Travel to the Old West today

D owntown Porterville will be transformed into a vision of the Old West with the Pioneer Days and Rib Cook-off event happening today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With 23 teams competing in the rib cook-off you better bring your appetite. There will also be a historical reenactments, a live shoot out, Old West saloon, local vendors and a pageant. Kids will also love panning for real gold. It is free to check out the activities and all proceeds from the competitions will benefit the Zalud House Museum which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Pickleball Lessons

A gentleman came into my office after noticing our new pickleball courts at Zalud Park. He is an official ambassador for the sport and wants to help spread his passion of the game. For the next three Saturdays, starting at 9 a.m., he will be offering free pickleball lessons to all ages and provide all the equipment needed. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn what the craze is all about and maybe even pick up a new hobby.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Next Tuesday, we will join the Porterville Chamber of Commerce and Pandya Family Foundation for a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the new trail and benches at Veterans Park. The Pandya Family Foundation championed a campaign in support of our project that resulted in 23 new benches along the newly paved and lit trail. Grab a seat at 10 a.m. to commemorate this incredible achievement. The completed portion of the trail is one of four phases of a project that will provide a trail around the entire park.

CPR & First Aid Classes

Our next American Red Cross Adult, Child and Infant CPR, A.E.D. and Community First Aid certification class will take place on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Renewal classes are also available for those that have already completed the American Red Cross training and are looking to update their credentials. The next renewal class will take place on Oct. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. All classes take place at the Heritage Center.

Ghoulish Garden at the Zalud House

Trick or treat at one of Porterville’s most infamous locations. The beloved garden at the historical Zalud House Museum will be transformed into spooky Halloween fun that the entire family can enjoy. Take the path through the ghoulish garden and collect candy along the way. The garden is free to enter and will be open to visitors on Oct. 27 and 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. There will also be special ghost-telling museum tours taking place those nights. Tour the house with a donation of only $3 for adults and $1 for children. Don’t miss out, it’s going to be a frightfully good time!

Veterans Day Run

Registrants are rolling in for our annual Veterans Day Run. Race participation continues to increase each year and we sure hope you are a part of it as well. Whether you’re a recreational walker or a competitive runner we have it covered. The race features a 5K run, 10K run, 5K walk and even a free kid’s fun run. Register online or in our City Hall office. Nov. 11 isn’t far away so don’t delay!

Donnie Moore is the director of the City of Porterville Department of Parks and Leisure Services.