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 ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has announced that winter operations in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to begin on Friday, Nov. 30. The Mariposa Grove will be closed to automobiles for the winter season beginning on Friday. The Mariposa Grove Shuttle Service also ends for the season on Nov. 30. Visitors can use the South Entrance parking area and ...

A weather forecast of 16 degrees and 25 mph winds didn’t deter us from bundling up and heading to the Kuna Crest for my last fishing adventure for this year. Icy creeks led the way to Bingaman Lake where we also met up with some beautiful wildlife. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 8.65 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: ...

COARSEGOLD — It’s the season of gratitude and a smile is definitely something to be thankful for. Thus, the sixth annual Free Dental Day with Dr. Jacob Geyer is set for Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Golden Hills Dental in Coarsegold. Attendees will be seen on a first come, first served basis and will be able to receive either ...

Hiking in the Tioga Pass through history on the Great Sierra Wagon Road, walking in the footprints of the miners who lived in this rugged country dreaming of hitting “The Great Silver Belt” and striking it rich. Sure makes me wonder about the lives of the women and men who were associated with these dreams. Although they must have had ...

OAKHURST – Scout Troop 316 spent Saturday afternoon placing flags on the graves of those who served in honor of Veterans Day. Members of Cub Scout Troop 316 gathered at Oakhill Cemetery to ensure that local veterans are recognized with colors flying on this special day. For nearly 50 years, the scouts of Troop 341 performed this duty, and they ...

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 ...

I had peeped on the eastern side of the Sierra and I had peeped in Yosemite Valley. It was now time to do a little peeping closer to home at Nelder Grove and mom was up for the adventure. But adventures do not always go as planned. Where: Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove Distance: About 1.5 miles, but you can ...