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| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
July, 2013
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Schools are out, summer has officially arrived, and the nation prepares to celebrate its Independence Day - that means July is here. In addition to some great fireworks displays, July has a a wide range of other great events. Read on for some fun things to do in California's Gateway to Yosemite as well as some great discounts and other travel incentives. Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Have a blast on the 4th
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Bass Lake Fireworks - Donn Hoyer
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As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the communities of Madera County are hosting some fun July 4th events.
Bass Lake once again holds their famous fireworks display over the water, a truly memorable experience as the sky is lit up by the pyrotechnics and the water below reflects the dazzling colors. If you don't have a boat to get out on the water, visit our Bass Lake page to find boat rentals to get you out for the show.
Chowchilla celebrates July 4 with a fireworks show, as well. Their display takes place at Berenda Reservoir. In addition to the show, there are family-friendly activities, including a BBQ starting at 2:30 pm; and the Chowchilla Lions Club will light the Fireworks Spectacular at dusk. The lake will also be open for boating and swimming. Call 559-479-2862.
Madera makes a whole day out of July 4, with an array of events taking place out at the Madera Municipal Golf Course.
The day starts with a shotgun-style golf tournament from 8 am to 1 pm. The evening festivities begin at 5 pm and include family games, performances by local youth dance groups, music
and food. The fireworks begin near dusk and run for about 30 minutes. Call 559-661-5495 for more information.
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Madera Wine Trail Celebrates Red, White and Cool wines
Take to the Madera Wine Trail on July 6 for a chance to celebrate some of the award- winning wines for which the trail is known.
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Tenaya wins award
The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has received a prestigious Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings for defining meeting excellence.
For over 28 years, the Pinnacle Award has earned a reputation as the most credible and prestigious symbol of excellence among meeting professionals and travel suppliers alike. The 2013 Pinnacle Awards celebrate hospitality excellence by identifying the convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, and conference centers that set the standard for others to follow. Each winning organization has done an outstanding job servicing their meetings, incentive travel programs, trade shows and conventions during the previous year.
Making the Pinnacle Awards even more significant is that winners are selected by the readers of Successful Meetings - decision makers for planning meetings, events, conferences, and incentive programs. Honorees are determined through online ballots as well as feedback from voters on their personal experiences worldwide for the top hotels, conference centers and CVBs.
As a 2013 Pinnacle Award winner, Tenaya Lodge will be listed in Successful Meetings' annual Pinnacle Registry, published in August, and online at www.successfulmeetings.com/pinnacle.
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KOA hosting "Glampout"
The Yosemite South  Coarsegold KOA campground is holding a fun "glampout" event July 24 - 28. "Glamping" combines the fun of a good old-fashioned camp out with the modern conveniences so many of us have come to rely upon, adding glamour to the camping experience. There will be potlucks, ice cream socials, pancake breakfasts. Even a mobile medical spa will be on site, helping to "glam" out your camping experience. If you book for all four days you will receive a 10% discount. To learn more, visit www.http://koa.com/campgrounds/yosemite-south/ or call 559-683-7855. |
Mobile App now available
Download the Yosemite Sierra Visitors  Bureau mobile app today for the latest information on deals, events, and find out what's happening near you. All the best information from California's Gateway to Yosemite will be at your fingertips no matter where you are. Best part, it's free. Search Visit Yosemite National Park by MobiManage on the Apple App Store or Google Play. |
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Logger's Jamboree
 | | A logger tries his hand in the hot saw competition during the annual North Fork Loggers Jamboree |
Every July, the town of North Fork celebrates its logging heritage at the annual Logger's Jamboree. This year's festival starts July 6 and once again features numerous competitions, including axe throwing, hot saws, log rolling and more.
There is also a concert Saturday night. Wheelhouse will perform live for the Woodchoppers' Ball starting at 8:30 pm.
The event takes place at the North Fork Recreation Center, a beautiful venue with towering trees, a fun pond and ample seating for those looking to take in the logging action. The center is located at 33507 Recreation Road 230.
To learn more, visit the North Fork Boosters website here.
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Free concerts throughout the region
If you're a fan of
 | | Free concerts are taking place all summer long throughout California's Gateway to Yosemite |
live music, then you will enjoy a series of events taking place throughout the region.
Chowchilla hosts a free concert sponsored by the Madera County Arts Council on July 7. The AUSA Sounds of Freedom Military Concert Band performs starting at 7 pm at Veteran's Memorial Park located at 6th Street and Robertson Boulevard. There will be picnic food served by Fairmead Community and Friends beginning at 5 pm. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Call
559-665-5603 for more information.
Coarsegold's Yosemite Lakes Park has resumed their weekly free concert series known as Friday Night at the Lake. There will be live music from popular regional bands every Friday night at Blue Heron Lake starting at 7 pm. There will also be BBQ served fresh off the grill from The Blue Heron Restaurant, kids' activities and more. Call 558-658-7466 for a full schedule of acts and other information.
The Madera County Arts Council has resumed their popular Concerts in the Park series. On July 14 The Remnants, a popular Central Valley, band will perform their music perfect for dancing for all ages.
On July 28, the MCAC has planned a special performance of talented accordionists in honor Madera's music man, Jerry Venturi , who helped Nancy Clute start the concerts in the park. Thanks to Chuck DeFina, Brad Clark, Andrea Venturi and the Central Valley Accordion Club for organizing the entertainment. Expected performers include Christine Mariani, Rick DeCarlo, Rick Logluso, and many other musicians who will celebrate Jerry's memory in music. The concerts take place at Lion's Town and Country park.
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Brunch with the artists
 Gallery Yosemite hosts a special "Brunch with the Artists" on Sunday, July 14 at 11 am at Sweetwater Steakhouse. Mark Heliger of Gallery Yosemite said "We are inspired by the same sense of wonder that John Muir experienced when he saw the Yosemite, and we are working to create the 'next generation' of fine art that is part of the historical lineage of the first Yosemite masters such as Thomas Hill, William Keith, Carlton Watkins and Ansel Adams. Many of us have moved to this area just to be close to Yosemite. We have studied the history of Yosemite even as we have trekked there to experience its many facets during each season. So we will be talking about the many times of peace and joy we have seen and experienced when we have been there. We will try to be open to questions about our art and maybe some tips as to how we have solved logistical challenges in being in the park." The brunch costs $12 and includes tax and tip. The menu features items like Eggs Benedict, French Toast and other favorites. To learn more, visit www.GalleryYosemite.com. |
Become a Jr. Ranger on the Majestic Mountain Loop
The Majestic Mountain Loop Features  three of California's Most popular parks in three days: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. There are numerous attractions in each, from the iconic to the lesser known. One fun activity in Yosemite is for kids, the Junior Ranger program. These family-friendly activities encourage kids to learn about Yosemite and also become good stewards of the park, all while earning their Junior Ranger Badge. The Junior Ranger program is for kids ages 3 and up. Junior Ranger handbooks are available at any Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. |
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July's deals and discounts
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.
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 12 - 5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Stop by and see the amazing deals we have on homes for RENT or SALE!
Buffet special at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino 
Plan your Stay & Play weekend at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino now!
Just $99 and package includes $40 in eCash.
Sunday-Thursday only.
Call 1-866-7-WIN-WIN today and mention offer code '99 Play'!
Fridays at Fresno Flats 
Oakhurst Sierra Kiwanis and Fresno Flats have joined in presenting the monthly dinners and programs on the second Friday of each month. The program for July is "The History of Ladies' Underwear". Dinner and Dessert served before the program. $10.00. Public invited. Space is limited. Call 559-683-6570 for more information.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport adds more flights 
Fresno Yosemite International Airport, already the most convenient airport to use to fly to Yosemite with numerous non-stop flights, has added another daily flight to Hawaii. Visit or get away from it all, with help from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Holiday Inn Express Madera offers savings 
Only 45 miles to the South Gate of Yosemite National Park stay with us and receive July 4th 20% discount off any room you choose. Enjoy the complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, wireless high speed internet and parking, 37-inch flat screen HD TV. Just mention this Ad to receive a discount but you must call hotel direct (559) 661-7400.
Sunset Specials at The Narrow Gauge Inn 
Come up to the Narrow Gauge Inn Restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy our beautiful mountain views while you dine on one of Chef Gustavo's succulent creations or visit our Buffalo Bar for one of our signature cocktails served in an atmosphere of historic charm. Our restaurant and bar are open
nightly from 5pm-9pm. Come early and enjoy our Mountain View Sunset Specials served nightly from 5-6:30pm.
Celebrate July 4 at The Pines Resort
Celebrate Independence Day at The Pines Resort and Ducey's on the Lake. Join us for our festive BBQ Buffet on the deck with spectacular lake views of Bass Lake and the best spot to watch the fireworks show at dusk. The gate opens at 5:30pm and dinner starts at 6:30pm. Live music provided by the Marie Wilson Band.
Reservations are required: (559) 692-8857.
Adult $59.95; Senior $49.95; Children (4-12) $34.99; under 4 years old FREE.
$3 from each ticket will be donated to Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce towards the fireworks show.
Tour Yosemite for only $99 with Tour de Yosemite 
Tour de Yosemite is offering amazing trips in to the park with guided tours. Plus, they pick you up right at your hotel and drop you back off at the end of the day. Enjoy all the scenic grandeur of Yosemite National Park without having to drive yourself. Tour packages start at just $99.
Manager's Independence Day Special at The Redwoods 
15% Discount off your stay at The Redwoods in Yosemite!
Book your vacation home now to receive this special discount.
*Not valid on existing reservations, during holiday periods, or with any other discount. Don't delay, availability is limited! Book date must be June 26 through July 5, 2013 for stays up to 12 months in advance to receive this discount. Moonlight Specials resume at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad  The popular Moonlight Specials have started back up at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner in the depot yard at Sugar Pine, then hop aboard the century-old Shay Locomotive for a ride beneath the stars. Stop at the midway point and enjoy songs around a roaring campfire before loading up for a return trip. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
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