Taftians have always loved celebrations and parades. Parades have been held on the 4^th of July, Armistice Day, and during birthday celebrations to commemorate the incorporation of the City of Taft.

            On July 4, 1912, a parade was held, and Lucy Landwehr was chosen as the "Goddess of Liberty" to reign over the parade.

            In February, 1921, the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple of Los Angeles paraded their various marching units through town.

            A big "birthday celebration" was held in November, 1930, to commemorate Taft’s twentieth birthday and an elaborate birthday party was held complete with parade and a civic luncheon.

            From then on these birthday celebrations were held every five years until the war years when none were held.

            It was not until 1946, after World War II, that another celebration was held. A permanent celebration was developed through the Taft District Chamber of Commerce under the presidency of Norman Crouse with Walter M. Keene as president. A contest was held to give a name for the celebration and the judges selected "Oildorado" which was the name submitted by W. A. Poff.

            Another celebration was held in 1947, and Mr. Keene again served as the president, but it was decided that after this celebration all others to follow would be held every give years, beginning in 1950.

            The every-five-year celebrations that followed have always been fun-filled affairs with enthusiastic West Side residents getting together, welcoming the return of old-timers and acquainting newcomers about the great days of earlier years of Taft.