Published on May 2, 2026 | Written by Kathleen Hokit | Photo credit: Kern Media LLC
Bakersfield, Calif. — The glow of Bakersfield’s past lit up the night once again as Kern County Museum hosted its annual “Get Lit” fundraiser on the evening of May 1.
Now in its sixth year, the event welcomed guests to The Mission Bank Neon Plaza for an evening filled with live music, margaritas, beer, a Mexican buffet, and the warm glow of more than 40 restored neon signs tied to businesses, landmarks, and memories deeply woven into Kern County history.
Valley Fever
This year’s celebration also carried an added sense of reflection, coming just days after the passing of former museum director Carola Enriquez, whose vision helped shape the Neon Plaza into what it is today. Known throughout Kern County for her deep commitment to local history and community preservation, Enriquez helped launch the museum’s neon sign collection two decades ago.
“Carola Enriquez created the Neon Plaza 20 years ago,” said Kern County Museum Executive Director Mike McCoy. “The signs tell the story of our county with liquid neon fire!”
Kern County Museum Executive Director Mike McCoy
What began with only eight preserved signs under Enriquez’s leadership has since grown into one of the museum’s most beloved attractions. As darkness settled over the plaza Friday evening, vintage neon illuminated the space in brilliant reds, blues, yellows, and pinks while visitors gathered beneath the lights sharing stories, laughter, and hometown nostalgia.
Among those celebrating the evening were longtime preservation advocates Dianne “Di” Sharman and Glenda Rankin of Citizens Preserving History, a local group known for helping rescue meaningful pieces of Bakersfield’s past before they disappear forever.
“The annual ‘Get Lit’ event at the Kern County Museum was electrifying,” Sharman shared. “The energy flowing through the neon signs spilled into the hearts of each visitor as the band filled the air with electrifying tunes. The annual ‘Get Lit’ event is a must-see production. Hope to see all y’all next year!”
Di Sharman on the right pictured with her sister Glenda Rankin
Sharman also reflected on the stories behind several of the signs now glowing inside Neon Plaza, including “The Shoe” sign connected to The Big Shoe Shop on Chester Avenue.
According to Sharman, the vintage sign once belonged to a longtime East Bakersfield shoe store before eventually being cared for by Felipe of The Big Shoe Shop. When permitting challenges prevented the sign from being displayed at the business, conversations with Sharman and Rankin ultimately helped lead to the sign finding a permanent home at the museum for the public to enjoy.
Another rescued piece now preserved within the collection is the former Andre’s sign from Niles Street.
Sharman explained that local preservation supporters stepped in after learning the historic sign was in danger of being dismantled and discarded during removal work. Through quick action and conversations onsite, the sign was ultimately saved and transported to the museum, where it remains part of the growing neon collection today.
Left to Right: Janelle Capra and Amy Travis
For executive director of First 5 Kern, founder of Stillhouse Consulting and board member of Kern County Museum, Amy Travis, the preservation of the signs represents something far bigger than vintage advertising.
“Preserving these signs means that the stories of old will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of future generations,” Travis said. “It’s about keeping that connection alive.”
Travis described the atmosphere during the fundraiser as both reflective and celebratory.
“The energy was both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time,” Travis shared. “The venue itself lends to a really relaxed, fun atmosphere—and the band played hit after hit, which just added to the joy everyone was feeling.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser support ongoing restoration and preservation efforts tied to the museum’s neon displays, along with operational costs associated with maintaining the museum’s 16-acre property.
Preservation work includes rewiring aging signs, structural restoration, mounting and installation costs, and long-term conservation projects.
