1930 The Start Of It All

Since 1930 Taft has been celebrating its incorporation as a city by providing fun and activities geared for the entire family. The first such celebration held in 1930 and celebrated every five years thereafter (except once) was spearheaded by the West Side Business Men's Club who believed the needed a grand-all-out birthday celebration. That year was the 20th year since incorporation. And, grand it was, as reported by the Daily Midway Driller, that attracted 20,000 people to viewed the parade of 200 entrants that extended for six miles.

Below is a picture from the 1930 parade. Among the events was the American Legion '49 Camp, a combined service club's banquet, a tug of war, fireworks, a women's nail driving event and a water fights by the fire department. State Senator Samuel Shortridge was the speaker at the civic luncheon.