BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ( KGET ) — The Jehovah’s Witness Convention is back in Bakersfield this weekend. The free local summer tradition spanning 25 years draws around 25,000 people.
“I’ve been coming here for over 20 years,” said Dexter Valencia. “I met my wife here 16 years ago, and so, for me, it has a special place in my heart.”
Valencia lives in New York but he comes to Bakersfield every year to represent the convention. The 3-day event started Friday and ends Sunday. The convention takes place over five weekends during the summer at Mechanics Bank Arena.
“It’s something I look forward to each year,” said Valencia. “We’re excited about it and it’s a really fun event.”
The 2024 theme is “Declare the Good News!” which is great news for the Marriott hotel because now, every vacancy is filled.
“We have anywhere from 150 to 200 rooms each night that usually is just them staying with us,” said Mayra Chavez.
Chavez has been working at the Marriott since 2006. She said they have to plan for the convention a year in advance to handle the surge of patrons.