There is a new stage coming up next to the horticulture department for the lab to use for a wide range of activities.

Professor Lindsay Ono said, “The stage will be used by different groups and organizations from the campus, and it will also be used for the Garden Fest.”

The fourth annual Garden Fest will be at Bakersfield College on April 18 with free admission and free how-to seminars.

“Students from all over the campus not just the horticulture department, will be involved,” said Ono.

The Garden Fest is used as a fundraiser for the clubs on campus and students from all over campus. Companies around town will also be involved. There will be over 96 participants with booths at the Garden Fest. Plant sales will be at the event with profits going to the horticulture department. Arts and crafts booths and even pet companies are going to be at the Garden Fest. The Kern Animal Control is also going to be there to adopt out some dogs.

“The small animal companion class is also going to be there,” horticultural technician Sally Sterns said.

The culinary arts department will be providing the food at the Garden Fest, and Pat Coyle will be doing a barbeque demonstration. There is also going to be stuff for the kids to do like laser tag and a rock wall.

“We started out with about seven participants, and it’s been growing ever since.” Ono said, “The Garden Fest is a way to publicize the horticulture department.” Sterns said, “The stage will be done this weekend and named at Garden Fest.”