Event Detail

John Muir Festival 2012

John Muir Festival 2012
For the 3rd year, Big Creek Meadow Ranch, 10551 Smith Station Road, in Groveland is proud to be an event site for the annual John Muir Festival in cooperation with "It's For the People", a non-profit organic produce organization and the John Muir Geotourism Center. Big Creek Meadow Ranch is located at the northern end of the Historic John Muir Route, Highway J132 on Smith Station Road. The historic ranch barn was a stagecoach stop built in 1877 by early pioneers George Sprague and John Smith to serve early visitors to Yosemite Valley along the historic route that John Muir walked when he fell in love with the Sierra, especially Yosemite Valley, now considered the "gem" of the National Park System.

President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in manifesting the park system and came to visit John Muir, the "Father of Yosemite" at Muir's request during the late 1800's. On his way to Yosemite he stayed at Smith's Station Stagecoach Stop #3, now Big Creek Meadow Ranch. Smith's Station Stagecoach Stop #3 was one of a series of change stations along the way to Yosemite designed to change out the stage horses as well as feed and bed the visitors on their way to the park.
Smith's Station Stagecoach Stop, now Big Creek Meadow Ranch will be transformed into a lively festival site focusing on this year's theme, "All Things Muir". There will be a variety of educational opportunities for children and adults to learn more about Nature's flora and fauna inspired by John Muir's legacy. Live music, local artists, fresh organic produce vendors, face-painting, nature booths, hiking, biking, a petting zoo, fresh Tri-tip sandwiches, beverages are just a few of this year's John Muir Festival activities at the corner of Highway 120 and J132 (the Historic John Muir Route). You won't want to miss this fun family event to remember. Vendors and nature booths will be open from 11-4pm. To inquire about vendor opportunities at the John Muir Festival Groveland event site at Big Creek Meadow Ranch call Howard at 209-962-0333 or email surehand@sbcglobal.net for a vendor application.