Millions may be traveling for Thanksgiving over the next couple days, but thousands will be stopping in the eastern Kern County desert for a unique holiday tradition in California City.
Upwards of 50,000 people are expected to make their way to Cal City this week, according to police, as travelers set up camp and bike or quad their way through the desert.
Cal City is the third largest city in California, by land mass, meaning there are lots of open areas for riding and camping. The city had originally been planned to be significantly larger than it's current population of roughly 14,000 and developments were started decades ago. When those developments failed, the areas were largely abandoned, leaving partially paved roads and and empty housing lots. The roads that carve through these areas are used by visitors during the Thanksgiving influx.
The annual migration essentially quadruples Cal City's population over the course of a week. After a tough year on the Cal City Police Department, there are now only seven sworn-in officers to patrol their city and the tens of thousands who come for the holiday.
Despite the strain on the department, the traffic is welcomed by many as it brings a big boost to the local economy. One business, West Best Pizza, said business can quadruple during this week. They have extra staffing this week, as do many stores in town.
The police department is being aided by volunteers. The extra visitors are expected to last through the holiday weekend.
