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MUDD Volleyball- Dare you to get dirty.
Every year in August local fire departments, radio stations, and other organizations put on a MUDD Volleyball tournament. This fundraiser is guaranteed to be the most fun event you will participate in. You will laugh harder than you ever had and of course, you will get dirtier than you could ever dream. It is held in
Hope to see you there!!!!
Quaint, romantic, intimate and charming all describe the Tin Lizzie Bed and Breakfast. This lovely B & B is located in Fish Camp, which is two miles from the Southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
The stunning décor will take you back to elegant Victorian times, but guests will enjoy all of the luxury of a 1st class getaway. Guests have their choice of staying in various rooms in the “mansion” or an attached private cottage.
Their romance package for two is sure to thrill. Guests will experience fine dining, breakfast on their own private balcony, a picnic lunch, chocolate covered strawberries with sparkling cider at bedtime, a dozen roses, and even popcorn and marshmallows roasted at the open outdoor fire pit. One of the most interesting experiences in this package is being able to drive a Ford Model A or Model T for the day. Imagine touring Yosemite with the wind whipping through your hair, in one of these fantastic cars!
The Tin Lizzie is without a doubt the perfect spot to enjoy a honeymoon or just relax and enjoy one of the most majestic places on earth. For more information or reservations on staying in this divine location, contact the Tin Lizzie at (559) 641-7731.
It is hard to believe that it is almost time again for the Madera County Fair. I can almost smell the funnel cakes, corn dogs and cotton candy already. It is a county tradition that both the young and old enjoy.
The 2008 Madera County Fair Exhibitor Handbooks are now available for pick up at various locations around the county. The book provides information on what competitions are available this year, all deadlines and information on how to submit your items into the various competitions.
Groups or individuals are encouraged to submit their entries for the fun filled weekend. Teachers are encouraged to make the fair part of their curriculum and submit their entries as well. There will be the usual competitions as well as several more that were added to the arts and crafts, photography, agriculture, livestock and floriculture categories. Winning entries can win; ribbons, awards and even cash!
Fair handbooks can be picked up in Madera at the Madera District Fair Office, 4-H/Coop Extension, Evans Feed and Livestock Supply, Valley Feed and Fuel, Madera Chamber of Commerce, Madera County Library, Madera Ranchos Library and the 22 Mile House. They can also be picked up in Oakhurst at the Sierra Star or at Oakhurst Feed.
The theme this year is called “Grape Balls of Fire”. The fair will run from September 4th thru September 7th this year. For more information on participating in the Madera County Fair, call (559) 674-8511. If you are unable to pick up your handbook, you can download it from www.maderafair.com.
Strike Up The Band
Written by George and Ira Gershwin
Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout “Strike up the band”
Hear the cymbals ring
Callin’ one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band
There is work to be done, to be done
Let’s have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let’s go
Hey, leader, strike up the band!
Come one; come all to the Celebrate America 2008 annual concert. On Sunday, June 29th at 6:30 p.m. you are all invited to come and listen to the wonderful music that will be performed by the Oakhurst Community Band.
Deciding to not have the audience and band members baking in the heat, festivities will instead be held this year at the Yosemite High School Gym. Come and enjoy wonderful patriotic music such as America the Beautiful and God Bless the USA (one of my most favorite songs). There will be marches, the national anthem sung, and other patriotic tunes as a salute to the amazing armed forces. The Oakhurst Community Choir will also take center stage and is sure to wow the audience.
This is a family event and it is FREE. People are encouraged to bring a picnic and stay for this great Americana show. Seating will be in the bleachers and the floor for those who have difficulty with the bleachers. For more information, call (559) 683-4667, extension 371. There is also a special surprise that is very hush hush. What could it be?
With nice weather comes the urge to get out the old nag (not your wife) and go for a ride. Horseback riding is a lot of fun. But like lots of fun things, there are dangers and risks as well as enjoyment when being around horses. To help minimize the danger and risk, there are a few rules I have found to observe. Around the Barn Always wear appropriate clothing. Open-toed shoes are a big no-no in the barn or on the horse. Protect your feet. They are almost as important as your horse’s hooves. Put away equipment. Make sure pitchforks, rakes, etc. are stored properly and not left out where human or animal can trip over them. Clean up. Always sweep after doing stalls, grooming, etc. Pay special attention after the farrier visits and make sure there are no nails left out where they could puncture someone’s foot. Watch out for flying hooves. Most horses will not kick someone on purpose. Usually they are startled or really going after a fly. Avoid walking behind a horse. If you must pass behind, walk close to the animal (so his feet cannot gain momentum) and talk to the animal so there are no surprises for either of you. While cleaning hooves be careful to hold the horse’s leg in a position that is comfortable for the animal and not to the side. Place the hoof down after cleaning rather than dropping it to avoid injury to the animal. Keep animals separate. Be aware of which animals get along and which ones do not like each other. Avoid bringing animals’ close together in confined spaces and respect their personal space. Lead them in. Do not allow horses to charge into the barn at meal times. It may take some extra time, but it is worth it to lead them in one by one and escort them personally to their stall. Use a lead rope. Leading a horse by just the halter is not wise. While 99% of the time this may not be a problem, it’s the other 1% when the horse becomes agitated over an imagined danger and ends up in the next county that can be a problem. Do not leave your horse in a pasture wearing a nylon halter. Nylon halters are actually too strong and if he gets caught on a branch, he could be trapped or worse. If you must have a halter on your horse, use a leather one. On the Horse Use an approved helmet! There are plenty of styles to choose from including safety helmets that look like cowboy hats. Your brain is worth protecting! A helmet can be the difference between brushing the dirt off your pants and jumping back on the horse and a trip to the hospital or worse. Wear sturdy shoes with a heel. Good shoes keep your feet safe in the stirrup especially at those times when balance may be hard to get. Wear long pants that fit. While they should not be loose enough to get caught on anything while riding, your clothes should also be comfortable and not too tight. Check your tack. Every time you ride check your saddle and bridle for problems with stitching or rot. Ideally you should clean your tack every time you ride and store it in a dry area to avoid conditions that may cause decay in the leather or stitching. Make sure your stirrup leather can easily slide out of the saddle and the keeper is down. If you do fall with your foot still in the stirrup, you do not want to be dragged. Make sure the bridle fits well and it has not been readjusted since you last rode. A poorly adjusted bridle can make for a horse with a poor attitude. Tighten the girth before getting on and check it again after riding a few minutes. Make sure it is snug but not over-tight. You should barely be able to slide your hand between the girth and the horse. Horses are a great way to reach responsibility and even great therapy for special needs kids. But kids under the age of eighteen should never ride unsupervised and even adults should not go off without a companion. After all equines are unpredictable animals and should be respected as such.
Fishing season is here and whatever your fishing choice, the Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for stream and lake fishing. For information on fishing regulations make sure to check out the California Department of Fish and Game regulations.Fresh water stream fishing on the Sierra National Forest is open from the last weekend in April through November 15. All lakes are open year around, though access may be limited due to seasonal closure of roads due to snow. All lakes and reservoirs on the Forest are open year around for fishing except were seasonal closures apply, such as Mammoth Pool. Anglers, 16 years and older, who plan to fish in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes need to obtain a California fishing license. This year the fee for an annual license is around $32.00 and can be obtained at local stores. When you obtain a permit make sure to pick up a copy of the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation Book, as it provides information on fishing restrictions, the type of hooks and bait you can use, the amount of trout you can catch and possess, and how you must display your license.
Have fun, good fishing and following the CATCH & RELEASE practice is a good thing.
If you haven’t decided what to do for Memorial Day, come on down and visit the Coarsegold Historic Village. They are celebrating Memorial Day by having a Peddlers Market and Antique Show. There will be food and entertainment as well as antiques, collectibles and treasures to enjoy.
They also hold weekly Flea Markets on the weekends. There is a leather shop, a blacksmith and a builder of primitive instruments to be seen.
The festivities have been going on both Saturday and Sunday, but if you missed out, plan on visiting on Monday, May 26th as well. Call (559) 683-3900 for more information.
And…..
The Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce would like you to also visit the Mountain Area Peddlers Home and Garden Show. This event has also been going on all weekend, but fun can still be had at their Peddlers Fair on Memorial Day Monday.
Activities can be found at Road 426 and Sierra Way in Oakhurst from 9 am until 2:00 p.m. The admission is free to all. There will be demonstrations and classes from True Value Hardware. Air Time Inflatables will be available for the kids. Come experience arts and crafts and learn about various upgrades that are available to your home. Call (559) 683-7766 for more information.
It seems like I have always loved to garden. I can remember working side by side with my parents planting groundcover when I was in the 3rd grade. Maybe the joy was more in spending time with my parents, but the result became a love for being on my hands and knees and working in the dirt. Through the years it has become a place where I can relax, lower my blood pressure, pray and enjoy the sun. Imagine my excitement when we moved to the mountains and I now had 3 ½ acres of undeveloped dirt to plant!
I found out the hard way that gardening in the mountains is different! After planting 16 prized roses, watering, fertilizing, nurturing and awaiting those first gorgeous blooms only to see them stripped of all flowers, leaves, and thorns overnight…..I learned that roses are like candy to deer. They are better purchased from a florist and enjoyed in a vase in your home.
I’ve lived in the mountains of Oakhurst for 16 years and here’s what I’ve found in a nutshell: If it’s purple, there’s a pretty good chance the deer won’t like it. I know there are always exceptions, but here are some plants I’ve had luck with:
Purple Iris
Lilacs
Lily of the Nile
Society Garlic
Butterfly Bush
If you’re just starting a garden in the mountains, give these a try and I guarantee you’ll enjoy the blossoms and the deer won’t!
In my previous post I was telling you all about Oakhurst’s new online site. Not only will this site be great for tourists, local residents will find it very informative and enjoyable as well.
On the new site you will find information on places to go in the area. There is a calendar of events as well as an area map with clickable dots to further highlight the events and attractions available in the Oakhurst area as well as other areas. There is also travel tips listed as well as a section on FAQ (frequently asked questions).
Find information on all sorts of restaurants like, American, Asian, Bar and Lounge, Breakfast, Café and Bistro, Fine Dining, Lunch, Mexican, Picnics and Take Out, Pizzerias, Seafood, Sunday Brunch and restaurant coupons.
There are places listed for wedding planning, meeting planning, and event planning. You will find it easy to find information on facilities that rent for a variety of reasons. Local wineries are listed with information on private tours, sightseeing tours and ultra premium wineries to name a few. Thinking of planning a wedding? No need to look any further. This site has everything listed from wedding planners, to party sites to romantic lodging, to transportation. There is also information listed on art galleries, attractions, spas, car rentals, casinos, golf courses, museums, RV rentals, shopping etc. You name it, it is there.
Visit www.Oakhurstchamber.dpway.com and check out all the fun information that is now available about our great area! What a brilliant marketing tool that is now available to everyone!
Oakhurst has recently made a wise decision in partnering up with Destination Partners. Destination Partners is an internet marketing company that has products and services that are geared towards serving businesses, leisure travel and hospitality industries online.
Their new alliance as brought Oakhurst further onto the information highway, via the internet. Tourism is sure to get a boost with all the information that is now available to travelers online. People will now be able to see more information on the general area with just a few key strokes.
Special coupons, discounts, incentives and promotions, are now available online. There are instant savings on luxurious hotel accommodations, restaurants, tours, shops, and transportation in Oakhurst and the surrounding areas, as well as information about attractions to enjoy.
The new portal provides everyone with up-to-date information on everything you could imagine. When you go to the website, you simply click on “Oakhurst” and hit “go”. There you have it….information is at your finger tips. You will be able to obtain addresses, phone numbers, directions and other important details to make your travel or special event planning much easier.
The site is extremely user friendly with drop down menus and simple click and go features.
Are you in need of an area hotel? Look no further; this site has many choices available from Bed and Breakfast Inns, to budget hotels, to luxury hotels.
Please check back on Wednesday for the conclusion to this post.
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