Annual Events
In the tradition of keeping the community informed on local events and happenings, from Triathalons to visits from Santa Claus, here is a list of the Motherlode area's annual events.
January
Copper Run CopperopolisThe two mile run starts in the morning. Also a half mile race for ages 5-12. Race will be held at Blackcreek Park, off Little John Rd, in Copperopolis. Call 785 2236 or 785 2393 for more info.
February
Omega Nu rummage sale At Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Admission is free. Proceeds benefit scholarships and women in need in Tuolumne County. For more information call 209 536-0524
Orient Express Run Chinese Camp is sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Chinese Camp. Proceeds benefit Tuolumne County Special Olympics. For more info call 586 4802
Annual Nordic Holiday Race- Yosemite Badger Bass Enjoy great skiing and crazy costumes at this fun two day annual event. 18km classic race, a downhill telemark race, and a 38km freestyle race to scenic Glacier Point and back.
Gold Rush Days 2nd Saturday of each month in Columbia State Historic Park. Many special exhibits open and hands-on activities throughout the day. Park docents in period attire lead programs throughout the park. Call 209 588-9128
March
Vocal Jazz Festival at Held at Columbia College. Several renown professional artists, evening concerts, hands-on clinics and workshops. Award winning jazz singers with an emphasis on jazz education and inspiration. For information call 209 588-5211
The 2008 Celtic Faire Held at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds. A fantastic line up of musicians, crafts and costumes. Website
Jamestown Run The annual Jamestown Run at Jamestown School. A two-mile run will begin at 8:30 am followed by the 10K race at 9 am. For entry information call 984-5217, ext. 108.
Home Garden and Recreation Show Held in Mother Lode Fairgrounds. More than 100 businesses are participate, admission is free, shuttle from The Junction.
Murphys Irish Days Murphys events include a pancake breakfast, silent auction, children´s activities marching bands and live entertainment. Parade at 11am. Call 728 8471 for information. Website
Gem and Jewelry Show at Calaveras County Fairgrounds Exhibit cases, demonstrations, silent auction, crafts for kids. Venders sell beads, tools and supplies for making jewelry, plus minerals, meteorites, fossils, gems, rocks and beautiful Jewelry. More about Rockhounding.
April
Railtown 1897 State Park Opening Opening Weekend is the first weekend in April for Railtown's regular Steam Train Operating Season! Join us for train rides departing hourly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, plus music, roundhouse tours, and an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social. More about Railtown
Victorian Easter Parade, Old-fashioned parade and egg hunt at Columbia State Historic Park. Contact the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, 536-1672.
There is also a lovely Easter event at Railtown and a Sunrise service at Bear Valley Ski Resort. Other Easter Egg hunts in several of the towns through out the area.
Old Mill Run (Columbia) Adult & kids races. Sponosored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sonora. Proceeds will benefit the Tuolumne County Community Christmas Dinner. Race day registration starts at 7am. Call 209 586-4802 or 532-0230 for more info.
Relay for Life Walk Tuolumne County Relay for Life will be at the main athletic field at Summerville High School. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours. A ceremony of light will take place at sundown to symbolize the hope and perseverance with which we all continue to fight. Calaveras Relay for life walk is at Bret Harte High School. Hop right on down, cuz we´re Hoppin´ 4 A Cure.
May
Annual Columbia Fireman's Muster volunteer fire crews from around the western United States travel to Columbia State Historic Park to participate in a variety of events designed to test their skills in modern and historic fire fighting endeavors. Hose cart races, bucket brigade competition and hand pumper contests are just a few of the events scheduled. Website
Motherlode Round-up. It is a "hometown reunion that celebrates and pays tribute to our regional agricultural heritage and the Possemen in our past..." says Al O'Brien of the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Posse. "Break out your boots and Stetsons and celebrate Mother's Day with us Round-up style." held on the main street of Sonora and at the Motherlode fair grounds.
The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee Third weekend in May starts with a children's parade in downtown Angels Camp and ends with a Destruction Derby on Sunday evening. Four days with livestock shows, horse events, music, fun and of course, the Frog Jumps.
Annual Spring Garden Tour UCCE Tuolumne County Master Gardeners present gardening tips, advice, fun kid projects and much more, third Sunday in May by Casina High School
Angels Camp Triathlon 1000 yard swim, 16 mile bike, and 4 mile run starting at New Melones Reservoir that concludes with a great barbecue at Utica Park. The winning times are just under an hour and half. For more about New Melones Reservoir.
Farmers Markets/ Flea Markets
Sonora Farmers Market Mid May to Mid October from 7:30am - 11:30am every Saturday in the parking lot at Stewart and Theall streets in downtown Sonora. Seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, pies, coffee,cheeses and lots more. call 532-7725 for more information
Twain Harte Farmers Market Beginning of June to Beginning of September from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each Friday at Eproson Park. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, gourmet food and fresh bread in addition to crafts and home made salsas and nursery products. Call the THCC at 209 586-4482 for more information
Tuolumne Village Farmers Market Fir Ave. between Pine & Main Streets June - Oct Wed 4:00 - 8:30 pm Melitta Varosy (209) 928-4351
Arnold/Cedar Center Farmers Market Sundays at 10am during the season. Contact Cedar Center Merchants Association 209-588-0999
Angels Camp Farmers Market All summer long every Friday from 5 to dusk in the Visitors Center parking lot on the corner of Main Street and Hardscrabble. A Certified Farmers Market featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, coffee drinks, baked goods and snacks. Call (209) 736-1333 for more information.
Jamestown Farmers Market Mid June to Late October 4:00pm - 7:00 pm each Thursday at Roca Park in downtown Jamestown
Groveland Flea Market April from 8:00am - 2:00pm Saturday's at Mary Laveroni Community Park. For more information call 209 962-0323
June
Fathers Day Fly-In at the Columbia Airport Displays of antique, classic and experimental air craft. Not only do the father's enjoy the event, the fly-in has several activities for young future pilots as well. Most memorable: a race between a race car and an airplane, the popular flour bombing (pilots drop a paper bag of four at a target from 100 feet) In the past there has been a pancake breakfast and tri-tip dinner.
Movies in the Pines- Twain Harte Presented by Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce every Friday night, during the summer months. Located on the Rotary Stage at Eproson Park, movies start at dusk. Bring chairs and blankets, mosquito repellent and a jacket. Movie is free, candy and popcorn can be purchased. Website
Strawberry Music Festival The Strawberry Music Festival takes place at Camp Mather two times each year, over the Memorial and Labor Day weekends. The festival features a wide range of musical acts representing many different musical genres including americana, bluegrass, swing, rock, blues and gospel. You will find a list of the acts for the current year's festivals at Website
Tuolumne Lumber Jubilee In the town of Tuolumne, celebrate the logging industry with contests, games, carnival, crafts, fair, parade, arm wrestling, loggers´ tug-of-war and queen coronation. call (209) 928-3848 Website
Passport Weekend Calaveras Wine Association sponsors, food, music, winery tours and wine tastings. This is a three day event but you are welcome to attend all or just one or two days as you wish. Proceeds benefit scholarships for students of Calaveras and Bret Harte High Schools. call 866-806-WINE Website
July
The Mother Lode Fair Four days at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Lots of exhibits, handiwork, and a different grandstand show each day. Website
Bear Valley Music FestivalEnd of July early August, each day of the week for two weeks, the Bear Valley Music Festival will be presenting a sparkling array of artists. From Classical to Jazz , from Big Band to the Supremes, there will truly be something for everyone. Website
Fourth of July Celebrations At Ironstone, they claim to be "The most impressive fireworks display around!" but they do have to compete with Lake Don Pedro, which puts on an equally magnificent display. True Ironstone has live music, plenty of great food and drink and fun activities for the whole family. Website
August
Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree Come to the Friends of the Logging Museum's Annual Logging Jamboree At White Pines Lake near Arnold. There will be activities for everyone ranging from axe throwing and log sawing for the adults to a variety of things for the kids. Call 728-1407 for more information. Website
Bear Valley Triathlon Sunday, the day before Labor Day, Bear ValleyTriathlon is a 600 yard swim, 10.5 mile bike, 3.4 mile run. The course is hilly but incredibly scenic. Wet suits allowed but are not necessary.
September
Foothill Farmlands Arts Festival Celebrate Art, Music, Micro-brews and locally grown delicacies from Sierra Nevada foothill farms and ranches as well as the Stanislaus National Forest. Call 209 532-2787 or visit their website
Sonora International Jousting Championships Festival Several musical groups, fire eaters, jugglers, magicians Pirate Ball and more. Tickets at the gate or in advance for a slightly reduced price. For more info call 588 9314 or visit their website
The annual five day "Yosemite Facelift" The annual event is organized by the Yosemite Climbing Association to help clean the park after the long and busy summer season. Volunteers are needed to pick up littler along roadways, the river corridor, on trails, near climbing routes, and in parking, camping and lodging areas.
Concours D' Elegance in Murphys Car lovers will love the Concours D' Elegance in Murphys. The annual event at Ironstone Vineyards helps raise money for local and statewide 4-H and State Fair scholarship programs.
Wing Ding Car Show The Annual Wing Ding Car Show is at a new location at the Junction Shopping Center. Listen to music all day, enjoy a kid's area, and stomp some grapes. Car Show Trophy $100, with numerous categories available. Grape stompers must pre-register, as there are a limited number of team spaces available call 532-4212 or visit Website
Annual Acorn Festival The Tuolumne Band of Mi Wuk Indians host, activities include a celebration of the black oak acorn harvest, traditional dancers, Indian tacos, deep pit bbq and Native American arts and crafts. All are welcome and the event is Free. For information call 209 928-3475
October
Wine Stomp Stomping competitions, costume contests, silent auction and wine tasting will be featured. Check out this news article about it. Every year on the first Saturday in October you will find a crowd gathered to watch and take part in the Annual October Wine Stomp. The event celebrates harvest and the rich wine industry of Calaveras County.Website
Pine Mountain Lake 49er Festival with a parade on Main Street and celebration at Wayside Park, home of the community library museum.
There are many Trick or Treat streets, and haunted houses through out the area. Check the calendar during this time of year.
November
Salmon Duathlon and 5K Run The run takes place at 9am in Knights Ferry. The Salmon Duathlon and 5K Run are two separate competitions that will benefit the preservation of the natural spawning habitat in Stanislaus River. Give Salmon a chance! For more info call 795 7832
Festival of Trees Black Tie Gala Soroptimist International of Calaveras County sponsor a dinner dance and auction at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys. The annual fund raiser supports many exciting community programs, college scholarships, grants, the Touching Lives program and much more. Event typically sells out early so call for reservations 209 736-1947.
December
Lots of gift fairs, tree lightings and parades through out the area.
Santa Fly-In Santa takes a moment out of his busy schedule to touch down in Standard park for pictures. Food and Coat donations are collected for local charity as well.
Twain Harte Winter Wonderland Parade Downtown Twain Harte, Christmas carols will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the town tree and parade at 6 p.m. Santa?´s arrival will conclude the parade. Parking at the Twain Harte School.
Columbia State Historic Park Holiday Events Candy Cane Making, Lamplight Tour, All Equestrian Christmas Parade, A Miner's Christmas with costumed interpreters recreate the mining camp of the 1850s as homesick miners roast chestnuts and hot cider, and perform live music for park visitors. Merry Merchants, Greet Father Christmas and receive a gift from the Merry Merchants. Shop in the tradition of times gone by listen to carolers and Christmas songs performed by local children & stories told by local storytellers and Las Posados, a nativity procession with a Mexican and gold rush era flavor in this popular event. The streets are lined with candle filled paper bags as the participants stroll down Main Street to the "manger" located between State and Jackson Streets.
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