Support community for Second Saturday
Don’t let the heat get you down this weekend. Second Saturday has a number of activities earlier in the day and then inside so you don’t have to forgo the fun.
Even a sweltering forecast can't dim the spirits of Gabe and Tina Ulloa, who are set to celebrate taking over ownership of In Your Wildest Dreams Consignment and Antiques.
The Ulloas, who purchased the business this year from longtime owner Dixie Brewer, will hold a ribbon cutting with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce around 9:15 a.m.
Afterward the celebration continues with Fresco Mexican Grill, which will be selling its food outside, as well as free La Rosa bars (while supplies last).
Children will be able to enjoy free face painting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Nallely Palma of Fabulous Faces by Nallely.
Due to the weather, which is expected to get up to 109 on Saturday, most activities will take place inside, Gabe Ulloa said.
"We are going to be doing giveaways and sales throughout the store. Some vendors are wanting to do little scavenger hunts. Vendors will have discounts and sales. I'm going to be doing a buy, sell, trade kind of thing for video games and Pokemon cards and stuff like that," he said.
Along with owning the consignment store and vendor mall, both Gabe and Tina have vendor spaces.
Gabe's wares are in what he jokes is the "nerd corner" with video and card games, collectibles and memorabilia as well as vintage arcade cabinets to play.
Ulloa said they have been aiming to group many of the 80-plus vendors together by interests or merchandise, including books (in a library setup with seating and located near a coffee vendor), consignment, locally made products, clothing and collectibles and games.
"If you just want to go in and get clothing, you go to one area and 90% of the clothes are going to be there," he said. "If you want collectibles and video games and trading cards, you go to one area and 90% of that's going to be there.
"We're really trying to make these nice little pockets that way. If this is what you're into, you can go to this little area. Unless you like antiques, then you know 70% of the store is antiques, so, you know, have a field day. But for the most part, we're trying to just have these small little pockets of stuff."
Ulloa said they are looking forward to the fall when the cooler weather will allow them to resume the Second Saturday pop-up market in the parking lot, which can add dozens more vendors for the day. For now, he mentioned that the dedicated F Street Farmers Market battles the heat each week from 8 a.m. to noon.
In addition to the store's existing vendors, permanent jewelry business Infinite Linx will take part in Saturday's festivities.
There will also be an opportunity drawing, allowing customers to be entered in a drawing with every purchase for a chance to win a $300 gift card good for any of the vendors in the store.
Ulloa invites the public to stop in and see what the shop has to offer. He also wants to reassure longtime customers that they can expect the same quality experience and attention to detail they had under Brewer's watch.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, the Ulloas are committed to helping In Your Wildest Dreams continue to thrive and grow in the community.
"We've been in this community for quite some time, so it's not like we're new to it, and we have no idea how it's going to work, and we're going to break everything. We've been doing this long enough where we know how things should and shouldn't run. We're just trying to put some fresh perspective on antiques and consignment."
In Your Wildest Dreams is located at 2819 F St.
Also on tap for Second Saturday
The Bakersfield Museum of Art (1930 R St.) will host an Artists on Artists talk with Rochelle Botello and Sydney Croskery.
Both artists have solo shows on display: Botello's "Free Fall" and Croskery's "Tall Horizon."
Their intimate one-on-one discussion will include their craft and work as well as insight into their creative process and "how their work plays a crucial role in navigating every aspect of life," according to a news release.
The talk is included with general admission ($20, $10 for students and seniors, free for members).
Visitors can also take part in an all-ages weaving project inspired by exhibiting artist Ben Cuevas' work in the show "Resonantly Me: a Queer Artist’s Invitational."
Additional art is on display in the exhibitions "From the Vault: Works from BMoA's Collection" and "The Colors Within: Selected Works from the BMoA ArtWorks Class of 2024."
The Bakersfield Blue Zones Project is also offering a free yoga class as part of its new Yoga Moai series, which runs Saturdays through Aug. 10.
Instructor Dani Wallace will host the class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. inside the main gallery. Bring your mat (or towel) and a water bottle.
This class caps out at 30 attendees and is available first-come, first-serve. Please arrive early to assure your spot. RSVP on the event's eventbrite.com page.
Visit bmoa.org/second-saturday for more information.
At the Bakersfield Art Association's Art Center (1607 19th St.), Bob Ross will lead guests in a "create and take" painting experience with an American flag design. Stop by between 1 and 4 p.m. to take part.
Campo Bar + Bottle (1824 G St.) will offer Second Saturday spritzes along with its current wine rotation. Jason Stevens will provide music from 6 to 9 p.m.
Open at 2 p.m., Tlo Wines (1212 18th St.) will serve wines and charcuterie including a complimentary tasting of its sparkling wine and 15% off on all bottle purchases. Members receive an extra 10% discount on these purchases.
Musicians Sue Laws and Jordan Belardes will perform starting at 3 p.m.
There will also be a permanent jewelry vendor on site for those who want something special.
Jordan Secor will play at Rooster's Honky Tonk Bar (1531 19th St.) starting at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.
For more activities and participating business information, visit bakersfieldsecondsaturday.com or @bakersfieldsecondsaturday on Instagram.