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| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
September, 2013
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It's official, Fall has arrived!
Crisp, cool mornings, leaves of numerous colors and a bountiful harvest from our farmers proves it. And that all translates to a wide array of great offerings for you.
From the Oakhurst Fall Festival to the Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts showcase, there is plenty happening in California's gateway to Yosemite.
Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Oakhurst Fall Festival Oct 12 - 13
 | | The Yosemite Mountain Patrol will be in the Oakhurst Mountain Heritage Days Parade |
Oakhurst Community Park will be filled with scores of booths offering everything from collectibles to local wine samplings and more at the 21st annual Oakhurst Fall Festival taking place October 12 and 13.
There will be ample amounts of wine to sample from regional wineries tas well as offerings from numerous chocolatiers.
The event has much more to offer, as well, with artisan cheeses, nuts, as well as beers from regional microbreweries.
There will also be collectibles, a silent auction, live music and a classic car show on Saturday.
The event is truly family-friendly, with kids' activities provided by the Children's Museum of the Sierra as well as a petting zoo and a dunk tank.
The Fall Festival runs from 10 am to 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $2. Tickets for beer, wine, cheese, nut and chocolate tasting as well as kids' events and other activities cost $1 a piece.
The Oakhurst Fall Festival is made possible by title sponsorship from Silva Ford, and Gold Sponsors Lin Law Offices and Sierra Tel.
To learn more, contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at 559-683-7766 or visit www.OakhurstChamber.com
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National Fossil Day at the Fossil Discovery Center
The Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla  will celebrate the 3rd Annual National Fossil Day on October 19.
The celebration will feature a full day of activities, from museum tours showcasing new exhibits, such as the micro-fossil display. Look through a magnifier to see the tiny bones and teeth of small prehistoric animals. There are also two temporary displays of fossilized plants including leaves and pine cones as well as insects. The ancient sea-life exhibit includes crabs, shrimp, fish, and trilobites that are millions of years old.
Kids can have fun making bracelets or necklaces from sea shells and beads like the Native Californians used to do. We also will have an Atlatl (aht-lattel) demo for bigger kids and adults. Learn how this prehistoric weapon brought down mammoths by throwing it yourself. There will be additional activities as well. To learn more, call (559) 665-7107 or visit www.MaderaMammoths.org.
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Third Annual Madera Pomegranate Festival
 | | Brian Davis of Twin Pomegranates Winery loads some "ammo" in to the Pomegranate Grenade Launch. |
The City of Madera is known as The Heart of Pomegranate Country, and the third annual Madera Pomegranate Festival will prove why.
This year's event is bigger and better than ever with new attractions, such as go-kart racing and the Fresno Chaffee Zoomobile, along with old favorites such as the Pomegranate Grenade Launch, numerous cooking demos and dozens of vendors selling a variety of pomegranate products.
There will also be live music featuring The Marie Wilson Band, food vendors, demos from the Madera Parachute Center and more.
To learn more, visit www.PomegranateFestival.com.
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Oktoberfest at The Blue Heron
 | | Guests get in to the spirit at the annual Oktoberfest in Yosemite Lakes Park |
If you're into authentic German cuisine, you'll want to head over to the Oktoberfest celebration at The Blue Heron Restaurant in Yosemite Lakes Park. Chef Christian Mueller, a German native himself, will put out a fantastic spread of some of his country's most popular dishes. The sounds of an Oompah Band will help round out the ambiance with music out by the lake, while German beers are poured at the bar. The event is October 27 from 4-7 pm. The cost is $17.95 for adults and $10 for kids under 10. If you really want to get into the spirit, dress in leiderhosen or a dirndl and receive a discount on your meal. Call 559-658-6969 for more information.
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Golden Chain Theatre stages Jack the Ripper
The latest production from The Golden  Chain Theatre in Oakhurst is the ominous tale of Jack the Ripper. During the dark and gloomy nights of Autumn, 1888, a menacing presence lurked the streets of London. Get ready for Hallowwen with the Golden Chain Theatre and join them in Whitechapel where the "leather apron" stalks the denizens of the city. Saucy Jack is Back. (The show has a PG-13 rating). Call 559-683-7112 or visit them online for more information. |
1864 Ale at South Gate Brewing Company
South Gate Brewing Company is commemorating the  Yosemite Anniversaries with the creation of its new 1864 Ale. 1864 Ale is an Oktoberfest- style beer. amber in color, with a smooth toasted toffee-and-caramel flavor, it has rich toasted malts (toasted in our wood- fired oven). Fresh local hops sourced from a secret location near Yosemite Valley make this beer a balanced and refreshing seasonal beer perfect for fall in the sierras. A special-release party takes place October 5 with food deals, special appearances and more. While there, be sure to congratulate owners Casey and Lindsay Hawkins with being awarded the 2013 40 under 40 award from Businessstreet Online.
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Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts
 | | This painting by Sue Porter won an award in the Pomegranate Festival category during a previous Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts showcase |
The Madera County Arts Council holds their 20th annual Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts showcase starting October 2 and running through November 16.
The annual show features paintings, photography, sculpture and more in seven categories of agriculture.
A free reception and awards showcase takes place at Circle Art Gallery in Madera on October 2 to kick off the show and award the best examples in each category.
To learn more about the show, visit www.MaderaArts.org or call 559-661-7005
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Sierra Art Trails October 4-6
The works of well over 100 artists will be
 | | An artist works on a piece for the annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour |
on display for the 11th annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour taking place October 4-6.
"We're really excited, for this year we have 108 artists who are taking part. They have some amazing works to share with the public," said Jon Bock who organizes the annual art show and year-long series of events that lead up to it.
The annual showcase features just about every media one can imagine at a series of venues throughout the region. Stops along the trail include virtually every foothill community, with the first stop being in the small town of O'Neals, followed by Yosemite Lakes Park and Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, North Fork and Bass Lake.
You can purchase your admission, the Sierra Art Trails Catalog, at www.SierraArtTrails.org.
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Tequila Tasting at Crab Cakes
 Roman's Bar at Crab Cakes in Oakhurst holds a special Tequila Tasting on October 8 from 6-7 pm hosted by Executive Chef Brian Velasquez. This event features everything you've ever wanted to know about tequila but were afraid to ask. Enjoy the Patron collection while sampling carefully- selected appetizers. The cost is only $10, and space is limited. Roman's Bar is also hosting the first Celebrate Bartender Event to raise money for the Soroptomist club. The celebrity bartenders will be Vikki Piper and Donna Dozier on Friday, October 18 from 6-9 pm. |
Coarsegold Tarantula Festival
 | | The 2013 Sierra Art Trails Catalog is available Aug 1. |
Fans of the creepy will enjoy the annual Coarsegold Tarantula Festival taking place October 26 at the Coarsegold Historic Village.
The annual festival celebrates the eight-legged inhabitants of this small foothill town that emerge each fall for mating season. The festival was created to foster respect for and protection of the harmless creatures, a valued part of the foothill ecosystem.
The festival includes tarantula races, experts who help teach kids (and squeamish parents) about the creatures, as well as hairiest leg contests for men and women, baking contests, costume contests and numerous kids activities.
To learn more, visit www.CoarsegoldHistoricVillage.com
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Tour the award-winning Majestic Mountain Loop
The Majestic Mountain Loop was recently  recognized for its innovation by the Western Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, which gave the Loop the Best Ideas award at a recent convention. See what the great idea is all about for yourself! Fall is the perfect time to "rock the loop." Head out on the Majestic Mountain Loop, tour the three national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon) in three days and earn your "I rocked the loop" bumper sticker. Visit the Majestic Mountain Loop website to start planning your trip, and don't forget your National Park Passport so you can earn the sticker. |
Butterfly House Opens at Home Grown Cellars
Marvel at the beauty of hundreds of butterflies
 | | Monarch Butterflies are just one of the many types you'll see at Home Grown Cellars. |
flitting around a tropical garden at Home Grown Cellars in Madera. A variety of butterflies fill the air and sample the nectar of beautiful flowers in the climate-controlled butterfly house. The house will only be open through the month of October, however, before the temperatures drop too much for the fragile fliers. The sanctuary will be open Fridays 12:30 to 3:30, Saturdays 9:30 to 3:30 & Sundays 12:30 to 3:30 all month long. The pumpkin patch will be open during the same hours. Visit www.HomeGrownCellars.com for more information. |
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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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.
Day on the Mountain Package 
Choice of two (2) sixty minute treatments:
Complimentary (1) anti-aging embellishment
Credit for lunch in the Sierra Restaurant
Pool and Fitness Center Access
Ascent Spa Signature Gift
$250
Lower temperatures, lower rates at A Bed of Roses 
A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast in Oakhurst celebrates the arrival of Fall with lower rates. Visit their website to find the lowest rates of the season so far, and save on your next trip to Yosemite.
Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst hosts Halloween event 
The Oakhurst Boys and Girls Club will be having a small Halloween event for BGC members on Halloween this year. Kids can wear their costumes, and there will be fun and games put on by Yosemite High School students working on their senior projects. We will also be open during both school districts' (Yosemite Unified & Bass Lake Joint Unified) fall breaks (October 14th-17th Mon-Thur) with our usual after-school hours of 2-6 for those families who may be in need of our help.
Century 21 offers affordable Bass Lake Vacations 
Come enjoy the beauty that Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park has to offer during the fall season!!! Take advantage of our Fall Specials and rent a home for the weekend, or even a week. We offer homes ranging from cute & rustic to large & luxurious--and everything in between. Spend the day in Yosemite watching an amazing transformation as the fall season takes over the Park, then return to your vacation home in time for dinner. Take a hike down Bass Lake's many trails and watch the leaves turn colors right in front of you. Or sit back and relax on a deck and watch the animals scurry around collecting food for the winter. Our Fall Specials make it affordable and our homes will work with any budget so call us now to book your fall season getaway!
Coarsegold Historical Society Stage Tour 
The "Stage Route Tour," a six-hour bus tour sponsored by the Coarsegold Historical Society, takes place October 19 (9 am to 3 pm). The tour travels west from Coarsegold Museum to Knowles, Raymond, Road 600, lunch (included) at the Wassama Roundhouse, old Fresno Flats, historic Coarsegold and finally back to the museum for dessert and beverage. Price is $40. Call : 559-683-8877 (Karen) or 559-642-4242 (Kay).
Thanksgiving at ECCO 
Thanksgiving at ECCO is an annual tradition. Imagine how wonderful Thanksgiving can be when you can relax with old and new friends, eat delicious food, enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, and no dishes to wash! Thanksgiving festivities begin with an optional Holy Eucharist from 11:00 to 12:00, followed by appetizers, and then dinner at 1:00. p.m. Spend a quiet afternoon visiting, playing games and relaxing. For those choosing to spend the night, join us for a newer tradition of bell ringing, a fun and entertaining event. Consider the stayover options of Wednesday night and/or Thursday night.
Fly two round trips, get another free 
Fresno Yosemite International Airport invites California residents to participate in an exclusive Alaska Air offer: register and fly TWO round-trips to or from San Diego between now and Nov. 20, 2013, and they'll send you a discount code good for a round-trip ticket (taxes and fees not included). To qualify, you must be a California resident and register at www.alaskaair.com
Holiday Spirit Weekend on the Madera Wine Trail 
Holiday Spirit Weekend on the Madera Wine Trail is November 9 and 10 from 10 am to 5 pm. Sample a wide variety of local wines as you visit each participating winery on the Madera Wine Trail. On this special weekend, guests can also enjoy live music, local art, holiday gift shopping and delicious food will be available! Take home some wine to share with family and friends for the holidays. Tickets available now for $25 at www.MaderaWineTrail.com or $30 at the event.
Sunset Specials at The Narrow Gauge Inn 
Time is running out to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Narrow Gauge Inn Restaurant as it closes for the season on October 27. If you can't make it in before then, never worry. The restaurant will open again soon enough on April 16, 2014.
Oakhurst Feed Celebrates a milestone  Colette & her team at Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply is celebrating their Sixth Anniversary and will be thanking loyal customers with loads of specials all month long. Check in on Facebook for daily and weekly deals. We are grateful for the continued patronage of our mountain community.
Fall Photo Safari Trips 
The colors are changing in Yosemite, making it the perfect time for a Photo Safari Trip. Professional photographer Pat Althizer knows the best times and the best places to help you get those postcard-quality photographs during your time in Yosemite. Take advantage of the season and book your Photo Safari today.
Four nights for the price of two at The Redwoods 
Stay now through October 31, 2013, and receive four nights for the price of two at The Redwoods in Yosemite. Enjoy the crisp fall air, beautiful fall colors and quiet. The crowds are gone! It's time to relax and enjoy an extended stay INSIDE Yosemite National Park! Call 855-885-3841 to book your fall vacation today (call soon for the best selection of fully-equipped vacation homes).
*Not valid on existing reservations or with any discount. Offer expires 10-31-13.
Colombus Day Wine Tasting
Visit Quady Winery in Madera (13181 Road 24) for a special Columbus Day Wine Tasting and sail through our 'fleet' of wine. A special discount package will be offered the weekend of Columbus Day. Our tasting room will be open Oct. 12 & 13 from 12 to 4:30pm and 9 to 4:30pm on the 14th.Lower Fall Rates at The Tenaya Lodge 
Come together at an iconic destination where there's something for every generation of your family at The Tenaya Lodge. As sunny days turn into crisp fall nights and crowds dwindle after summer, there are mountains of adventure at Yosemite. And with a stay at Tenaya Lodge, you don't have to actually enter the park to have Yosemite-sized fun, thanks to a wide range of activities available on-site at the resort - everything from archery, mountain biking and guided hikes to climbing a 25-foot-tall rock wall. And for the adults, enjoy well-deserved "me time" at the Ascent Spa. With fall getaways starting from just $139, it's the perfect season to create family memories. Falling leaves and rates at Vulture's View  Plan ahead. Stay Nov 15th and 16th. Book two nights get $50.00 off second night with falling leaves and prices at Vultures VIew. Must mention "color me pink" when making reservation. Fantastic Fall Rates at Yosemite West Cottages  Save up to 35% at Yosemite West Cottages. Select from rooms, condos, cabins, cottages, and vacation homes, each with complete kitchen, fireplace, barbecue, private bath(s), deck or patio, and TV/DVD. Book online at YosemiteWestReservations.com or call 559/642-2211 weekdays 9-5 PT for reservations.
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