WELCOME TO MADERA COUNTY . . . California's Gateway to Yosemite
Yosemite in Spring
The dogwoods are out, the falls are flowing, it's the perfect season to visit Yosemite National Park. This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, establishing Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove as the first protected wild land for all time. 2014 is filled with events and activities honoring the anniversary, come celebrate with us! 150th Anniversary Events
Bass Lake in May
Bass Lake is OPEN, come out and play!... and so many things planned for May. From fishing derbies, boat shows, car shows, farmer's markets, to the Annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon. May promises to be an eventful and fun-filled month at beautiful Bass Lake, California. Why wait for summer for those well-deserved vacations and new adventures?
33rd Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby
Lots of chances to win BIG - 2 - $10,000 rainbow trout and
1 - $5,000 rainbow trout! Plus lots more tagged $$$$ fish!
Join us for the 33rd Annual Fishing Derby on beautiful Bass Lake, California, Saturday, May 3, 2014 and Sunday, May 4, 2014 from
The derby will provide a lot of fun for the entire family. In addition to the BIG money rainbow trouts, there will be 150 tagged trout worth $100 each and 847 trout worth $20 each.
Registration fees are $25 per individual or $60 per family.
24th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show May 16th & 17th
Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club and Bass Lake Boat Rentals, the show will feature 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 and promises to be one of the largest of the season in California.
The show takes place on the Pines Marina 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 view 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.
4th Annual
Bass Lake Triathlon
Saturday, May 31st
Preparations are underway for the fourth annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon, and registrations are currently being accepted.
Bass Lake, located in the Sierra National Forest about 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Par, has a long history in the sport of triathlon. The lake served as the site for the first-ever national championships in the sport in 1983 and again in 1984. The race continued into the 1990's until the producer retired. It was revived in 2011 by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and Tucson Racing.
Along with the Triathlon, there will be a 5K "Run for the Kids" walk/run, proceeds benefit local youth. This year, the local Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors will use the proceeds for mountain-area High School Scholarships.
Immediately following the race this year will be the Michelob Ultra Awards Party with bluegrass band and a BBQ lunch put on by the Bass Lake Lions Club.
For more information or for registration, visit BassLakeTri.com.
Bass Lake Certified Farmer's Market
Starting May 14th
Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce officially announced the opening of the 2014 Certified Farmer's Market at the Pines Village in Bass Lake. The event has proven to be one of the most popular in the mountain area and has been eagerly awaited by many.
Returning Vendors
Anchors for the event are returning for the fourth consecutive year. Included are Shasky Farms of LeGrand, Sunny Farms of Clovis and Rosendahl Farms of Tollhouse. These are three of the most coveted farmers' market vendors in the state and promise to deliver wonderful quality produce as they have in the past. Bass Lake is one of their favorite markets and they feel welcomed as a part of the community.
Other Returnees
Also returning are Blossom Trail Honey, Jammin Jams , Bluebird Trail Farm, and The Happy Baguette All are local vendors and great assets to the market and community. Wonderful music will again be provided by Marcia.
New Additions
New addition for 2014 Farm Girls Natural Homemade Products.We are very glad to have
this new hometown business represented at our market.
Event times and Location
The event will be held in the Pines Village each Wednesday from 4- 7PM beginning May
14th and continuing through September as weather, attendance and product permit.
R�veiller Art Show & Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration
May 3rd & 4th from 10 - 5pm
Quady Winery invites you to our 13th Annual Exhibit of Regional Artists "R�veiller". R�veiller, a French term meaning to "wake up" was created in 2001 to highlight the wealth of local art in the Central Valley and mountain areas. The goal of the event is to adorn the walls of our winery in an aesthetic manner for the artist and public to enjoy.
R�veiller is held in conjunction with the Madera Wine Trail's "Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration." Proudly honoring the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite National Park grant, this NEW event is a celebration not to miss! Enjoy wine-tasting at each participating winery, live music, delicious food and Yosemite-themed activities, art and gift shopping! There is no charge to come to the winery and view the artwork. If you would like to participate in the Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration wine-tasting event, please visit maderawinetrail.com/may.htm for details.
Madera Wine Trail
The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries will host the Madera Wine Trail's "Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration" on May 3 and 4, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Proudly honoring the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite National Park grant, this NEW event is a celebration not to miss! Enjoy wine tasting at each participating winery, live music, delicious food and Yosemite-themed activities, art and gift shopping!
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the weekend of the event. Click here for tickets and more information or visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com
Sierra Art Trails Last chance to see the "Valley View--Yosemite Trails, Currents and Visions" Art Exhibit
"Valley View - Yosemite Trails, Currents and Visions" is a juried exhibit featuring works that address the history, present state, and possibly the future of Yosemite National Park. Due to its popularity this exhibit will be extended until Sunday, May 11th.
Sierra Art Trails has announced it will host 'Valley View Tales', a live performance featuring storytelling, poetry, and music culminating the current exhibit. The performance will be held Saturday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday May 4th at 3:00 p.m. at the Stellar Gallery.
Stellar Gallery is located at Gallery Row at 40982 Hwy 41 in Oakhurst.
For more information, or to place reservations call 559-658-8844 or email admin@sierraarttrails.org.
Admission is $10.00 per person. Audience is limited to 30 people, reservations required.
Valley View Award Winners
Best of Show - 'Visions of Half Dome' Dixie Salazar
(Sponsored by Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau )
1st place - Spiritual Way - Alex Lewis
2nd place - When Seasons Collide, Valley View - Franka Gabler
3rd place - Upper Bridalveil - Trowzers Akimbo
3rd place - Half Dome - Linda Zupcic
3rd place - Sunrise at Valley View - Nancy Robbins
Honorable Mention -
Mirror View, El Capitan - Jerry Bosworth
High Tea in the Ahwahnee - Jack Lantz
Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite - Michelle Gillette
Morning Light - Diane Breuer
Erna's Elderberry House Winemaker Series
Thursday, May 22nd Erna's Winemaker Series presents Vignalta, featuring Owner/Winemaker Lucio Gomiero.
This winery is based out of Italy, and presents very few wines each year; furthermore, he does very few winemaker dinners, making it extra special that he will be joining us.
The event begins at 6:00pm with a cocktail reception, with dinner at 7:00pm. The menu will be 4 courses, each with a Vignalta wine pairing. Cocktail reception, Dinner and the Wine Pairing at $75 per person.
Tony Krizan's Discover Yosemite's Forgotten Trails Series: Minaret Mountain Hike
On May 10th at the Yosemite Southgate Hotel located on Highway 41 in Oakhurst, adventurer Tony Krizan will present his second in a series of six slide show personal adventures. This 30 minute show will feature a nine-day 47-mile loop starting at the Mammoth Trailhead above Clover Meadow. He'll cross over to the east side and loop back through the Minarets and finally drop in elevation following the north fork of the San Joaquin River to the Iceberg Pass Trailhead. This free slide show event relives the hidden beauty and history concealed within our Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This exhibition lecture series will run monthly from April through September 2014, in honor of the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary. The presentation will be in the lobby of the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites located on Highway 41 in Oakhurst from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the dates listed below. The presentation is open to the public and is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, May 10th - Minaret Mountain Adventure
Saturday, June 21st - Wawona Old Stagecoach Road
Saturday, July 19th - Lost in Kings Canyon, Curtis Wright P40 Aircraft
Saturday, August 16th - Minaret Mountain Adventure
Saturday, September 13th - Wawona Old Stagecoach Road
Gallery Yosemite and Timberline Gallery in Oakhurst honor the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary:
Gallery Yosemite is a new venue for creative artists to express their love for Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. Timberline Gallery has been a community-centered art institution for 28 years and will present two shows in 2014, dedicated to the grandeur of Yosemite. Both galleries have partnered to honor the Yosemite Grant 150th anniversary with eight months of artistic learning series providing speakers and classes for visitors as well as locals.
Join us for our Artist Learning Series - to be held the 2nd Saturday of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm.
May 10, 2014:
High Definition Range Photography by Andrew Erickson
Andrew will inspire visitors and locals by teaching them how to take effective photographs in Yosemite National Park through high-definition photography.
Your mom deserves nothing but the best, so why not celebrate her day with a family weekend she'll never forget? Create memories while hiking along Yosemite's winding trails. Show her some well-deserved pampering at the world-class Ascent Spa. And best of all, enjoy some quality time together - the most treasured gift a mom can get.
ONE, TWO, FREE MOTHER'S DAY OFFER
Book both the Friday and Saturday nights of Mother's Day weekend, and you'll get Sunday night FREE!* Even if you choose not to stay Sunday night, you can use the extra time for some well-deserved sleeping in, relaxing, exploring and enjoying the Mother's Day Brunch. Mention promo code 12FREE.
MOTHER'S DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Featuring delectable cuisine, live entertainment and more in Tenaya's stunning Grand Ballroom. Check online for full menu and event details. To reserve your plates, call 559-692-8974.
MOTHER'S DAY SPA SPECIAL
Enjoy a body scrub using your very own handmade signature product. Choose a scent, create your own custom spa product, and then leave it to the Ascent Spa therapists to help you melt away. Mom and you will leave refreshed and renewed with a generous amount of extra scrub to take home. Book online or call 559-692-8954.
Adults: $45 Children under 12: $15 Pricing excluding tax, gratuity, specialty beverages, and alcohol. Make an online reservation now or reserve by calling the Ahwahnee Dining Room at:
(209) 372-1489 or Yosemite Reservations Office (801) 559-4935.
Mother's Day Brunch at the Wawona Hotel
Relax with mom over a delicious Mother's Day Brunch at Wawona Dining Room before starting your day of exploration in Yosemite. Wawona's Executive Chef, Dwayne McFann, has designed a special menu for your enjoyment with many traditional favorites.
Sunday May 11, 2014 10:30am to 2:00pm Adults: $22.25 Children: 6-12 $11.25 Children 5 and under: $8.00 Prices exclude tax, gratuity, specialty beverages, and alcohol. Reserve by calling the Wawona Hotel Dining Room (209) 375-1425 or Yosemite Reservations Office (801) 559-4935.
Mother's Day Brunch at Ducey's on the Lake
May Calendar of Events in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite
5/1-11 Valley View - Yosemite Trails, Currents, and Visions - Artist Exhibit
5/1, 8, 15, 22,29 Oakhurst Farmer's Market at True Value Home Center
5/1 Pitman Awards Banquet
5/3 Wine, Cheese, Art and Music Event at the Oakhurst Lutheran Church
5/3, 4 'Valley View Tales', live performance Stellar Gallery
5/3, 4 Bass Lake Fishing Derby
5/3, 4 Madera Wine Trail Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration
5/3, 4 Coarsegold Rodeo
5/9 Friday at Fresno Flats Museum
5/9 Dance at Elks Lodge - 2nd Friday of each month
5/9, 10, 16-18 'Song of the Mounties' at Golden Chain Theatre
5/9, 10, 11 Bass Lake Arts and Crafts Fair
5/10 Yosemite 'Rocks' - an Artistic Learning Series
5/10 Discover Yosemite's Forgotten Trails Presentation Series
5/10 Bass Lake Spring Clean
5/10 LoanMart Madera Speedway Mother's Day Special
5/11 Mother's Day Brunch at Ducey's at the Lake
5/11 Mother's Day Brunch at ECCO
5/11 Mother's Day Brunch at Erna's Elderberry House
5/11 Mother's Day Brunch at The Ahwahnee and Wawona
5/12-18 Tri-County Art Show by Yosemite Western Artists
Slice the pound cake into � inch slices and sprinkle each slice with 2 tsp Electra. Arrange in a serving dish. Whip cream until it starts to thicken and then slowly beat in 1/3 cup Electra. Spoon the whipped cream over the cake. Slice the strawberries and toss them in 1/3 cup Electra. Arrange on top of the whipped cream. Enjoy the rest of the bottle with the dessert.
MAY TRAVEL INCENTIVES
A VERY special offer! With love from The Estate by the Elderberries,
Hotel CHATAEU du SUREAU, at the Gateway to Yosemite National Park, requests the pleasure of your visit with this seasonal opportunity. Stay midweek, February thru April, for the exceptional room rate of $250 - $450 (reg. $445 - $585) all inclusive of a European breakfast and amenities. (subject to availability)
But wait, there is more! While you are visiting, Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant will welcome you with a glass of Sparkling Sureau before the start of a delicious 3-Course dinner - specially priced at $48.00. www.chateausureau.com.
Crossroads Tours & Limo
We are offering $10.00 off per person on daily tours to Yosemite when the guest book on line www.tourdeyosemite.comThis offer will be valid all summer until fall October 31,2014.
Type "VIP" in coupon code to get the $10.00 discount .
Another offer is a, $50.00 per-person Wine Tour 4 hours 4 Wineries Includes Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter in Private Groups of any size above 6. These tours will be conducted throughout the summer all days. Offer expires October 31, 2014.
Romantic Retreat at Narrow Gauge Inn
The Narrow Gauge Inn in Fish Camp presents a two-night package, which includes accommodations for two in a queen room, champagne & chocolate-covered strawberries. Wake up each morning to a warm breakfast of fresh made-to-order Belgian waffles, rosemary potatoes, sausage and an array of other delectable treats. Berries or a seasonal fruit basket and rose petals on the bed.
Midweek (Sun-Thurs) $199 Weekend (Fri/Sat) $269. Subject to availability. Rates subject to change during holiday periods. Call 559-683-7720 or visit www.narrowgaugeinn.com.
The Pines Resort
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway for your family, call to make your reservation today!
For more information and reservations call (800) 350-7463 or (559) 642-3121 or visit our web site www.BassLake.com.
Ducey's on the Lake
Come and sign up for our VIP discount card. Enjoy year-round discounts at Ducey's on the Lake and Ducey's Bar & Grill, earn free entr�es and sandwiches when you dine with us frequently. Don't forget about Taco Tuesdays at Ducey's Bar & Grill with $2 Tacos and Thirsty Thursdays with $2 Draft Beer in the Bar & Grill and 50% wine at Ducey's. We are open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (559) 642-3131. Visit us at www.basslake.com/resort-dining.
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.
The Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites provides comfortable and accommodating lodging in the heart of Oakhurst.
Located minutes from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41, we are one of the highest-rated hotels in Oakhurst. Our warm and friendly staff looks forward to making your stay here memorable.
We offer a delicious complimentary continental breakfast, 24 hour coffee bar, and free wireless Internet.
We invite you to take advantage of our Specials & Packages:
"Zephyr Rafting Special" offers both morning and afternoon 1/2 day trips which cover 11 river miles; and we offer full day trips which cover 16 miles and include lunch. Trips leave daily. Take 10% off any trip if you are staying at the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites.
"SYMG Hiking or Rock Climbing Special" Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, named one of the "Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, offers our guests a 5% discount on their Day Hiking and Rock Climbing Trips, catering each privately-arranged outing to your own personal interests and ability levels.
"Yosemite Bicycle & Sport" Provides guided tours, bike shuttles to the mountain-top trail heads, custom maps of the roads and trails. 15% discount on bike rentals.
Coarsegold Historical Society Presents Historic Tour
History buffs, here's your chance to take an up-close-and-personal guided look at the areas that formed the early Madera County/Yosemite area. The Coarsegold Historical Society is now accepting reservations for a historical tour.
The WILLOW CREEK TOUR, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, is new this year. Based on Marcia Penner Freedman's book Willow Creek History; Tales of Cow Camps, Shake Makers & Basket Weavers. Each tour is $40 and includes lunch and a special dessert "tea" in the afternoon. The bus departs from the Coarsegold Historic Museum, 31899 Hwy 41 (just south of Lucky Lane) at 9 a.m. Reservations are required: Call Karen Morris, 559-683-8877 or visit our Facebook page.
to see the many ways our Gateway communities are celebrating this momentous occasion.Here is a list of upcoming local events.
Events
There's always something exciting going on in the three parks that make up the Majestic Mountain Loop: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To keep up with MML activities, watch for the quarterly newsletter to appear in your mailbox. Sign up here if you don't already receive it.
Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit 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.
R�veiller Art Show & Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration
Valley View Award Winners
Crossroads Tours & Limo
