Yosemite happenings in October and beyond

Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter	October, 2012

Autumn snowfall on Half Dome

It's hard to believe that summer 2012 is just a memory. Now we turn our attention to the beauty of fall in Yosemite, and California's Gateway to Yosemite: Madera County.

The temperatures are getting a bit crisper, the colors of the leaves are more vibrant, and the summer crowds in Yosemite get thinner.

Read on for some great fall events, deals, discounts, other travel incentives and more.

Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

In this issue

:: Oakhurst Fall Festival

:: New Exhibit at Fossil Discovery Center

:: Fall Music Revue at Golden Chain Theatre

:: Coarsegold Tarantula Festival

:: Madera Pomegranate Celebration

:: Sierra Art Trails

:: Free Entry to Yosemite

:: Bass Lake Fall Festival

It's Oakhurst Fall Festival

Photo by Nancy Robbins

The annual Oakhurst Fall Festival is set for October 13 and 14, and will be celebrating a pair of milestones by enhancing many of the offerings.

It's the 20th year for the Fall Festival, which merged with the Oakhurst Wine and Chocolate Festival several years ago. The event will continue to mark the community's celebration of its centennial.

Several mountain-area restaurants will be on hand offering samples of their signature creations. They will also sell larger portions should someone decide to make a lunch of something they just tried. Also on hand will be various booths showcasing decadent chocolate creations. Various regional vintners will offer samples of their wines, as well as cheese, nut and other vendors.

The Children's Museum of the Sierra will host an array of activities for kids, such as spin art, face painting, art projects and more. There will also be a pony ride.

To further add to the spectacle, there will be over 100 Corvettes on display Saturday, with another car show planned for Sunday.

The Oakhurst Fall Festival opens at 10 am both Saturday and Sunday, and runs until 4 pm at the Oakhurst Community Park.

New exhibit at Fossil Discovery Center

Fossil Discovery Center Yokuts Indian Village

A new exhibit at the Fossil Discovery Center nears completion that will showcase life in the valley many centuries ago.

Blake Bufford, director of the Fossil Discovery Center, has been constructing a Yokuts Indian home on the shores of the pond at the museum. Not only is the village fashioned of the same materials the people of the time would have used, but he's using the same methods as well.

The exhibit is the latest addition to the museum that features the fossilized remains of several species of animals from the Pleistocene era, all found adjacent to the museum. A 14-foot tall Colombian Mammoth skeleton greets visitors as they first enter the museum, and he is joined by skeletons of a saber-toothed cat, short-faced bear, dire wolf and other animals.

So far, more than 40,000 individual fossils have been found on-site from more than 40 different species.

The Fossil Discovery Center is located at 19450 Ave. 21 �. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, senior citizen 55 and older are $6, and students are $4 while children under $3 are free. Kids can take part in a mock fossil dig for an additional $4.

Golden Chain Theatre
debuts new show

The ever popular Golden Chain Theatre debuts their Fall Music Revue this month.

Show dates will run starting October 6 through October 21.

The show is titled "I Can't Believe That Didn't Win a Tony" directed by Jennifer Piccolotti. For more information, visit www.GoldenChainTheatre.org.

Coarsegold Tarantula Festival

This annual event isn't for the squeamish, but it still attracts thousands of people every year. Surely this year's event, October 27, will be no different.

The annual Coarsegold Tarantula Festival celebrates the eight-legged residents of the town that come out this time every year for mating season.

The festival includes baking contests, hairiest leg contests, costume contests and of course the ever-popular tarantula races.

Kids - who are often times braver than their parents - can hold a tarantula while they learn about this peaceful yet imposing and important part of the mountain ecosystem.

To learn more, go to www.CoarsegoldHistoricVillage.com.

2nd Annual Madera

Pomegranate Celebration

Last year's inaugural Pomegranate Celebration and Festival was a rousing success, and this year looks to be no different.

Put on by the Madera Tourism Alliance of the Madera Chamber of Commerce, the week-long celebration kicks off October 27 at Home Grown Cellars with their annual 5K Run.

Judging for the recipe contest takes place Tuesday, October 30 at The Vineyard Restaurant.

A golf tournament is being held on Friday, November 2 at the Madera Municipal Golf Course.

The Madera Parks Department hosts a softball tournament on November 3 and 4. Call 559-641-5495 to register or for more information.

The week is capped with the second annual Madera Pomegranate Festival taking place this year at the Madera Municipal Airport. In addition to numerous vendors, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids games, art, there'll be the wildly popular Pomegranate Grenade Launch.

To keep in touch, visit the Pomegranate Festival Facebook Page.

Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour

The Annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour is set for October 5 -7 as the popular event celebrates it's 10th Anniversary.

The show takes place in homes, studios, galleries, and businesses in more than a dozen communities in Eastern Madera and the surrounding area.

Sierra Art Trails gives enthusiasts the chance to see fine art and fine crafts in the making, and to purchase works directly from the people who create them. The show features artists and artisans working in a wide range of media including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, ceramics, glass, and more.

Admission is $18 for two. To learn more, visit www.SierraArtTrails.org.

Free entry to Yosemite

Enjoy the views of Glacier Point for free on Sept. 29

The National Park Service celebrates National Public Lands Day by offering free entry o national parks, including Yosemite, on September 29.

Here's your chance to enter the park for the first time this fall without having to pay the $20 entry fee. Enjoy the grandeur of the cliffs, the stately sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and the lush meadows of Yosemite Valley.

To learn more, go to http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Bass Lake Fall Festival and Craft Fair

Photo by Nancy Robbins

In case you needed another reason to visit beautiful Bass Lake, the annual Fall Festival and Craft Fair will give you just that.

Taking place October 26-30 at The Pines Village, the show features numerous craft vendors, artists, collectibles and food booths all in the scenic setting of Bass Lake.

Go to www.TheCraftFair.org to learn more, and to see other times through out the year the popular show takes place at Bass Lake.

Fun events and travel incentives

Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives

A Bed of Roses announces fall rates
A Bed of Roses is offering various discounts this fall season, as well as additional 10% for locals booking stays for relatives during the Holiday Season. Visit
www.abedofrosesyosemite.com for more information.

Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic package

Apple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and Breakfast

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.

Package deal at Ascent Spa at the Tenaya Lodge

Choose between two (2) sixty-minute treatments Complimentary (1) anti-aging embellishment, credit for lunch in Sierra Pool and Fitness Center Access Ascent Spa Signature Gift for only $250.

The Blue Heron Celebrates Oktoberfest

The Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park is pulling out all the stops for their annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Chef Christian Mueller showcases his German heritage with authentic German dishes as well as German beer and an Oompah band to complete the ambiance.

Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst Christmas Tree Auction

We would like to invite you to participate in the 11th Annual Christmas Tree Auction and Holiday Event hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, an organization whose goal is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential.

The work we do is vital to our community. Activities at the Club promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by encouraging a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, empowerment, and self-esteem. As a sponsor of the Christmas Tree & Online Auction event, you can help us achieve this goal.

Discounts on Bass Lake Vacation Rentals

Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals says "come enjoy the beauty that Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park has to offer during the fall season." Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals in Bass Lake offershomes ranging from cute & rustic to large & luxurious, as well as everything in between. Take advantage of our Fall Specials and rent a home for the weekend, or even a week.

Children's Museum to host Halloween Festival

The Children's Museum of the Sierra hosts a Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 27 from 10 - 5. There will be lessons on pumpkin carving by the Central Sierra Woodcarvers, Halloween decoration classes, and a BBQ from the Sierra Lions Club.

ECCO offers one-day retreat

Quiet Day at ECCO: One day non-denominational retreat. 8:30am - 3pm, $18 donation includes lunch. Speaker: Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield, Bishop in Residence, San Joaquin Diocese. Evergreen Conference Center, Hwy 41, � mile past Bass Lake turnoff. Sponsored by Daughters of the Holy Cross. Info and tickets: 642-3534.

Lion's Club annual haunted house

The Oakhurst Mountain Lions Club holds their 6th Annual Haunted House and Night of Horrors Ocober 26 and 27 from 7-10 pm. Lions' Camp Pacifica is located 45895 Hwy 49, Ahwahnee. Children 8 - 11 years with adult. Tickets $10. Proceeds benefit our mountain community. Tickets @ Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply. Info: call 683-4475.

Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau offers Made in USA souvenirs

No trip is complete without something to remember it by. The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau gift shop offers numerous items, from books on the area by local authors, to hats, tee-shirts and more. Even better, the YSVB is converting it's gift store to only carry items made in the USA. You can come away with a great gift, and know that gift helped keep someone here employed. Stop by our Visitor Center at 40637 Highway 41 in Oakhurst to see the great selection.

Yosemite Special at Hampton Inn in Madera

Enjoy a luxurious in-room Jacuzzi Suite at Hampton Inn & Suites, Madera, with a nice bottle of wine or cider at a great rate of $109.00 for the month of Sept. Just say "Yosemite Special" when calling.

Holiday Inn Express: Gateway to Yosemite offers Yosemite

Package

In the package offered by Holiday Inn Express you receive a map of Yosemite National Park and a guide to 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.

Madera Wine Trail Celebrates California Wine Month

Get into the holiday spirit as you taste the award-winning wines of the Madera Wine Trail! Your ticket is your passport to wine tasting all weekend long. Guests will enjoy live music, gift shopping and there will be delicious food available. With two new wineries on the Trail, this Wine Trail Weekend is sure to offer more wines and fun than ever before! Tickets are $25 and available in advance at www.maderawinetrail.com or at participating locations. Tickets available at the door for $35.

The Pines Resort celebrates milestone The Pines Resort on Bass Lake

In celebrating our second year anniversary of new ownership, and the newest member of our team, Chef Richard Rohrer, The Pines Resort is offering a special "Thank You" to our valued friends and neighbors. 15% off of your next dining experience- mention this ad and receive a free soft drink or free cup of coffee, limit two. Not valid with sunset menu. Excludes alcohol and gratuity.

We would like to invite you to take advantage on our 15% savings on lodging as well. Excluding holidays, not good with any other promotions or specials. Offer expires March 31st 2013.

Fall Special at The Redwoods in Yosemite

Stay 3 nights and get the 3rd night *FREE!

*Offer is not valid with any other discount or during holiday periods. Not valid on existing reservations. Offer expires 12-14-2012.

Reserve your stay today, by calling 888-906-7490 (we have a limited number of cabins still available)!

Sierra Art Trails Kickstarter Project

We have less than 14 days to go to meet our fundraising goal of $5000. Your support includes cool rewards, and recognition as a Sierra Art Trails sponsor! Visit the website to make your donation. This project means a great deal to us, and will celebrate our community as an Arts Destination! Jon Bock, www.sierraarttrails.org 559-658-8844

Open House at Sierra Mono Museum

The Sierra Mono Indian Museum in North Fork is holding an Open House October 19, from 5-7 pm. There will be snacks and refreshments provided. The public is welcome, bring your family and friends. Meet and greet New Board Members and Staff. Check out our new gift shop arrangements.

Final Moonlight Special at Yosemite Mountain

Sugar Pine Railroad

The final Moonlight Special of the season will be October 6 at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The Moonlight Special includes a delicious BBQ dinner cooked outside, a ride aboard an authentic steam locomotive throughout the Sierra National Forest and songs around a roaring campfire. Visit www.YosemiteSteamTrains.com for more information.

Blast from the Past at Yosemite South KOA

Yosemite South KOA is excited to be inviting vintage trailers from everywhere to come and be a part of our Blast To The Past 50's party in the Park.

All vintage trailers and cars that stay with us in Nov. will receive 25% off their stay.

Community Dance and Theater will be performing for us On Sat. As well as emcee our dance on Saturday night. Pot luck Friday night and Saturday night and a vintage yard sale that the trailer folks will be putting on. Ice Cream Social Friday night and Saturday night. All RV'ers are welcomed. Call office for Reservations. 559-683-7855

Deadline approaching for YSVB Visitors Guide ads Yosemite Visitors Guide

Deadline is fast approaching for the 2013 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide, the official magazine promoting Madera County. We distribute over 100,000 magazines including CD's and website views internationally. Call the Sierra Star to reserve your spot. The last day is October 1, 2012.

Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/where-to-stay, browse our properties and book your stay right there on the site!

You can also book your room on our Facebook page now as well.

Sincerely,

Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau