It is once again time for “Christmas in the Mountains.” The Vision Academy of the Arts sponsors this annual event and a good time is had by all. Oakhurst, Coarsegold, and North Fork are filled with holiday joy for the first two weekends on December, and you don’t want to miss it.

Activities include: a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast and photo ops with Santa, storytelling, theatrical performances, traveling musicians, and local artisans will have their creations on display so you can start your Christmas shopping early. There’ll even be a window display contest, so if you come early you can pick your favorite and see if that store wins.

All of this fun is set in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains. You can enjoy the best of nature and the best of neighborly hospitality at the same time. Stop by any store with a pine cone decal in the window to purchase your holiday bracelet ($5). This bracelet gives you access to special treats and services at local businesses.
You may have already seen this year’s guide in participating restaurants, hotels, and shops. “Christmas in the Mountains” begins on November 30. If you haven’t been able to pick up a guide you can visit the Vision Academy website to see the complete schedule.

As 1977 Reunion class comes ‘home’ and approaches the big 5.0… here is a valuable life lesson. “Change with the times, and keep current.”

The two restaurants where the homecoming festivities are being held have done just that.

Traveling down memory lane, you may remember Reunion weekend restaurants and winery. Both have longstanding, century-old family traditions in the business. Both continue to evolve and reinvent themselves. So it’s worth a visit to see how what’s old IS new, again.

Robert and Helen Mariscotti opened The Vineyard Restaurant (605 South I Street) in the present location at the junction of Highway 99 and Highway 145 on the southern edge of Madera after its predecessor, the Berenda Ranch Restaurant was torn down in the early 1970s. Some may even remember how it evolved from a grocery store to a bar to a 24-hour establishment and gas station. The casual menu harkens from century-old traditions of this restaurant’s Italian heritage. They now even bake their own breads and deserts and boast an extensive wine list. The Vineyard was picked by “The Wine Spectator” as one of the restaurants to eat in the San Joaquin Valley.

Siblings John Lasgoity and Michele Lasgoity own and operate the Chateau Lasgoity winery, which has been a family tradition for 4 generations. Chateau Lasgoity’s inaugural crush was in the Fall of 2000. Their 2000 Blanc du Val has received two top local medals and the 2001 Blanc du Val received a GOLD MEDAL in the 20th Annual West Coast Wine Competition held in Santa Rosa. This beautiful venue (11219 Road 26, Madera) offers daily tours and wine tastings.