YOSEMITE — Celebrated annually since 1927, the renowned Bracebridge Dinner transforms The Majestic Yosemite Hotel’s Dining Room into a Old English-era hall filled with Christmas festivities. The inspiration for this incredible Yuletide ceremony was Washington Irving’s Sketch Book about Squire Bracebridge and Christmas traditions of the period. More than 100 cast members portray the Squire and his family, their servants, the ...

OAKHURST — Cross the threshold into Jennifer Lyster’s new shop, The Enchanted Florist and Whatnots, and you’ll have a good idea why it’s called enchanted. Spend some time talking with Jennifer, herself, and you’ll understand completely. Click on images to enlarge. The open, airy shop was established in mid-September, with an outstanding array of floral choices delivered or picked up for ...

YOSEMITE — There will be a temporary closure of the Glacier Point Road Tuesday evening, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. The closure is due to the forecasted incoming storm that is calling for snow at that elevation with low temperatures. The road will be evaluated on Thursday and reopened to the public after it is safe to do so. Tioga ...

NORTH FORK — Madera County’s newest K9 officer provided a demonstration last week for the group that helped to make his acquisition possible. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, members of the Friendship Circle at Grace Community Church in North Fork were honored with a special visit from Gastone, the 2-year-old Belgian Malinois whose purchase was made possible in part by the ...

BASS LAKE – The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon has established itself as one of the “go to” triathlons in California. Excitement is building up as preparations are underway and registrations are being accepted for the 7th annual Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon, set in picturesque location rivaled by few. Triathletes are treated to a swim in clear mountain waters, followed by ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016: Oakhurst court order violation arrest On Monday, Nov. 7, at 12:26 a.m. deputies were dispatched to the 45000 block of Lauri Lane regarding a violation of a court order. Upon arrival the restrained person was ...

AHWAHNEE — Heading home from Madera on Saturday, Nov. 5, we decided to take the road through Raymond, hoping to see some wildlife. We witnessed five or six tarantulas crossing the warm pavement that afternoon, and best of all, ran into the Yosemite Western Artists show happening at Gertrude School. Familiar faces greeted us, along with the strumming of Terry Robinson, and the sounds ...

Views of snow capped mountains and flowing waterfalls were our reward once we made it to the top but Yosemite Falls with rainbows was also pretty darn special. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 9.85 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 3,980′ – 7,221′ Date: November 4, 2016 Maps: El Capitan Topographic Quad Dog Hike? No, dogs not allowed in ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Arts Council is happy to announce three more dates for Brush Bar @ 1850: Nov. 14, and Jan. 19, and 23. Brush Bar is a painting workshop, with step-by-step instruction and wine. Participants will take home a beautiful finished painting, ready to hang on the wall. These events will take place at 1850 Restaurant’s Loft. ...

COARSEGOLD — Former Navy man and area resident John Zingrich wanted to reconnect with shipmates on the USS John R. Perry, a destroyer escort ship that then-Naval Petty Officer Zingrich sailed on for two years in 1967 – 68 during the Vietnam era. To do this, he created a website and now, his fellow shipmates are posting pictures and memories, and catching up after ...