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Nestled between Interstate 5 and Highway 99, Wasco, California is in the heart of the state’s Central Valley. For more than twenty years in the late 19th century, the Southern Pacific Railroad had a monopoly on transport from the Central Valley to California’s major ports in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Looking to compete with the Southern Pacific, the San Joaquin Valley Railroad began operation through the heart of the state in the 1890’s. In 1898, the railroad established a depot about 25 miles north of Bakersfield which it named Deweyville, after Spanish-American War hero, Admiral George Dewey. For whatever reason, the name was quickly changed to Wasco, possibly at the suggestion of a local boy who was from the Oregon based Wasco Native American tribe. In the native vernacular, the word may mean “hot,” which would be appropriate for the rising summer temperatures throughout the valley. By 1907 the place was referred to as the Wasco Colony with land developers selling parcels at anywhere from $50 to $200 an acre. Within the first year more than 200 families had moved to Wasco and by the 1920’s the town had become an agricultural enclave with potatoes and cotton among the main crops grown by local farmers. The King Lumber Company was one of the first major businesses. Schools opened, shade trees were planted to mitigate the scorching summer heat and the first volunteer fire department went to work in 1919. Today, instead of cotton and potatoes, Wasco’s primary crop is roses. In fact, more than half of the commercial roses grown in the United States are from Wasco.

It’s certain that a Wasco tutor will get you caught up on your most difficult academic subjects so you can take time to enjoy Wasco and the surrounding areas. Held every year in early September to correspond with the local bloom, the Wasco Festival of Roses includes the annual Rose Queen Pageant, Parade and the Arts, Crafts and Food Fair. The crowning of the Rose Queen takes place on the first day of the festival and she then presides over the remaining days of the event. In September, the local fields are full of color with blooming roses. Visitors can take bus tours to enjoy the majestic flowers. A Children’s Rose Show, pancake breakfast and Run Through the Roses 5K and 10K are also part of the festivities.

It’s only about a half hour’s drive from Wasco to River Walk Park in Bakersfield. River Walk is 32 acres with two lakes, picnic areas and a 4,000-seat amphitheater which hosts concerts, movie screenings and other community events. The stage is situated on an island separated from seating by a stream connecting the park’s two lakes. Since its inception the park has become the center of residential, commercial and retail development in the western part of the city near the Kern River.

Also in Bakersfield, the Kern County Museum is home to the 16-acre Pioneer Village which has over 50 historic buildings from the 1800’s. The site contains buildings from all over the county including a one room schoolhouse, church, train station as well as equipment from the early days of the oil industry. The museum also houses permanent and rotating exhibits. The Black Gold display describes the oil industry in the area and the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center gives youngsters an opportunity for a hands-on experience.