Crowds of people swarmed the Renegade Park exploring the many different booths and activities at this year’s seventh annual Garden Fest held at Bakersfield College on April 21.

“We came, we ate, we shopped, we left,” said Christine Hayward, English major, describing her experience.

White Forest Nursery, Buena Vista Edible Schoolyard, and Nursery & Calico Gardens were just a few of the local businesses participating.  The horticulture and agriculture departments were selling plants, flowers, cherry tomatoes and the Renegade trail mix, which were the big hits.

Kids were able to enjoy the bounce houses and plant a seed while their parents enjoyed the scenery and the shopping.

There were BC booths such as the geology club, child care department, and agriculture club. Non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Canine Sanctuary, and multiple churches were also in attendance. Many offered goodies ranging from scented stuffed animals, clothing, honey, purses, hats and more.

Most booths had raffles with multiple baskets to choose from, like the agriculture and child care department booths. Koi fish were available for adoption in a kiddie pool in a variety of shapes and colors.

The BC culinary arts department and local businesses, such as Ben and Jerry’s and Little Debbie Cakes, provided food and beverages.

Even though it was nice and sunny out, many people had a problem with the heat.

“The ice cream was a life saver. The heat was killing me and water wasn’t cutting it,” Caitlin Juarez said.

Even with the heat, Sally Sterns, the director of Garden Fest, feels it was a success.

“Thankfully it wasn’t raining, and even though it was hot it didn’t stop the crowd,” she said. “I was told that people were happy with how many vendors we had, another successful year.”