09/15/2025
🎖️ ANNOUNCEMENT:
2025 Grand Marshal –
Jerold Ross “Ross” Hampton 🇺🇸 🎖️
We are incredibly proud to announce that Jerold Ross Hampton of Earlimart, CA — a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy Veteran, lifelong farmer, and beloved community leader — has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for our 2025 celebration. 🇺🇸🎉 Jerold Ross Hampton, known as Ross, was born on August 4, 1945, in Delano, California, to Pauline Thompson Hampton of Oklahoma and Mentus Hampton of Texas. The family eventually settled in Earlimart, where they made farming their lifelong career. Ross graduated from Delano High School in 1963 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1965, serving as a Ship Fitter Second Class aboard the USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) during the Vietnam era. After returning home in 1968, he resumed farming with his father and later took over the family ranch following his father’s health issues. In 1969, Ross married Patricia (Pat) Hampton, and together they raised two sons, Darren and Brandon, on the family farm. Over the years, they were blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Ross earned a degree in General Agriculture and was active in the community. He volunteered for many local organizations and discovered a passion for auctioneering, using it to support 4-H, FFA, and local benefit events. In 2024, Ross was honored to attend the Kern County Honor Flight, where he and fellow veterans were flown to Washington, D.C. to visit national memorials and receive long-overdue recognition for their service. Though humble about his contributions, Ross is deeply respected for his service to both country and community—a true example of dedication, hard work, and quiet heroism.
