What is Oildorado?

Oildorado embodies tradition and celebrates our town's heritage, our economic lifeblood, and our community spirit at all once. Oildorado is not just a ten-day party, but an all-encompassing celebration of where we started, where we are, and where we are going. Oildorado galvanizes our community in most all respects that leaves everyone who attends with a striking sense of pride. Join us October 8-17, 2021 for the 111th celebration of the City of Taft.

A Brief History

Taft was incorporated as a city in 1910, but it wasn’t until 20 years later that the community decided a celebration was in order.

The festivities included a parade that attracted 200 entries and a crowd estimated at 20,000 people. There was a banquet, tug-of-war, fireworks, nail-driving contest, and a water fight staged by the fire department. A civic luncheon was held, which would become a staple of all future celebrations.

About Us

Many communities hold annual celebrations to commemorate anniversaries. Taft is different. The town celebrates its birthday once every five years. But what a celebration it is!

The city’s birthday bash pays homage to the hardy men and women who migrated to this dusty southwestern corner of the San Joaquin Valley when oil seeps were detected shortly after the turn of the century. Oildorado runs for 10 days, and it has something for everyone – a grand parade, melodrama, queen pageant, entertainment, barbecues, dances, civic luncheon, and much more.

Prior Celebrations

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