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| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
September, 2013
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It's hard to believe that September is here. Kids are back in school, and fall is just around the corner.
That doesn't mean the fun has to end, however. The sheer number of events are proof that the fun keeps on going.
Read on for a whole host of things to do as well as our great discounts and travel incentives.
Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Much of Yosemite unaffected by Rim Fire
 | | Smoke from the Rim Fire is visible off in the distance from Glacier Point over the weekend. While areas adjacent to the fire are seeing smoke, much of Yosemite, including Yosemite Valley, is smoke free and unaffected by the Rim Fire. Photo courtesy Pat Althizer |
As firefighters battle the Rim Fire at the northwestern edge of Yosemite National Park, the rest of the park remains virtually unaffected by the blaze.
Most Yosemite travelers can still visit the park and never even known about the drama playing out on the other side.
The majority of fire activity happening is near Lake Eleanor and the Hetch Hetchy area.
The most popular part of the park, Yosemite Valley, remains virtually smoke free as does Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Wawona, the Mariposa Grove and Giant Sequoia and other areas.
Travelers have numerous resources to help them plan their trip or answer any questions they may have regarding the Rim Fire or Yosemite travel in general.
Guests can call the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau at 559-683-4636 and speak to a live person who can assist them. Updated road conditions can be found by calling 209-372-0200 and then pressing 1 and 1 again. The Yosemite Conservancy Webcams are available at www.YosemiteConservancy.com/webcams. To read more, visit our blog.
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Oakhurst to Kick Off Yosemite Anniversary Commemorations
 | | The Yosemite Mountain Patrol will be in the Oakhurst Mountain Heritage Days Parade |
Yosemite National Park is honoring some big milestones in the coming years, the first is the signing of the Yosemite Grant by Abraham Lincoln, amid the Civil War, on June 30, 1864 - 150 years ago.
Events commemorating the anniversaries will be held throughout all the gateway communities, and Oakhurst holds the first with the Mountain Heritage Days Festival.
Mountain Heritage Days takes place September 20 and 21 and includes numerous activities and events, including the popular Heritage Days Parade which features riders from Yosemite's Mountain Patrol unit.
Much of the activity takes place at Fresno Flats Historic Park in Oakhurst. Click here for a full schedule of events. For more on the anniversaries, visit here.
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Cooking school at Erna's Elderberry House
If you have ever dreamed of learning  professional cooking skills from a world-class chef, then Erna's Elderberry House has your opportunity.
Taught by Chef Jonathon Perkins, the half-day classes include 4 hours of instruction, lunch with wine and a book of recipes from the Elderberry House kitchen.
Tuition for the course is $295 per student all-inclusive. To learn more, visit the class website.
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Youth Triathlon at Bass Lake
Already the site for the popular Bass Lake Classic Triathlon every June, Bass Lake plays host to a second multi-sport event, this one targeting youth.
The inaugural My Tri Mountain Area Youth Triathlon will take place on Sept. 7 at Miller's Landing on Bass Lake's south shore.
The triathlon is open to all kids ages 5 - 17. Entry costs $25 for all entries received prior to August 26, and $20 for additional siblings. After the early-bird deadline, rates go up to $30 for the first entry and $25 per each additional sibling.
There will be other kids' activities on hand. Go to www.mytribasslake.com to register.
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The Pines Resort celebrates 3rd Anniversary, helps Children's Hospital
 | | Click for a larger image of menu |
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is celebrating the third anniversary of their new ownership throughout September and they're inviting guests to take part.
Deals will include special lodging rates, dining promotions, guest raffles and much more.
There will be bigger specials for guests also celebrating a milestone that includes the number 3.
One event already planned is the La Sierra Guild takeover of Ducey's on the Lake benefiting the Children's Hospital of Central California on Sept. 22.
The evening features a three-course dinner with choice of entree's including pan-roasted salmon with orange glaze breast of chicken in a marsala wine sauce or filet mignon in a port wine reduction.
The dinner is $25 per person with all proceeds going to the Children's Hospital. For more deals occurring throughout the month, keep an eye on their website to find out how you can take advantage of the celebraton.
The details will be coming all month long, so be sure to check out BassLake.com to find out how you can take advantage.
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Mobile App now available
Download the Yosemite Sierra Visitors  Bureau mobile app today for the latest information on deals, events, and what's happening near you. All the best information from California's Gateway to Yosemite is 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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Celebrate California Wine Month on the Madera Wine Trail
 | | Birdstone Winery is hosting a California Wine Month Reception and Wine Tasting |
The Madera Wine Trail will host "California Wine Month Reception & Wine Tasting" at Birdstone Winery in Madera, on September 26 in honor of California Wine Month.
Guests are invited to enjoy wine tasting from over 15 local wineries, samples provided by fine local restaurants and food producers and live music.
Wine lovers can also participate in the MVA's People's Choice Award by voting for their favorite wine of the night. Tickets can be purchased at www.MaderaWineTrail.com
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Car Shows in California's Gateway to Yosemite
If you're a lover of classic cars, then  September is the month for you as two annual shows known for great displays are taking place.
The first is in Oakhurst as the annual Run for the Gold Classic Car Show takes place September 6 and 7 at the Oakhurst Community Center. The event is put on by the Oakhurst Kiwanis Club and features a great selection of cars as well as raffles, music food and more.
The second takes place in Chowchilla on September 21. The annual Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce classic car show takes place at Veteran's Park and it too will feature a great selection of classic cars plus music and more fun. Call the Chamber at 559-665-5603 to learn more.
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Prepare for the Peddler's Fair
Coarsegold once again be hosts popular Peddlers' Fair in the Coarsegold Historic Village.
The show takes place each year during the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. This year's dates are August 30 through September 2.
In addition to music and food, the fair boasts a tremendous selection of collectibles, art, antiques, toys and other great finds.
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Sierra Art Trails gearing up for 2013 Show
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The 2013 Sierra Art Trails Catalog is available Aug 1.
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The artists along the Sierra Art Trails are gearing up for another big show.
Your catalog is your "Ticket for Two" for all Sierra Art Trails venues.
Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour 2013 takes place Friday through Sunday, October 4- 6 from 10 am to 6 pm.
To learn more about some of the artists along the trail, visit the Sierra Art Trails Youtube Channel. To order, send $18.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to: Sierra Art Trails, PO Box 3045, Oakhurst, CA 93644.
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Don't feel like reading? Watch the newsletter
Do you want to find out about all the fun events happening here in California's Gateway to Yosemite but just don't feel like reading? You don't have to. Now you can watch the updates on our YouTube Channel! Just head on over to YouTube, search Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and you'll be whisked away to our channel filled with great videos showing the latest happenings as well as other fun and beautiful imagery.
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Fall In Love with the Majestic Mountain Loop
Now that  September is here, it's the perfect time to fall in love with the Majestic Mountain Loop. The Majestic Mountain Loop is a three-day itinerary that takes you along the best highlights of three of the country's most popular national parks: Sequoia, King's Canyon and Yosemite. Visit the Majestic Mountain Loop website to start planning your trip, and don't forget your National Park Passport so you can show everyone you Rocked the Loop. |
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August'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.
Bull Riding and Horse Show at Chowchilla Fairgrounds 
Enjoy some good rodeo action with a bull riding and horse show. The action takes place September 22 starting at 3 pm at the Chowchilla Fairgrounds. Call 559-474-0008 for more information.
Friday at Fresno Flats
"The Cowboy Poet" returns by popular demand to spin his stories of cowboy life on September 13. Madison Seamons, DVM ,a professional horseman who practices equine medicine, surgery and dentistry in Coarsegold, will put on his Cowboy Poet hat and present another of his humorous storytelling evenings about cowboy life and times. The evening begins at 5:30 with dinner and dessert served by Fresno Flats and Kiwanis members . The public is invited to attend this entertaining evening. $10.00. Details: 658-2019
Back to school special at Hampton Inn Madera 
Get a back to school special for any weekend in Sept. 20 % off any room! Just call direct to hotel and say Back to school special and you will receive 20% off. Week Ends Only! Hampton Inn & Suites, Madera 559-661-0910.
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.
Responsible pet ownership month at Oakhurst Feed and Pet Supply 
September is Responsible Dog Ownership month at OakFeed. Weekly specials all month long, specifically for dogs. This is an AKC-sponsored event. They happen nationwide.
Event date: September 28th. Hosting an AKC Breeds Parade, Canine + Human Ice Cream Social, Announcing winners of Pet Photo Contest, vendors and organizations will also be here. We will have goodie bags for the first 25 customers.
Crush at Quady 
There's lots to celebrate at Quady Winery. Not only is it California's Wine Month, but it's crush season. Throughout September, experience their wines infused with fresh ingredients in a weekly cocktail. They'll have sangria made with Electra, a Moscato-style wine, and San Joaquin Valley fruit. They'll mix up refreshing mojitos and iced lemon tea with the incredibly versatile Vya vermouths. Sierra Tel to host annual Patriot Day 
Sierra Tel is holding their annual Patriot Day ceremony on September 11. The event, which begins at 9:00 am, is intended to recognize and show appreciation to all Veterans, active-duty military and Emergency Services Personnel for their dedication to our country and to our communities. It honors, as well, the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Included will be a special flag-raising ceremony and pledge of allegiance, patriotic music performances, 21-rifle salute and taps. Keynote speaker will be Larry E. Westerlund, who served as a surface warfare officer with the United States Naval Reserve, where he recently retired after 24 years of service as a Lieutenant Commander. Dinner and Dance at Yosemite Lakes Park  Enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing at The Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park. on Saturday, September 14 from 6 - 10 pm. Dinner features a grilled chicken breast in a creamy sherry sauce with bacon, mushrooms and artichokes and a delicious chocolate cake with raspberry sauce for dessert. Afterwards, dance the night away with music from FIG Productions. Be sure to dress to impress. RSVP by calling 559-658-7466 x104. Local appreciation month at Zip Yosemite  September is Local Appreciation month at Zip Yosemite. Guests will receive a $70 discount when they show proof of residence or employment within Madera County. For the amazing price of $99 locals can spend 2.5 hours soaring through the sky with views of Fresno Dome and Sierra National Forest. Zip Yosemite is proudly located in Madera County just outside Oakhurst off rd 632. Reservations required 559/642-6688.
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