BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – In this era of AI, 5k, and assorted platforms of immersive entertainment, neon might seem quaint because – well, it is.

Neon belongs to a golden age of commercial signage somewhere between 30 watt light bulbs and LED. It can have an aura of 1940s sophistication – think film noir, except with color – or the playfulness of balloon animal whimsy. For an actor, that’s a remarkable range – but for gas-filled glass tubing, it’s just the job description.

That’s part of the attraction of Bakersfield’s Neon Plaza, a growing collection of signage that’s both art and artifact, history and humor.

Kern County Museum director Mike McCoy has been adding to the once-modest collection of neon signage started by his predecessor, Carola Enriquez, since taking over as executive

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