Holden prepares for Carrot Festival with new community events and grand marshal announcement

The Holtville City Council meeting on December 10, 2024, showcased a vibrant agenda, highlighting community events and infrastructure developments that promise to enhance local engagement and improve city services.

One of the most exciting announcements was the upcoming Carrot Festival, themed "Hop on the Carrot Express," which pays tribute to the historical significance of the Holden interurban railway. Scheduled for February 8, 2024, the festival will feature a series of events leading up to the main celebration, including a cooking contest from January 27 to 29, and a coronation banquet on January 31. The festival will also honor Margaret Strong as the Grand Marshal for her extensive contributions to the community.

In addition to the festival, the council discussed the launch of a new service called "Text My Gov," allowing residents to report issues and receive information via text. This initiative aims to improve communication between the city and its residents, making it easier for them to report problems like stray animals or water breaks.

Infrastructure improvements were also a key focus, with updates on ongoing projects such as the undergrounding of utility lines and street repaving efforts. The city is set to bid on repairs for the trestle bridge early next year, marking significant progress on long-awaited projects.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community contributions, including a successful tree lighting event that brought residents together to celebrate the holiday season. As Holtville prepares for these upcoming events and improvements, the council remains committed to fostering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.