The Turlock Irrigation District (TID) started planning their recognition for the 125th anniversary of TID back in 2010 when they decided to have a TID film made, “The Irrigationist.”
At that time, the City of Turlock had finished their Turlock Centennial documentary film the year before, which went on to win 9 awards. TID selected the same local vendor, The Creation Lab, to work on the film. "The Irrigationist" is a 62-minute documentary film about TID and the dream of irrigation becoming a reality.
Through the years TID has celebrated their milestones with various activities and commemorative items. In 1937, for the 50th, Turlock saw a 60 foot replica of Don Pedro Dam built at Turlock High School’s football field complete with fireworks flowing down to depict water flowing over the dam. A jubilee was held featuring an address by California governor Frank Merriam followed by a whole week of activities including a parade, picnic, supper, and vaudeville shows. In 1987, for the 100th anniversary, TID commissioned a full length historical book by Alan Paterson called “Land, Water and Power” that cost $45,660 according to TID Board minutes.
After the TID film took about 2 years to complete and cost $219,200, TID released a trailer of the film and will finally get to show the public TID’s historical story on the big screen.
TID will hold two free public showings of “The Irrigationist” on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the Turlock Community Theatre at 2pm and 7pm.
Admission is limited to Turlock Irrigation District customers. Tickets are free and can be picked up at TID offices in Turlock (333 East Canal Drive), Ceres and Patterson through this Friday’s TID business hours.
“We have about 150 tickets to each showing (or 300 total) remaining (each showing seats 926),” stated Herb Smart, TID Public Information Specialist. “Tickets are limited and will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Copies of the film will be available for purchase at cost ($5 DVD and $15 Blu-ray disc) from TID in the weeks following the showings.
For more information about the making of "The Irrigationist," read this article:
TID Celebrates 125 Years with Film: “The Irrigationist”
The Irrigationist film trailer:
