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| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
May, 2012
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 | | Photo by Nancy Robbins |
Ah, May!
So much to see, so much to do!
The weather is beautiful, the flowers are in bloom, the trees are green, and all seems right with the world.
We've got a lot going on this month, from wine trail weekends that make perfect Mother's Day gifts, to historic rodeos and much more. California's Gateway to Yosemite is the place to be this month. With all this going on, there is no "may" about it, things are definitely hopping.
Read on for events, fun things to do and of course our travel incentives offered by our partners. Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Wine Trail Weekend!
2012 Meet the Wine Maker Weekend
The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries proudly present the Madera Wine Trail's "Meet the Winemaker Weekend" on May 12th and 13th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate Mother's Day and bring Mom on the Wine Trail! With your ticket, you will receive a passport wine glass good for wine tasting all weekend.
Taste a wide variety of local wines as you visit each participating winery on the Madera Wine Trail. The winemakers of the Madera Wine Trail will pour and discuss their handcrafted wines, offering tours and more. On this special weekend, you will also enjoy live music, local art and delicious food!
Designated Drivers are always welcome on the Madera Wine Trail, and they are always free of charge! Please notify the check-in table at your first stop on the Trail to receive your complimentary pass.
Learn more here! |
It's Chowchilla - Madera County Fair time!
 The 2012 Chowchilla
Madera County Fair will
begin Thursday, May 17 and
run through Sunday, May 20.
Main Stage entertainment this year includes country western band Whiskey Dawn, "Rockin' Down the Highway", a Doobie Brothers Tribute band, Tennessee River, an
Alabama Tribute band, The Beatles Project, The Mike Torres Band, and Pro Wrestling
Revolution Lucha Libre.
Daily entertainment includes the Super Science Experiments, Circus Imagination, All
Alaskan Racing Pigs, Kid's Pedal Tractor Pulls, Hypnotist Michael Mezmer, Balloonacy
and Magician Frank Thurston.
All entertainment is free with paid admission. Fair Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children 6-12 are $4. Children 5 & under are free. Thursday, May 17 admission will be free for senior citizens (anyone 62 years and older).
Kids Day will be held on Friday, May 18 and all kids 12 and under are free that day until 5 p.m. Advanced discount specials are now on sale until the opening of the fair. Discount specials include the Adult Season Pass for $20, Child Season Pass for $12 and the Family Pass which is a one-day admission pass that costs $20 and includes
admission for two adults and two children (ages 6-12).
Carnival coupons will be $15 this year. Carnival coupons can be exchanged for an
unlimited ride wristband or a book of 30 tickets. Thursday, May 17 will be Buddy Day - buy one regular price unlimited ride wristband, get one FREE!
All advance discount specials end at the opening of the Fair. Coupons are now available at the Fair office. For more information about the 2012 Chowchilla-Madera County Fair, visit:
www.chowchillafair.org
or call the Fair office at (559)
665-3728.
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Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show at Bass Lake
The 22nd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held at Bass Lake on Saturday, May 19, 2012.
Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club, the show features over 50 of the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the west coast.
The show is the annual rendezvous of the Southern and Northern California Chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society of America and promises to be one of the largest of the season in California.
The show takes place on the docks in front of Ducey's On The Lake in the Pines Village on the North Shore of Bass Lake. Show hours are from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission fee to see the boats is $4.00 per person (children under 10 free) with proceeds going toward sight preservation and other community projects supported by the Bass Lake Lions, including a camp for sight- and hearing-impaired children.
Bring your old eyeglasses, cell phones and hearing aids for recycling and get 2 free raffle tickets for the mega drawing.
For more information, please call Jim Milligin at (559) 642-3420. |
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Flatlander Day Parade in Madera Ranchos
Event celebrates area's heritage
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Photo by Nancy Robbins: The Flatlanders Day Parade is an annual event in Madera Ranchos honoring the town's heritage |
Madera Ranchos is a small town in the valley of Madera County with a unique history.
With connections to both Hollywood and the ranching and farming way of life, its history is definitely fun to celebrate. At no time is this more apparent than during the Flatlanders Day Parade.
Taking place this year on May 12, the parade is fun for young and old alike as a wide array of floats and other entries make their way past the enthusiastic audience.
To learn more, contact the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce at 559 645-4001 |
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AMGEN tour of California returns to California's Gateway to Yosemite
 | | Photo by Nancy Robbins: The worlds top bicyclists will be coming through eastern Madera County on May 16, part of the AMGEN Tour of California. |
The AMGEN Tour of California is once again coming through part of Madera County, returning Wednesday, May 16.
Some of the world's biggest cycling teams take part in this grueling eight-day race through some of the most scenic parts of the state, including Ahwahnee, Oakhurst, North Fork and O'Neals.
To celebrate, businesses along the route will be outdoors cheering on the cyclists as the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau encourages everyone to "Take the afternoon off" to see the race.
There will be sidewalk sales, barbecues, and Smokey Bear will be in front of the Sierra Star for kids to see.
Purchase your commemorative AMGEN Cowbell for only $5 from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. Email Rhonda to get yours today. |
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Coarsegold Rodeo Celebrates
60th Anniversary
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Photo by Nancy Robbins: The 60th Coarsegold Rodeo takes place May 4 - 6. |
Since 1952 the Coarsegold Rodeo has been entertaining families with the thrills and spills of Pro Rodeo action as the historic event marks its 60th anniversary.
The rodeo runs for 3 days, kicking off on Friday, May 4 with Heritage Days. Local school children join in the fun by making crafts and watching various riding demonstrations.
In the afternoon, the Rodeo Royalty hopefuls will ride and conduct interviews with the judges starting at 6 pm.
Rodeo action kicks into high gear on Saturday, May 5 and carries through on Sunday at the Bohna Arena on Road 415 in Coarsegold.
Gates open at 10 am, and guests are encouraged to come early to choose a great seat. A full day of family fun can be had for a small cost; children under 12 are only $5 and adults are only $10 per person. Little cowboys and cowgirls can try their hand at a mechanical bull and enjoy various inflatables. They will also be able to cheer on fearless bronc and bull riders, talented calf ropers, brave steer wrestlers, skilled team ropers and speedy cowgirl barrel racers. For more information, go to www.CoarsegoldRodeo.com
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Bass Lake Classic Triathlon returns June 2
The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon is back this year, and it promises to be even bigger and more fun than last year's event.
Bass Lake was home to the first-ever national championships for the sport of triathlon back in 1983 and again in 1984. The lake continued to host prestigious races until the mid '90's, when the prior race organizer retired. The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau brought the race back in 2011 to high praise.
This year's event will take place on June 2. The race starts at 7 am. In addition to both spring and olympic distance triathlon for individuals and relay teams, there is a 5K that will raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst.
There is still plenty of time to enter. You can register online at www.BassLakeTri.com.
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Second Annual South Shore Car
and Boat Show at Miller's Landing
 Combine the beauty of Bass Lake with the artistry and power of classic cars, tricked- out hot rods and customized boats, and you have a recipe for an awesome event.
Miller's Landing Resort on Bass Lake brings back their South Shore Car and Boat show Sunday, June 3 from 9 am to 2 pm after the inaugural event last year was a huge success.
In addition to the classic cars and boats, there will be live music and more. Admission is free.
Spectators will be able to vote for their favorite entries, and awards will be given at 2 pm.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Jarrod 4 Mayor campaign, which is raising money for the Children's Museum of the Sierra.
To register or for more information, call Michelle at 559-642-3633. |
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 | | Madera County Cows are outstanding in their fields. Pun absolutely intended. |
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Fun events and travel incentives
Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic package Enjoy the beauty and natural splendors of Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay at the award-winning Apple Blossom Inn. Ask for the picnic package to enjoy Yosemite National Park, luxurious accommodations and a delicious picnic lunch for a great price. ApCal to host world record attempt Fresno State seniors will vie to break the Guinness Book World Record for the "Most Bottles of Wine Simultaneously Uncorked". The students are raising awareness about the quality of wines and the importance of the wine industry in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The event is free to the public and anyone can attend (21 yrs & older). A special $10 package includes a bottle of Fresno State wine for "uncorking", a corkscrew, a free wine-tasting certificate from ApCal and the concert. Start Wine Trail Weekend at Birdstone Winery Begin your Madera Wine Trail Weekend at Birdstone Winery and meet winemakers Tony Kirk and Matt Neyman. On Saturday, nosh on Chef Mike Mazzoni's Italian Sausage Sandwiches with sauteed onions and peppers in a port wine sauce, and we're Celebrating Mom on Sunday with Mother's Day Brunch from 10am to 2pm! Great food, live music, award-winning wines, and warm, friendly people make Birdstone Winery a necessary stop on your wine-trail adventure. Sunday Brunches at the Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park Enjoy a good, old fashioned beach party at the pool at Yosemite Lakes Park on Saturday, May 26. Enjoy grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, live music and later a special showing of a classic beach movie. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Museum of the Sierra via the Jarrod 4 Honorary Mayor campaign.
Spring Clean up for the Boys and Girls Club
Help the youth of our community help the planet at the Spring Cleaning Event on May 19 and 20 in the Sierra Star Parking Lot. There will be a bake sale and hotdog stand, as well as a rummage sale and a chance for you to drop off your recycling, all while benefiting both the earth and the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst. Call Mike at 559-760-3787 for more information.
Bass Lake Vacation Rentals compliments of Century 21 Ditton Realty  Take advantage of our Spring Specials in the month of May, we even have specials for Memorial Day Weekend! We offer cozy mountain cabins, luxury lakefronts and everything in between. Call us at 866-914-3888 or visit www.BassLakeVacations.com.
Children's Museum hosts bevy of events
A series of events at the Children's Museum of the Sierra will help kids  learn all sorts of exciting things. On Saturday, May 12, kids can learn about the Pacific Fisher Weasel, a rare animal found right here in the Sierra, at the Weasel Party from 2-2:30. On May 19 is the Science Behind Edible Plants, where kids can learn about the plant life growing in their very own yards that have been used by people throughout history as staple food sources.
Chowchilla Chamber announces 32nd Annual Golf Tournament  The Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce is giving golfers the chance to golf at the world-class Pheasant Run Golf Course while also benefiting the Chamber at their 32nd annual tournament on May 11. The $75-per-player fee includes 18 holes of first-class golf, cart, range balls and dinner. Call the Chamber at 559-665-5603 for more information. Discover Yosemite announces online booking  Take an exciting tour of Yosemite National Park aboard one of the comfortable, state of the art buses from Discovery Yosemite, and now you can book your tour right online. Learn more at www.DiscoverYosemite.com. Mother's Day Buffet at Ducey's Show Mom how much you care with a delicious buffet at Ducey's on the Lake, located in The Pines Resort on Bass Lake, starting at 9 am and running until 3 pm on Mother's Day. Enjoy a delicious carving station featuring Prime Rib of Beef or Smoked Salmon. Adults are $32.95, seniors $26.95 and kids are $16.95. Reservations are required, so call ahead at 559-642-3131.
Lakeside Laffs at Ducey's Bar and Grill 
Ducey's Bar and Grill is hosting comedy showcase on April 28 starting at 8pm. Comedians performing include Terry Michaels as seen on Comedy Time, Christian Tayar seen on the Adam Carolla Show and more. A $10 cover charge lets you in for a night full of laughs. Call 559-642-3131 for more information.
Forks Resort Debuts 2012 Menu You know summer is almost here when you head over to Bass Lake and the smell of a delicious, world famous Forks Burger comes wafting your way. Of course The Forks Burger is back, but the staff over at the popular resort has a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items that can only be described as awesome. Check out the menu so you can plan your eating adventure!
Hampton Inn in Madera helps you spoil mom for Mother's Day  Treat your favorite lady to a fabulous "Mother's Day". Start off with an in-room Jacuzzi suite with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and a bottle of wine. Plus, a $40 gift card to Sal's Mexican Restaurant is included. At Sal's you can choose from a special menu and listen to live music, with a flower for the special lady. All this for only $169 a night. Offer valid May 6 through May 31. Holiday Inn Express Gateway to Yosemite offers Yosemite Package In the package offered by Holiday Inn Express you will receive a map to Yosemite National Park and a guide of Yosemite Valley to plan your trip ahead of time. We will give you a $10 GAS CARD and also a $5-off Coupon to Farnesi's Steakhouse for you to enjoy. Also, you will receive 2 chilled SMART WATERS to help you keep cool on your trip up to the mountains. The Pines Resort announces Mother's Day Special 
Enjoy these great rates at The Pines Resort on Bass Lake.
Sunday May 13th, 2012
Any Chalet normally $149 Mother's Day it's only $99
Any Suite normally $199 Mother's Day it's only $149 with breakfast
For room reservations call 1-800-350-7463
Paradise Springs offers "Memories Package"
 Stay at one of the amazing cabins at Paradise Springs in May or June for two nights for only $4875 for the weekend or stay midweek and save even more at only $4125. Each cabin can sleep anywhere from 4 to 20, making it as low as $58 per person, the perfect way to bring the family together.
Quady Winery offers spring samplings
Quady Winery will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 8th). Visit us Saturday, April 7 from 12-4:30 pm to pick up some great wines for Easter. Whether you have a picnic, BBQ or a formal dinner on Easter, you will be able to find the perfect wine at Quady. From HWY 41 or 99 exit Ave 12 and head west. Turn north on Road 24 and look for the Quady sign on the right; 13181 Road 24 in Madera.
Redwoods in Yosemite makes Mother's Day easy
Stay May 1-24, 2012 and receive 10% off your stay for *each Mom in your cabin plus a welcome flower for every Mom! * Maximum 3 Moms discounted per cabin. Offer is not valid on existing reservations or with any other discount. Offer expires May 24, 2012. Offer is based on availability. Call 855-293-1413.
Tenaya Lodge offers incentive to book your summer stay early This summer get outside, be with the ones you love and experience a world of High Sierra adventure with everything from archery and fly fishing to rock climbing and mountain biking. And of course, when it's time to simply rest and relax, that's what Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite does best. Book your summer getaway within the next 7 days and we'll guarantee the season's best rates. If they happen to fall any further, we'll match them. So hurry and join us for the season of life, warmth and unparalleled beauty. In addition to a great rate, you can save 20% on spa treatments at Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge. Just book your spa appointment in advance at 866-550-0830 and mention promotional code SPA20Yosemite Skyway gives you two ways to save You can stay in a beautiful vacation rental home in Oakhurst, and now chose your way to save! You can choose from either a $15.00 discount per day for a three-day booking or stay for 7 days, and pay for only 5. |
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Sincerely,
Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau |
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