COARSEGOLD–Since the road to Yosemite (now called Highway 41) was completed in 1876, the rush of travelers coming through Coarsegold has done little to change this quiet village. For 144 years, Coarsegold has been known as a peaceful place to stop and rest while searching for gold.
Coarsegold Changes from Quiet to Bustling over a Weekend
That all changes twice a year, Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends. Coarsegold starts hopping when visitors, sometimes numbering in the thousands, journey to the Coarsegold Peddlers’ Antique and Collectible Show. The annual event is sponsored by the Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce.
Perfect Stop En Route to Yosemite
The park-like setting of Coarsegold Historic Village, at the intersection of Highway 41 and Road 415 beckons visitors from all over the world to stop in on their way to Yosemite’s south entrance. Past fairs have reported attendees from as far away as China, South Korea, Germany and South Africa.
Diane Boland, owner of Coarsegold Historic Village, calls this
“the largest antique show in Madera County, a kickoff to the area’s summer season and the biggest boost to our small businesses’ economy. It remains a family-friendly, wonderful place to visit.”
She developed the event in 1988 and has kept it going strong ever since.
Dates and Hours
The Peddlers’ Show opens on Saturday morning, May 25 at 8 am. It runs daily from 8 am to dusk on Saturday and Sunday. Monday’s hours are 8 am to 3 pm. That offers plenty of time for shoppers and browsers (of all ages) to consider what treasures need to go home with them.
Free Admission
Admission to the Coarsegold Peddlers’ Antique and Collectible Show is free.
Parking Available
On-site parking is available for $5, which covers all three days. Visitors can come and go as many times as they like, a special bonus for local residents. The parking fee pays for rental insurance on the land, as well as the necessary mowing and grading. The additional money goes to a non-profit organization. This year’s recipient is Foothill Church’s youth and young adults organization, as well as the Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.
Something for Everyone
The event provides an opportunity for vendors specializing in antiques and collectibles to display and “peddle” their exotic wares. There’s also plenty of fair food and specialty clothing and decorative items for sale. The show rocks with live music by Phil Miller and his Two Feet In band on Saturday and Sunday.
New This Year
The kids aren’t left out of the fun at Coarsegold Peddlers’ Antique and Collectible Show, either. New this year are a railroad train and a bounce house, so they can get rid of extra energy. In addition to the excellent fair food, this year the show has a Mediterranean food option as well as fish/seafood bowls.
Vendor Spots Still Available through May 24
Vendors, both local and out-of-area bring their wares to gather for a fun, festive and hopefully fruitful weekend. As of now, there’s still room for more. Vendors may submit applications through Friday, May 24 to secure a place at the show. To get on the list, contact Coarsegold Historic Village at (559)683-3900 or call Laura Young, Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce at (559)760-0806. Vendor applications are also available online.
Village Businesses Open Memorial Weekend, Too
In addition to vendors who come temporarily to sell, permanent residents of Coarsegold Historic Village hold their doors open during the weekend, as well. Check out the fine cuisine at Wild Fig Kitchen or the locally-roasted coffee and beverages at Zander’s Coffee. Pay a visit to Rooted Farmers Market Collective, where a multitude of merchants offer a variety of fresh and local products.
Contact for Further Information
For more information about either the Coarsegold Peddlers’ Antique & Collectible Show or Coarsegold Village, contact them at (559)683-3900 or email them at CoarsegoldVillage@gmail.com.
Photos courtesy of Coarsegold Historic Village, Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce and Sierra News Online archives