By Judi Hussain
What a difference a year makes.
Last Memorial Weekend we were still reeling to our new circumstances. What had always been the biggest weekend of our year suddenly became either non-existent or virtual. Businesses were mostly shuttered, and outdoor events evaporated.
Thanks to constantly lowering COVID numbers and increasing vaccinations, the Weekend (with a capital W) is back. In addition to always-available opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, swimming and lounging at a multitude of local lakes and trails, it’s not too late to take advantage of events already underway or yet to come. There’s something for everyone. Art, music, food, shopping, comedy. It’s all here, and it’s all happening now!
Coarsegold Peddlers’ Antique & Collectible Show at Coarsegold Historic Village. Lots of vendors and food trucks along with amazing buys, through May 31. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 559/683-3900, 35300 Highway 41, Coarsegold. Facebook.com/events/287653002941525
Pines Village Arts & Crafts Fair. Shop local artists, food and vendors, through Monday, May 31, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Pines Resort. 559/683-3900. 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. Facebook.com/events/268875928026801
Yosemite Renaissance 36 Art Exhibit at Yosemite Gateway Art Center, in place through May 30. It’s a traveling art exhibit featuring all media and many local artists. Call 559/683-5551 for gallery hours. 40982 Highway 41, Oakhurst. YosemiteRenaissance.org
Rockin’ the Rec Center at the North Fork Recreation Center. Incredible live music by Hill Country Truckers, local vendors, and BBQ! May 29th, 2:00pm to Sundown 33507 Road 230, North Fork 559/877-7700. Northforkboosters.org
Golden Chain Theatre IS BACK! GCT presents 2021 Drive-In Melodrama. Join GCT for drive-in interactive summer melodrama fun through May 30, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Advance reservations are required. Call 559/683-7112. 42130 Highway 41, Oakhurst. Facebook.com/events/497910661578401
Saturday Music by the River featuring Featherbone. Live music, wine, beer and food. Saturday, May 29 at Queen’s Inn Wine Bar & Beer Garden, 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. 559/683-4354, 41139 Highway 41, Oakhurst. Facebook.com/events/130057129084405.
Saturday Night Winery Comedy Tour at Yosemite Wine Tails. A night of comedy and wine. Reservations are available through Eventbrite. May 29, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 559/641-6400, 40409 Highway 41, Oakhurst. Facebook.com/events/312602506932728.
Live Music with Zach Macias at Toca Madera Winery. Great music and wine tasting! Sunday, May 30, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Advance reservations required. 559/474-8286. 36140 Avenue 9, Madera. Facebook.com/events/2555061711467409.
Spring Concert Series featuring John Pemberton at Fäsi Estate Winery. Great music and wine. Sunday, May 30, 12 noon to 3:00 pm. Advance reservations required. 559/822-2111. 42415 Road 208, Friant. Facebook.com/fasicrestwines/posts/4162693047076925.
Memorial Day Avenue of the Flags Ceremonies. Flags go up at 8:00am, ceremony conducted by Colonel Jerry Bosworth Monday, May 3, starts at 10:00 am. 559/683-4845 at Oakhill Cemetery, 40188 Highway 41, Oakhurst.
Want to always be in-the-know about current area happenings? Our local visitors bureau produces a weekly publication called The SKAT. Visit Yosemite Madera County is always up-to-date on information ranging from local events to conditions in Yosemite National Park. Check them out at yosemitethisyear.com.
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