John Steinbeck wrote a book about it, Dorothea Lange recorded it with a camera, and Woodie Guthrie wrote songs about it to tear at your heart, and it all happened in this area.  These words were written in 1990 to describe our first Dust Bowl Festival.  It was a success, and the Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce decided to hold this Festival every year.

Date:   October 17, 2009  8 am to 3 pm.   
              Sponsored by the Dust Bowl Committee

          Place:  The festival takes place at Sunset School which is adjacent to the camp known as Sunset Camp,
                        Arvin Farm Labor Center, Weedpatch Camp, and/or The Government Camp
                        8301 Sunset Blvd    
                         Lamont, California
                        Admission is free and a good time is guaranteed.

    
If you are arriving from the south, Weedpatch Highway 
is called Wheeler Ridge Road at the south end.

 

On the day of the Dust Bowl Festival, there will be shuttles running from Sunset school to the historic park area of the camp throughout the day....thanks to the Lamont School District.  Earl Shelton and Ray Rush will be in the community hall to tell people about growing up in the camp.

 

 

Available all day will be the ever growing Dust Bowl collection which includes pictures, artifacts, and memorabilia of an era which is now gaining the recognition it deserves.

 
   There will be shuttles to the original buildings.

   Memorial Bricks will be available for purchase.   for more information

Events of pass years have included horseshoe pitching, an antique car show, country music, and square dancing as well as authors signing their Dust Bowl era books.

 

Contact person is Doris Weddell 661-832-1299. 

For information on a food booth and/or vending, contact Sharon Garrison  661-831-2834 (day time number.)   She will explain the costs and send applications.