Mother's Day events and more in California's Gateway to Yosemite

Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter	May, 2013

Happy Mother's Day from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau!

While we know we can never come close to doing enough to show Mom how much we appreciate everything she's done, a trip to California's Gateway to Yosemite might get that ball rolling.

Read on for some great events and other travel incentives to show Mom just how much you care.

Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

Meet the Winemaker Weekend on the Madera Wine Trail

The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries are proud to present the Madera Wine Trail's "Meet the Winemaker Weekend" on May 11 and 12 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For this special event, with your ticket you will receive a passport wine glass good for wine tasting all weekend at all wineries. Sample 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, offer tours and more. On this special weekend, guests will also enjoy live music, local art and delicious food will be available.

Tickets are $25 in advance online or at participating locations below. Tickets are $30 the weekend of the event at the winery.

Fossil Discovery Center Dinner on June 22

Short Faced Bear at Fossil Discovery Center

The Fossil Discovery Center will

host their annual fundraising dinner, the Mammoth BBQ, on June 22.

Guests will be able to enjoy drinks around the "watering hole" at the museum, as well as a silent auction inside the museum, delicious food and a mock dig for those brave enough to enter the sand.

The Fossil Discovery Center showcases the remains of Colombian Mammoths, Saber Toothed Cats, Dire Wolves and many more, all of which were found adjacent to the museum site. The area is the largest Pleistocene Era fossil bed in the western United States.

Learn more about the Fossil Discovery Center at www.MaderaMammoths.org. See their flyer here.

New sculpture towers over Gallery Row

Chris Sorenson sculpture outside Oakhurst's Gallery Row

A new piece of artwork is on display at the popular Gallery Row in Oakhurst, but it's not in any of the galleries. Instead, the massive sculpture stands outside the complex, making quite the impression on motorists driving by.

The 20-foot-tall metal sculpture designed by Chris Sorenson, known as Fresno's "Man of Steel," isn't just a static piece of art. The massive metal design rotates in the wind like a weather vane, making the artwork that much more attention-grabbing.

The sculpture features a yellow crescent moon that revolves while suspended from a red curved arm that also rotates atop a blue base.

Funding for the piece came from local donations as well as a Kickstarter fundraising effort, raising more than $7500 toward the construction and installation of the piece.

This was the first public art project from the not-for-profit Sierra Art Trails organization, which is known for hosting the annual Sierra Arts Trails Open Studio tour each October. The organization promotes local artists and cultural tourism in the region, and also supports the arts with educational opportunities for aspiring young artists.

For more information, visit www.SierraArtTrails.org or visit Kickstarter.com and search Sierra Art Trails.

Local business receives honor

Sue Graham, owner of Oakhurst Giftworks, has kept her business going for 30 years by showcasing local talent and products.

Oakhurst Giftworks, along with Oakhurst Frameworks, was recently honored by the Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club as the Business of the Year.

Sue Graham, owner of the popular gift store, has seen her shop grow over the years, while still focusing on local businesses. Oakhurst Giftworks uses five antiques dealers, numerous gourmet food companies, artists and artisans and more, all of them local. It's that local touch that many believe makes the store such a popular stop for residents and visitors alike.

Other aspects that keep the store in high demand are the ample scrapbooking supplies, home decor items Yosemite souvenirs and books and the second generation "Kiddie Corral" that gives children something fun to do while parents browse the selection.

Learn more about the store at http://www.frameworks-giftworks.com/.

Bass Lake hosts annual boat show

The 23rd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held at Bass Lake on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club and Bass Lake Boat Rentals, 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 for the Southern and Northern California Chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society of America. It 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee to see the boats is $5.00 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.

Bass Lake is Full of It

The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce has

Click the image to see the Bass Lake Chamber's new TV commercial.

embarked on a massive marketing campaign to let everyone know that "Bass Lake is Full of It".

"It" in this case, is fish, water and family fun.

For the past four summers, lake levels had been lower than normal due to a construction project at the lake's dam. The work is now complete, which means more water, more fish and more fun at Bass Lake.

There are literally tens of thousands of pounds of fish being released in to Bass Lake, and numerous special events are planned throughout the spring and summer, including the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby to kick things off May 4 and 5.

Visit the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce's website to see a full list of events, to ensure you get your share of fish, water and family fun at Bass Lake this season.

61st Annual Coarsegold Rodeo

The annual Coarsegold Rodeo is taking place May 4 and 5.

The rodeo will be held once again at Bohna Arena on Road 415 in Coarsegold, a venue known as much for its beautiful views of the surrounding foothills as it is for the top-quality athletes that compete here.

Action starts on Saturday, May 4 with the Exceptional Kids Rodeo at 10 am followed by a Grand Entry Procession led by Pam Marshall. The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association starts competing at 1 pm.

The activities continue at 8 pm with the "Dance Under the Stars" with music from local DJ Terry Narcon providing Country and Southern Rock hits to set the stage right.

The rodeo resumes on Sunday at 9 am with Cowboy Church. Grand Entry starts at noon. The 2013 Rodeo Queen will be crowned by 2012 title-holder Alexia Arietta, followed by more intense rodeo action.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. There will be ample food and drinks sold by the local 4H club as well as other activities and attractions.

For more information, visit www.TheCoarsegoldRodeo.com.

Tickets on sale for annual Music in the Meadow

Coarsegold Historic Museum - Photo by Nancy Robbins

The 2013 Music and Art in the Meadow will be held Saturday, June 1, at the Coarsegold Historical Museum.

This year's event will feature "all music, all the time" with two bands playing throughout the afternoon. Featured performers are the returning "String Bandits" who play lively bluegrass music, and the "Morgan Canyon Band" who perform "mellow rock" from the 50's, 60's, and '70's. Also featured will be local artists displaying their works.

This fundraising event will run from 1:00 to 5:00. Admission is only $10. Food and beverage (including beer and wine) will be available for your enjoyment (not included in ticket price). In addition, there will be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Docents will be available for museum tours. Bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a lovely afternoon bathed in fun music and surrounded by history.

Go to http://coarsegoldhistoricalsociety.com for more information.

Restaurant undergoes makeover

Peter Young, new manager at The Jade Gazebo, shows off one of their popular dishes since changing to a more authentic menu.

Peter Yeung, new manager at The Jade Gazebo, shows off one of their popular dishes since changing to a more authentic menu.

The Jade Gazebo in Oakhurst has recently seen numerous changes, including a refreshed dining room and revamped menu.

Peter Yeung recently took over the operations of the restaurant and has put his years of experience to work, quickly winning over regular customers while gaining numerous new fans.

"Most of the old customers see the difference and appreciate our new way of cooking the food and what we've done to freshen up the restaurant. Additionally we're getting a lot of new customers who enjoy their experience as well," he said.

The expanded menu now also includes sushi, which they just started serving to rave reviews.

Yeung has over 30 years of restaurant experience. One of his first moves was to bring in chef Ping Chang who himself has been cooking professionally for 40 years. When combined with new sushi chef Ling Yang's 20 years, the trio bring nearly a century of restaurant experience to bear at the New Jade Gazebo.

To learn more, visit www.NewJadeGazebo.com.

It's Fair Time!

The 67th Annual Chowchilla-Madera County Fair is taking place May 16 - 19 at the fairgrounds in Chowchilla.

A huge lineup of fun activities is scheduled, including tractor pulls, live music, countless exhibits, a circus and much more.

Each day has special ways you can save on your admission, as well. Deals include Thursday where you can get free admission between 3-6 pm with a can of food. Friday is kids day where kids 12 and under are free until 6 pm.

For a full list of the exciting events and ways you can go to the fair for less, visit their website www.ChowchillaFair.com.
In case you can't wait that long, head out to the fairgrounds April 27 and May 10 for Slideways Presents: King of the Valley Pro Flat Track Racing.

There will be motorcycle and quad racing, a wheelie contest, a Hooligan race and much more. Learn more about this event here.

Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau launches mobile apps
Yosemite mobile App

The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau announced the release of a mobile app for both iPhone and Android phones to help guests plan their vacations. The new app allows travelers to have access to all the information available on their website, such as lodging, dining and activities in Yosemite National Park and surrounding southern gateway of Madera County, even if they are in an area with limited to no data service.The apps can be found by going to the Apple App Store or on Google Play by searching "Visit Yosemite National Park by MobiManage".

Mother's Day deals and discounts

Great ways to show Mom you care for less for (and after) Mother's Day

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.

Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn debuts new rooms

The Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn in Oakhurst just announced the opening of 12 new rooms at their hotel. To celebrate, stay in the new rooms starting at the low price of $104 a night for a single room. Double king rooms are $114.

Mother's Day Brunch at The Blue Heron

Show mom you care with a delicious brunch at The Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park. Choose from the well-stocked omelet station, breakfast station, or carving station featuring prime rib, ham and more. Adults are only $21.95 and kids 6-12 are $12.95. For a full menu, click here.

Bass Lake Vacation Rental special rates

Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals in Bass Lake offers homes ranging between cute-and-cozy to large-and-luxurious!

We will be hosting PONY RIDES and/or a PETTING ZOO Every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Stop by and see the amazing deals we have on homes for RENT or SALE!

Pair of options for Mom at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino Mom has her choice from two Mother's Day buffets at Chukchansi. At Vintage, enjoy special brunch entrees including a decadent buffet, served from 11 am to 2 pm. The regular dinner menu will be available from 4 to 8 pm. At the California Market Buffet, treat Mom to a breakfast served from 8 am to 2 pm, including "Lobster Florentine Omelets," "Berries and Cream French Toast" and "Mother's Continental Breakfast." Dinner selections are available, as well, from 2 pm until closing.

Comfort Inn offers 20% off for Mother's Day

The Comfort Inn in Oakhurst is offering a special 20% off to celebrate Mother's Day. Enjoy comfortable accommodations close to Yosemite National Park for an even more affordable rate. Call 559-683-8282 to make your reservations.

Crab Cakes celebrates Mom with delicious buffet

Crab Cakes Restaurant is hosting a special buffet for Mother's Day from 10 am to 3 pm.

Chef Brian's offerings include chef-carved roast sirloin of beef with chipotle demi-glaze, broiled salmon with elderberry sauce, eggs Benedict, a bountiful array of salads, entrées, sides and desserts from

Sweet Dreams Cakery. Adults are $28.95, Seniors $22.95 and Children 4-12 are $16.95. Reservations recommended at 641-7667

Ducey's Celebrates Mom

Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta presents a Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at Ducey's on the Lake on May 12, 2013, from 10 am until 3 pm. Buffet will include a bountiful array of salads, sides, entrées, desserts, breakfast selection and a carving station, featuring bone-in ham, roast turkey and prime rib of beef. For prices and a detailed menu, please visit our website at www.BassLake.com or call to make your reservation (559) 642-3131.

Mother's Day Tea at ECCO

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 10:00am -2:00pm

Three courses of teas and treats

$15 per person or reserve a table for 8 for the price

of 7. There will also be great items up for raffle. Reservations are required. Call 559-683-8162 or visit www.EccoYosemite.org.

New Frontiers at Fresno Yosemite International Airport

On Friday, May 17, 2013 Frontier Airlines will provide additional service to Denver, Colorado from Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Frontier enters the market as a low-cost alternative for non-stop service to Denver and beyond. Fly aboard a comfortable 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft with weekly service on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Go to FlyFrontier.com for details.

Moms celebrate all month long in Madera

The Hampton Inn & Suites, Madera,will have a complete month for Mom--an in-room Jacuzzi Suite with flowers and a bottle of wine or cider, for a great rate of $119.00. You must call in to get the Mothers day special. Dial 559-661-0910 and ask for the Mothers Day Special.

Hounds Tooth Inn offers special savings for special moms

The Hounds Tooth Inn, a 12-room bed-and-breakfast in Oakhurst, is offering 20% off for Mother's Day weekend to help you show Mom just how special she is with a relaxing, luxurious vacation. Visit www.HoundsToothInn.com to book.

Golden Chain Theatre presents The Secret Garden "The Secret Garden", a classic children's play adapted by Tim Kelly from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Directed by Patti Law Poggi is the timeless tale of

Mary Lennox, who is sent to live at her uncle's estate in England after her parents pass away in India. Her uncle's estate is gloomy and lonely, but Mary discovers a strange walled garden that seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it. Visit www.GoldenChainTheatre.org for more information.

Open house at King Vintage Museum and Teddy Bear Museum

Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum and the new Teddy Bear Museum in the Sierra, 40680 Highway 41, Oakhurst CA (next to the Day's Inn) is holding an open house on Mother's Day Weekend, May 10th, 11th & 12th from 10am until 4pm. Fri, Sat. and 1-4pm on Sun. Tours, Raffle, Games, lots of Teddy Bears to see and to purchase. Fashions from Victorian, Edwardian Era, Military from Civil War, WWI, WWII. Vintage fashions for sale.

Mother's Day Special at the Narrow Gauge Inn

Enjoy a nice room for two with freshly-made chocolate-covered strawberries on Sunday, May 12 for $145-$165.

*Must be reserved 48 hours prior to arrival. For dinner, all mothers receive a complimentary glass of champagne.

Choose from 3 specials offered, or order off the regular dinner menu. we also offer an array of delectable desserts. Dinner is served from 5-9pm, and reservations are highly recommended. Please call 559-683-6446.

Mother's Day Gift Card Special at The Pines Resort

The Pines Resort is offering a Mother's Day Gift Card Special, only between May 1st and May 14th. Call to purchase a gift card for the Pines Resort, Ducey's on the Lake and Bar & Grill and we will match 10% for FREE (up to $100)! Gift cards will never expire and can be used for lodging or dining. More details on our web site or by calling (559) 642-3121.

Photo Safari Yosemite takes advantage of ideal conditions

The month of May is the one of the best times to visit Yosemite Park. The Dogwoods are blooming and the summer crowds have not yet appeared. Water is flowing strong in the falls and it is a great month for Yosemite Photographers. Photo Safari Yosemite still has dates open May excursions. For those interested in going out on their own private and personalized Photo Safari, visit the web site www.photosafariyosemite.com and select the Planner Page. Or call (559) 760-6124.

Quady Winery hosts Winemaker Dinner at The Vineyard

Ever wonder what to pair with the unique wines made at Quady Winery? Come down to The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera for a delicious evening of food and wine. Chef Jason at The Vineyard came up with a delicate seafood sausage that goes beautifully with the vermouth. For this special Winemaker dinner The Vineyard Restaurant will be pouring: Whisper Dry Vermouth, Palomino Fino, Deviation, Red Electra Granita and Purple.

Quady Winemaker of 29 years, Michael Blaylock, will give a talk about the unique profiles of our wines with ideas for how best to enjoy them. To make reservations ($50/person), please call The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera at 559-674-0923.

Save $20 at Sierra Mountain Lodge

Stay at the scenic Sierra Mountain Lodge in Ahwahnee any time throughout the month of April and save $20 off the regular rate. Stay in May, and enjoy $10 in savings.

Mother's Day Special at the Tenaya Lodge

Booking a Mother's Day getaway to remember is easy thanks to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite and its One, Two, Free! Mother's Day Lodging Special.

Book both the Friday and Saturday nights of Mother's Day weekend at Tenaya Lodge, and get Sunday night free*. That extra night really helps - allowing everyone to sleep in, relax, explore more and stick around for Tenaya's Champagne Mother's Day Brunch featuring delectable cuisine, live entertainment and more. Use this special link to book your stay.

Live broadcast and discounts at Valley Pistachio

Matt Otstot from KSEE 24-Fresno will be broadcasting live from Valley Pistachio on May 6. The crew at country-store showcasing locally grown products will be celebrating all day long by offering 15% discounts on any purchases. Join the fun at Valley Pistachio.

Yosemite's Suite Retreat offers new cabin

Yosemite's Suite Retreat Vacation Rentals is now offering "The Gingerbread House" a unique A-framed Chalet in addition to the "The Little Bear Cottage" a one level studio. Both cottages are perfect for 2! Loaded with charm & character and located in a beautiful country setting yet within 1 minute to Oakhurst's town amenities. Call 559-683-4183 or email to book. Mention this ad and receive 10% off your booking.

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,

Julie W. Fullmer
Director of Sales
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau