San Joaquins trains will bring visitors to celebrate site unique to California’s African American history

By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant park.  

The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.

The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”

The festival will feature historical re-enactments, storytelling, square dancing, food vendors, crafts, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Amtrak San Joaquins to reconnect Californians with the historic town of Allensworth,” stated FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “As a cornerstone of California’s rich history, Allensworth deserves to be experienced by all. Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable journey to this significant location. Mark your calendars for October 14th to partake in a day of historical immersion, as we recommit to preserving this invaluable site, all while traveling in the comfort and style that only Amtrak San Joaquins can offer.”

The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Riders can save an additional 50 percent on up to five companion tickets by using the Friends and Family Discount code (V302). Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes: 

• Infants under 2 years of age ride for free 
• Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
• Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off 
• Veterans & active military members receive 15% off 
• Disabled riders save 10% off 

Visitors attending the re-dedication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park. 

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com. 

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library. 

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. 

Celebrate Antioch Foundation is proud to announce our 7th annual Rivertown Peddlers Faire! The Rivertown Peddlers Faire will be Saturday Sept 9th 9am – 3pm featuring over 75 vendors! Our street vendors will be selling an array of unique and eclectic items from furniture, home decor, vintage and collectable items, handmade and repurposed items, art and handmade crafts, plants and succulents, clothing and jewelry, bath and body products, hair products and make up, candles, gifts and so much more!

We are excited that we have 22 new vendors joining us this year! Live music performed by Horatio Monroe, food court featuring a handful of our Rivertown restaurants, and great, local wine and beer. All this in a fun, relaxed family friendly and pet friendly setting.

While you’re in historic, downtown Rivertown, stop in and support our local shops as they will be open with extra inventory for this day. The Rivertown Peddlers Faire offers a little something for everyone. 

For more information about Celebrate Antioch Foundation and this year’s events visit www.celebrateantioch.org.

ANTIOCH – On Friday August 11, 2023 Governor Newsom appointed Richard Hobin of Antioch to the 23rd District Agricultural Association, Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors.

Hobin has been the owner and an attorney at Hobin & Hobin LLP since 1977. He served at the rank of O-3 in the U.S. Navy in 1974. Hobin is a member of the Lone Tree Golf Course Board of Directors, the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Rotary Club of the Delta.

He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.

Fair CEO Joe Brengle stated that he is excited to have Hobin as a Board Member.

The next Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2023. For noard meeting agendas visit the Fair’s website at www.contracostafair.com.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Contra Costa County Fair May 16 – 19, with the theme “To FAIR and Beyond”.

Community Outreach Musical

Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch

To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.

Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th in our historic, downtown Rivertown from 4-10 p.m.

Celebration Site

The main celebration will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W. 2nd to W. 3rd Streets and G to I Streets. There are many things to do and enjoy within the celebration site including a live entertainment stage, local vendors, food trucks, Kids Zone, DJ stage and much more.

Local Restaurants

The Rivertown Dining District has 14 establishments to enjoy a variety of dining experiences including Smith’s Landing Seafood Grille, Monica’s Riverview, Rick’s on Second, Chrome Coffee, Solid Rock Café/Q’s Cajun Kitchen, Guadalajara Taqueria, Canton City, Tony’s Beer Garden, Tease Southern Kitchen, TnT Smoothie & Juice Bar, La Plazuela, Taco Tone, plus, the newest additions, Buford’s BBQ and Four Legs Brewing at Monica’s.

Parade

The parade begins at4:00 p.m. Bring your own chairs and set up along W. 2nd and W. 3rd Streets before 4:00 pm to watch our annual Independence Day Parade pass by. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the intersection of W. 2nd and E Streets next to the old lumber company lot at 4:00 PM. The Judges’ Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W. 3rd Street next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W. 3rd Street at the corner of D Street.

Parade Entry Information: Fourth of July Parade Application

Community Vendor Application: Download Application

(Email completed applications to recreation@antiochca.gov)

Live Entertainment

Enjoy live entertainment on the stage in Waldie Plaza.

Tony Lindsay – In 1980, RnB Jazz-Soul vocalist Tony Lindsay arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area from Kingston, New York and after 25 years as the lead vocalist for Santana, Lindsay has garnered 11 Grammy awards, traveled on several world tours and recorded on seven CDs.

Foreverland – The Electrifying Tribute to Michael Jackson – A fan favorite from last year’s July 4th Celebration, since 2009, Foreverland has been mesmerizing audiences around the country with their larger-than-life tribute to the one and only Michael Jackson. Featuring three dynamic vocalists, a powerhouse rhythm section, and the hardest working horn section in the biz, Foreverland recreates hits from the Jackson 5 era through the end of Michael’s incredible career in a way that honors the King of Pop’s musical genius and legendary showmanship like no other tribute band has ever done.

Fireworks Show

Be sure to pick your spot to see the big fireworks show on the river which will begin after dusk (usually about 9:30 pm).

Schedule*

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM That Math Magician

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Tony Lindsay

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel

7:00 PM Announcements of Parade Winners

7:15 PM – 9:15 PM Live Entertainment | Foreverland

9:15 PM Fireworks Show

*Times subject to change

For more information visit www.antiochca.gov/fourth-of-july-celebration.

In historic, downtown Rivertown with parade, live music, Kids Zone and fireworks over the river!