The town of Oakhurst depends on Yosemite tourism.
"We have about 1.3 million visitors every year come through Oakhurst to go into Yosemite."
Dwayne Turpin is with the Sierra Historical Site Association in Oakhurst. The group is organizing the town's Mountain Heritage Days which will be held as scheduled tomorrow and Saturday. Activities include a parade and historical demonstrations.
"We honor our forefathers that created this beautiful area here. Oakhurst was never a gold country it was mainly a lumber company. You'll have an opportunity to see part of the flume that ran for 53 miles down to Madera. You'll have a chance to see models."
This year's event also pays tribute to the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Yosemite Grant Act to protect Yosemite Valley.
Groveland is the site for Saturday's 49er Festival and Chili Cookoff. The Yosemite Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, which includes a pancake breakfast and Main Street parade.
The parade, featuring a tribute to emergency responders, is scheduled to start at 9 a.m., with the festival running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include live music, a chili tasting contest, chain saw carving competition, and live and silent auctions.
The 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant will also be celebrated at the festival.
Event poster:
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