BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Annual Basque Crawl has been a tradition in Bakersfield for many years, and with COVID-19, it is making that event look a little different Wednesday night.
"We've reserved every single table," said Julie Crawford, co-owner of Pyrenees Cafe.
julie and Rod Crawford, co-owners of the Pyrenees Cafe have been apart of the Annual Basque Crawl for years.
"Last standing basque restaurant in the neighborhood so we are basque crawling, but it is different than the traditional basque crawl.
This year, COVID-19 caused many restaurants to opt-out of the annual festivities.
"it's just so heartbreaking."
But Pyrenees found a way to keep the tradition alive, all while being safe.
"We aren't allowed to have the bar open, we can't be open inside, only open outside, table service only."
The restaurant also required face masks, social distancing, and for customers to make reservations in advance in order to keep the number of people in the restaurant limited, and even with all of the precautions put in place, customers were still happy to enjoy some sort of normalcy.
"Especially this year, it has been longer times since we haven't been together, so it is time to have a little fun and have a drink and be safe," said Gary Fraser, customer.
"Supporting your community is one of the best things that you can do," said Carrie Shine, customer.
Pyrenees Cafe, like many restaurants, has had some struggles due to the pandemic, but thanks to the community's support, they have been able to stay afloat and Rod believes that it is times like these that bring everyone closer.
"When our bars and restaurants were open before, people were always on there cell phones, I never see it anymore, one good thing about this whole situation is that people are actually communicating and talking again," said Rod Crawford.
The Crawfords say that if there is one thing that the community can do, its to "support local, these small businesses are hurting and I hope and I pray to god that they all support all of them because there are so many small family-owned businesses that need our support."
