With so many special events and activities taking place over the next several weeks, we thought it would be helpful to compile a timely list of all the entertainment-related and community-oriented holiday happenings in the mountain area between now and December 25. If we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it to the Big Local List of ...

BASS LAKE — The annual Oakhurst Community Christmas Tree Auction is a wonderfully unique event that benefits some of the area’s most essential community organizations, spreading quite a bit of holiday cheer in the process. Hosted by The Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, and held at The Pines Resort, the joyful event enables dozens of nonprofits to benefit from ...

FISH CAMP — The covered ice rink at Tenaya Lodge opens for the season this month, giving skaters the best of both worlds — shelter from the elements, yet still open to the great outdoors — and auspiciously close to bonfire, delicious food and tasty beverages for kids and adults, as well. Tenaya’s sparkling white ice rink measures an expansive 80-feet ...

OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Community Band presents their Winter Holiday Concert on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. The concert will be held at Mountain Christian Center and marks the beginning of their 20th season. The Jazz Band is playing some Big Band favorites featuring vocalists & band members Mary Posluch and Jason Walle — the same talented individuals who ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Arts Council invites the public to an opening reception featuring work of local painters, Linda Abbott and Michelle Marco, and ceramicist Fran Shell on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Treetop Gallery in historic downtown Mariposa. Light refreshments will be served. Linda Abbott, a previous long-time resident of Yosemite Valley, has ...

By Francine Soliz — O’NEALS — Originally a musical but taken into the hands of directors, “Mamma Mia” has been entertaining romantics around the world. Being the media-driven school we are, of course we invested time in producing “Mamma Mia” in all its glory. Kayla West, the director for our high school drama club, is jumping with joy. “It is a fun ...

OAKHURST — Here’s a fun gathering for adventurers big and small, including everyone who loves our national parks, and anyone who likes to hear a good yarn: Campfire Stories at Branches Books & Gifts. Campfire Stories is a collection of short stories from America’s National Parks that are perfect for reading aloud together around a fire. Branches welcomes the couple ...

FRESNO — For my neighbor and me, October would not be complete without a trip to Arte Américas Casa de Cultura in the mural district to see the annual Dia de Muertos exhibit. Gracie and I get together on the weekend and have lunch a block away at Toleditos on Van Ness before feasting in the richness of treasures that ...

OAKHURST — Grab someone you love and get ready for an afternoon of nostalgia as the Oakhurst Branch Library invites everyone to a free family movie matinee, celebrating gratitude. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. in the library’s community room. Water, soda and popcorn will be available to purchase for a discounted ...

MADERA — The 8th annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Madera District Fairgrounds. For years it has been called the Pomegranate Festival, however, the Madera Tourism Alliance Committee changed the name of the festival to Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival to represent Madera’s agriculture nut ...