. This event began as a parade and civic luncheon, commemorating Taft's 20th birthday in November of 1930. These celebrations were held every 5 years until World War II, during which time none were held.

After the war, in 1946, the celebrations began again and the Taft District Chamber of Commerce made them permanent. A contest was held to choose a name for the event and "Oildorado" was chosen, having been submitted by W.A. Poff.

Today, Oildorado is a week long celebration during which many events are held. There is a beauty pageant where an Oildorado Queen is selected, a beard growing contest, talent shows, barbecues, street fairs, and parades. People usually dress in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat throughout the week.

It is also customary for all men to grow beards during this time. If a man dœs not grow a beard, he must pay for a permit and wear a bola tie or lapel pin called a Smooth Puss Badge. If he is caught clean shaven without his badge he may be arrested by the Posse, a group of men dressed in western garb, sporting pistols and rifles filled with blanks. The man will be placed in a jail truck called "The Hooscow" and driven around town for an hour for all to see. Warrants may also be purchased to have somebody else arrested and placed in The Hooscow.

Other staples of this week long celebration include wooden nickels, Dinner Theatres, Classic Car shows, and rodeos.