OAKHURST – Don’t miss a special presentation of Ken Burns’s Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit, a documentary film produced to honor the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act.
Signed on June 30, 1864 by President Abraham Lincoln, the Act was created to preserved Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
It was also the first time a government set aside land for public use and enjoyment, gave birth to the National Park idea.
The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and the historic Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst present this special premiere showing on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 4 pm.
The premiere event begins with a one-hour cocktail and appetizer reception with President Lincoln photo ops, followed by the introduction and premiere of the film.
Next, President Lincoln introduces you to one of his favorite pastimes – Melodramatic Theater. The Golden Chain Theatre actors will entertain guests with their mini-Melodrama: The Shagwood Secret (also known as Double Deal at the Dirty Dog Saloon) by Teddy Kelly, where everyone can “boo” the villain, “cheer” for the hero, and “sigh” for the heroine.
“We are excited to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Yosemite with this inspirational film that brings to life an amazing time in America’s conservation history,” says Rhonda Salisbury, Director of Marketing for the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. “We hope that Yosemite lovers far and wide will join us for this unique experience.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, 4 to 12 years. The Golden Chain Theatre is located at 42130 Highway 41 in Oakhurst. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Yosemite Conservancy, the only philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to Yosemite National Park.
For tickets, go to www.goldenchaintheatre.org or call the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau at 559-683-4636.
Numerous 150th Anniversary events will be held in throughout 2014 in Madera County, Yosemite National Park and each of Yosemite’s four gateways to honor President Lincoln’s preservation of Yosemite in an action that paved the way for the creation of the National Park System. To learn more about the anniversary events, go to www.nps.gov/yose/anniversary.
