Those who are privileged have the opportunity to wander in the wilderness and forget the modernity that has robbed us of being able to appreciate a simple, rugged lifestyle that makes living here so appealing to someone like me. I’m still dependent upon conveniences so I won’t be living in the wild backcountry like our ancestors but I might like to dress the part for the annual Whiskey Flat Melodrama presented by Sierra Performing Arts, "The Treasure of Shiver River or It's Hard to Herd Cattle when Their Horns are Frozen". I will always have fond memories of my experience working with such a fun and talented group.
Click to view program | Click to view cast photos
We got some nice reviews!
Shiver River Wows Croud - Kern Valley Sun
4-H Theater Arts presents Whiskey Flat melodrama - Kern Valley Sun
The Fight for Kernville's Soul, Whiskey Wins - Bakersfield Caliornian
Up here we got everything from gold mines to ghost towns, movie sets, trash and treasure. Certain adventure beckons thousands of tourists every year, we know because we have to clean up after them.
That’s why so many local organisations and residents actively volunteer to help keep things up. One group in particular is
Keepers of the Kern.
I volunteered with them one day but in my zeal to relieve a bush of some litter I got a scorching case of Poison Oak. It spread all over my body and lasted about 3 weeks , I’m still itchy. LOL “Ya cain’t learn to swim unless ya git wet!” It's ok I’m just a little bit tougher and wiser now. Keepers of the Kern is well worth the hit because I would endure it all over again to help do my part in keeping the wild and scenic, beautiful Kern River clean. I learned to swim alright, in calamine lotion!
The “Trash Warriors” really make a difference just look at some of their accomplishments. Only last week they attracted more than 100 participants. The “Dam Tough Trash Tow” brought in a whopping 4,590 pounds in an effort to help clean up Lake Isabella. Not bad for a days work. Here is a video that filmmaker, Chuck Barbee put together to highlight the day.
Having a part in the Melodrama this year seemed like one of those times when things happen as if it was meant to be. At first I was a little intimidated but everything fell into place and the cast a crew were sweethearts. A fun zany comedy set in the old pioneering days with a great cast of characters who vainly satirized life through irony, exaggerated innuendo and pun humor. I think my great grand aunt, Sarah Ophelia Colley “Minnie Pearl”, would approve.