Christmas in the Mountains November 30-December 2 and December 7-9, 2007 “Christmas in the Mountains” is a dual-weekend getaway where you can enjoy the simplicity of Christmas Past in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can experience the joy of Christmas in the communities of Oakhurst, Coarsegold and North Fork on the first two weekends of December. There is something planned for everyone in your family including grandparents, Mom and Dad and all the kids. Our local artisans, crafters, shop keepers and candy makers will be joined by storytellers, gift wrappers and roving carolers and music makers to share our fresh mountain air and hospitality. Come enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the holidays, Christmas Past and a fanciful escape to the mountains. Whether it is for one day, a weekend, or a week, the Southern Yosemite region has something to offer every member of your family. Some of our restaurants and hotels are offering specials to our visitors and locals alike. Paintings of our woodland “critters” will greet motorists along Highway 41 as you arrive in Oakhurst, the center of our mountain area (35 miles north of Fresno on Highway 41). Stores will be participating in a “lights up” decoration contest. Some of our numerous planned activities include our official tree lighting ceremonies on Saturday, December 1, a Breakfast with Santa, Christmas movie matinees, photo ops with Santa and Father Christmas, storytelling hours, shopping for unique and homemade items in our historical park, and shuttle service to Yosemite National Park, as well as roving music makers along the way. Your passport that will open the doors in our shops, hotels and restaurants to special gifts, treats and services is the purchase of a holiday bracelet ($5.00), available at participating stores displaying a pine cone decal in their window. This wonderland event is being sponsored by Vision Academy of the Arts, a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to promote art in the mountain area. This is done through workshops, classes, concerts and programs specifically designed to assist aspiring young artists. Many of the adult artists in the area have “adopted” some of our talented young people, helping them perfect their skills and widen their horizons. Each year, Vision awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing higher education in the arts. Specific dates, locations and times for Christmas in the Mountains events can be found in the official Christmas in the Mountains Guide, which can be picked up in November at participating restaurants, hotels and shops; or click here.