Stay l Play l Dine l Shop l Explore
Explore Sonora and you’ll never forget the Experience!
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Sonora EXPLORE
reamcation.com
Winter/Spring 2010
The Mother Lode Fair
Sonora Spring Festival
Mother Lode Roundup
Columbia Diggins
Cover: Blue World Photos
24th
Annual
S o n o r a C e lt i c Fa ire
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www.sonorachamber.com Celebrating Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales: March 12th - 14th
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EXPLORE
Kayomi Utsumi, D.C., L.Ac. Gentle Japanese Style Acupuncture
Acupuncture harmonizes and balances Qi, which is the vital energy or life force that runs through your body.
(209) 694-6701
51 N. Washington St. Sonora CA 95370 1/2 Block North of the Sonora Veterans Hall
‘Step back in time when life was simpler!’
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he Candy Vault, located in the heart of Sonora (in the historic National Bank Building), is an old-fashioned candy store offering a wide range of confections, licorice, chocolates and even ice cream.
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e carry hard to find nostalgic sweets from long-established candy makers as well as the latest delights from new and specialty confectioners.
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hare the joy of the Candy Vault with your kids or even just the kid in you!
Open Weekdays 10 am - 7 pm & Weekends 10 am - 9 pm 42 S. Washington Strett, Sonora, CA 95370 Bulk Candy • Fine Chocolates • Organic Chocolates • Old-Fashioned Soda in Glass Bottles • Novelty Toys & Gifts 2
www.exploresonora.com
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Sonora contents MAGAZINE
CONCEPT, DESIGN & PRODUCTION Paul Bell ADVERTISING SALES The Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Christine Tuohy Paul Bell Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce Sonora Celtic Faire/sonoracelticfaire.com motherloderoundup.com PHOTOGRAPHS Blue World Photos Paul Bell Sonora Celtic Faire/sonoracelticfaire.com COVER PHOTOGRAPH The Bubble Fairy, a.k.a. Lynette Lynch, is a Bubble Artist who spreads love and joy at many Renaissance Festivals and Faires around Northern California. She captures the hearts and imaginations of both young and old with her magical, colorful spheres. Learn more about her at www. bubblefairy.com.
THE HISTORIC SONORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Voice of Commerce, Culture & Community
Mailing Address P.O. Box 884 Sonora, CA 95370 Tel/Fax: 209-588-9625 WEBSITE: www.sonorachamber.com E-MAIL: hscc@um.att.com The Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization representing the community of Sonora. As the Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce, we concentrate our marketing efforts within the Greater Sonora area. The Chamber of Commerce is also dedicated to raising the awareness of the Sonora area through tourism, and markets the area as a tourism destination.
4 EXPLORE SONORA FINDS Blue World Botanicals introduces ‘Bath Cupcakes’ to ease your day with a refreshing and playful bath experience. 4 DREAMCATION DEALS Here’s an opportunity to visit Tuolumne County and save money and have fun! 5 LETTERS FROM SONORA Elizabeth Gunn (The Gunn House Hotel) writes about her arrival in Sonora in 1851. 6-7 THE GOOD LIFE Explore the areas finer and fun retailers and experience the joy of shopping in a small town. 8-9 DREAMCATION EVENTS CALENDAR Discover what you love to do in the small towns of Tuolumne County. 10 SOMETHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN The Candy Vault opens to thunderous applause. It’s more than just a candy store, it’s an experience. 12 VINTAGE YOSEMITE Yosemite captured in early 20th century photographs, celebrating 120 years in 2010 as a National Park and a California tourist attraction. 13 DISCOVERIES - FOOD Outlaws BarBQ and Steakhouse introduces a burger to beat all burgers! 14 EVERYTHING’S JUST DUCKY Little Rubber Ducky Bath Toys catch on and make waves for a good cause. 16 GHOSTWALKING JAMESTOWN Part two of our ghostwalk leads us to the National Hotel in Jamestown. 16 EXPLORING JAMESTOWN Gentlemen and Ladies, you may smoke!
EXPLORE SONORA is a joint publication of The Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce and Paul Bell l Marketing Solutions. Every effort has been made to insure that all information contained herein is accurate at the time of publication, but neither entity assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions and changes.
Publication Design and Production
PAUL BELL l MARKETING SOLUTIONS PO Box 5572, Sonora, CA 95370 759050850
www.paulbell.biz/info@paulbell.biz
THE CITY OF Sonora’s
Historic Downtown Sonora
Spring Festival
Saturday April 24 th 11am to 4 pm 3
www.sonorachamber.com Enjoy events for kids, live music, street performers, dancing, food & fun. 209-532-7725; www.sonoraca.com
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the good life
fashion, home & garden
Twice a year there is a flurry of activity, not only in the • APPAREL • SHOES store, but as the • ACCESSORIES gathering storm surrounds design• MANICURES er Joseph Ribkoff’s semi-annual ‘Trunk • PEDICURES Show’ at Joan’s Bou• FACIALS • WAXING tique. Ribkoff representative Benjamin • BEAUTY Zoldan and his asPRODUCTS sistants deliver this new and now hugely popular semi-annual event to Sonora. Women respond Image courtesy Joseph Ribkoff with anticipation, delight and satisfaction OPEN 7 DAYS at these shows. To have this internation108 South Washington Street ally reknowned designer present his fall Downtown Sonora xploring Downtown Sonora will and spring lines to this community is a 209.588.8899 likely reveal a pleasant surprise that rare and unusual treat. you might not be expecting to find Joan’s store has been a fixture of the in such a small town. Joan’s Boutique at 52 community for years and it’s difficult to S. Washington St. is owned and personally find women of any age who don’t shop attended to by Joan Richardson who’s been there for that very special discovery, ooking for a spot for clothing? a retail merchant for more than two de- whether clothing and accessories or just Then think green! The Green Spot cades. her pleasant company during any hour of Boutique in Jamestown has racks her very long retail day and week, which upon racks of new, vintage, and gently never seems to deter her from her posi- used clothing to enhance your closet. tive, friendly and out-going demeanor.
Joan’s Boutique
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The Green Spot Boutique
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What is quickly revealed is Joan’s and her pleasant staff’s readiness to please every customer and their attendant spouse or significant other. Everyone is made to feel comfortable. Which is exactly what small towns are all about.
The Green Spot Boutique
Joan’s Boutique has been voted ‘The Best Woman’s Boutique/Clothing Store’ for four years in a row in the Union Democrat’s annual reader’s poll. Visit Joan’s Boutique in person or online at: www.joansboutique.com.
Joan Richardson behind the counter during the Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show
Joan’s Boutique 52 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-1550 www.joansboutique.com
18202 Main Street • Jamestown • CA • 95327 • Phone • 209.984.0584 • stogiesatcoppercreek.com
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www.exploresonora.com Premium Cigars & Tobacco Accessories for Men & Women
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Insuring our community since 1987 Business • Home • Auto Life • Health • Bonds (209) 533-0234
ping. Everything your heart desires is jingle spurs, get a taste of the Old West here! in Sonora at Let ‘er Buck! You can set an entire table with the Let ‘er Buck! toile linens, dishes, glassware and rustic Let ‘er Buck Western Wear tapers in your newly garden themed 36 S. Washington St. dining room, fit your baby with essential Sonora, CA 95370 and super cute clothing and furniture, (209) 533-1144 The Green Spot also carries a variety then call it a night in your new nightof jewelry, purses, shoes, and even bath gown after a bath with beautifully scentproducts to cater to the pampered girl ed soaps from France. Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store in all of us. They’ve also got a great seBella Vie in Sonora is the perfect délection of clothing for babies and tod- cor store for all your nesting needs! dlers. In the near future they’ll be carrying gift items and purses made from La Bella Vie recycled clothing. 181 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370-4714 Come visit downtown Jamestown, (209) 536-0707 and when you start seeing spots, you know you’ll save some green! Be good to the earth and good to your pocketbook at the same time by browsing the great selection of clothing at the newest store to hit downtown Jamestown. Recently opened, The Green Spot has what a lot of recycled clothing stores lack - sizes that fit us ‘normal sized’ women!
The Green Spot Boutique 18206 Main Street Jamestown, CA 95327 209-984-5920 www.thegreenspotboutique.com
Let ‘er Buck Western Wear
La Bella Vie
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xperience a bit of the Beautiful Life right here in downtown Sonora! Bella Vie, at 181 S. Washington Street, is an eclectic home and design center featuring furniture, bedding, bath, and gift items.
Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store
Walking into Bella Vie feels like you’re stepping into a fragrant, shabby chic bit of the Left Bank of Paris, and it’s quite easy to lose track of time whilst shopLa Bella Vie
W Let ‘er Buck!
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an I get a “Yeee Hawww”? There’s a new clothing store in town, partner! Let ‘er Buck just rode into town, offering up a fine selection of Western wear to please the cowboy or cowgirl in you. From hats and boots for everyday wear, to glitter and glitz rodeo style, Let ‘er Buck has just what you need. Don’t forget the little Buckaroos! Billy can ride off into the sunset on his new plush rocking horse, while Sally can start her own mini ranch with a classic Breyer horse. Need a leather purse or a saddlebag holster for your cell phone? This is the place! Belts to bolo ties, jeans to www.sonorachamber.com
e’ve all had those moments when we’re cooking and, reading over the recipe, we realize that we don’t have… a citrus zester. Or an egg separator, a ladle, parchment paper… You get my point. Scowling at our flat meringue, scalded soup, and burnt cookies, we realize a kitchen upgrade is desperately needed. Well never fear, it’s Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store to the rescue! If you’re just plain tired of your hand-me-down measuring cups, or you’re making crème brulee and need ramekins and a torch, this is the place to go. Shelves and shelves of “why didn’t I think of that?” items are waiting for your curious eyes. So if you’re tired of snipping the corner of a baggie to make scruffy looking cupcake frosting, it’s time to revamp your kitchen at Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store! Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store 98 S. Washington St. (209) 588-1400 5
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explore sonora
theatre
As the summertime sun begins to shine in Sonora, what better way to kick off the warm weather than with a Neil Simon comedy classic? “The Sunshine he new year has begun, and with it Boys” is a sidesplitting tale of a retired comes opportunities to broaden Vaudevillian team who haven’t spoken a our minds, horizons, and add a little cul- word to each other in 11 years, but are ture and humor to our lives. now reunited to perform on national The first play of the new season is “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue, winner of two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play. The Foreigner is a story set in rural Georgia, a peaceful place until Charlie and Froggy show up.
Little Theatre Big Heart
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What transpires is a hairbrained scheme to get the girl and charm the socks off everyone in town without speaking a word of English. Comedy is the name of the game in this play! As the change of season sets in, drama is next on the plate with “The Grapes of Wrath”. We read the John Steinbeck novel in school, now it’s off to the theatre to see it on the stage. It’s the classic story of the Joad family, displaced from their home and stripped of everything but their dignity. Their journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to the Promised Land of California is an affirmation of the resilient strength and goodness that lies in the hearts of the “common man”.
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www.exploresonora.com
television. These two old timers can barely stand to be in the same room together, and what ensues is Neil Simon at his wisecracking best! The Foreigner Jan. 29th - March 7th. The Grapes of Wrath April 16 - May 23 The Sunshine Boys July 2- August 1st
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The
Historic
Hotel Choice in Sonora
SONORA DAYS INN
In the Heart of Historic Sonora, California. Close to shops, restaurants, live theater and many popular area attractions for the entire family. Sonora Days Inn Hotel & Room Amenities • Wireless High Speed Internet • Coffee Maker in Room • Complimentary newspapers • Complimentary toiletries • Free local calls • 24 Hour Front Desk • Free Parking Outdoor/Disabled • Free Local Phone Calls • Golf, Tennis, Fitness nearby • Handicap Facilities • No Smoking Rooms and Facilities • Rooftop Pool • Television with Cable • Business Services • Voicemail/Data in all rooms
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ur Historic Hotel has traditional furnishings while the Annex has contemporary furnishings.
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n every guestroom you’ll find coffee and tea makers and HBO.
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ll rooms in our Annex and the suites and efficiency rooms in the historic hotel have irons and ironing boards, in-room refrigerators and microwave ovens. For a small fee, pets are welcome in designated rooms.
Sonora Celtic Faire ROOM SPECIALS FROM $49.00* 209.532.2400
sonora
reflections
O
ne amazing thing that’s come out of our current economy is the enjoyment of simpler things in life. We’ve put the exotic European cruises on the back burner, jumped in the car and headed of on the “Explore our own backyard” tours. Sonora is a perfect town to have such an experience. It’s a small, hilly, historic wonderland, with an array of church spires, stone walled shops, hardwood floors, and the occasional sound of horse hooves pounding the pavement. (sometimes accompanied by gunfire by the Sheriff’s Posse, but that’s another story…) It’s like stepping back into the Old West, but with a modern twist. Like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. Sonora’s the perfect place to spend the day, with friendly merchants, helpful locals, and the skies just seem… bluer up here. From the Historic Gunn House Hotel at the South end of the street, all the way up to the Historic Red Church at the North end, you’ll find an abundance of food, shopping, history, and plenty of photo opportunities, all steeped in Gold Rush history. Plus there’s always something going on, from Magic of the Night, to the Spring Festival, to the Tuolumne County Fair. Did you know that the Mother Lode Round-up Parade in Sonora is the second largest parade in California? There’s also the Sonora Celtic Faire, which was the first of its kind in all of North America. A lot of history can be found here beyond just the Gold Rush. continued on page 8
PLUS TAX/PER ROOM LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Sonora Days Inn 160 S. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370 Phone: 209-532-2400 Fax: 209-532-4542 www.daysinnsonora.com
www.sonorachamber.com
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voices
health & well-being
8 Reasons To Try Acupuncture
ing through these pathways, Qi provides nourishment, support, and energy to every cell, tissue, muscle, and organ.
1. Acupuncturists view each person as a dynamic and holistic being. Every atom, cell, tissue, and organ is interrelated and interconnected, functioning as an integrated whole. 2. Acupuncture helps to awaken and energize the self-healing and regenerating capacity of the body.
When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires to function optimally.
Kayomi Utsumi, D.C., L.Ac.
3. Acupuncture can be used as preventative medicine. 4. Acupuncture can help support and strengthen the immune system. 5. Acupuncture can assist with drug recovery, alcohol addiction, and quitting smoking. 6. Acupuncture can treat over 50 Western medical diseases, disorders, and symptoms, including pain, arthritis, infertility, headaches, allergies, and high blood pressure.
An imbalance of Qi can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, anger, insomnia, infertility, and a multitude of other health concerns. When Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as allergens, bacteria, and viruses.Your Acupuncturist will work to restore the balance and flow of Qi by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along your body.
Acupuncture is an effective, natural, 7. Acupuncture has treated billions of safe, drug free, and painless alternative. people over the past 3,000 years. 8. Acupuncture works!
Kayomi Utsumi, Acupuncturist nlike Western Medicine, an Acuin historic downtown Sonora, offers puncturist does not treat just gentle Japanese symptoms and signs, but instead style acupuncture, activates the bodies natural healing potraditional Chinese tential by treating the root causes that style, Moxibustion, have lead to the problem or disease. Gwa Sha, Cupping, Auricular AcupuncAcupuncture and Chinese medicine is ture and Herbal completely natural. No drugs are ever Medicine. As a used. They can be used to strengthen, second-generation support, and balance overall health and well-being. Acupuncture and Chinese healer, Kayomi has practiced alternamedicine is over 3,000 years old, and has tive healing in several countries and is helped millions of people become well also a Chiropractor. and stay healthy. Kayomi Utsumi, D.C., L.Ac. Gentle Japanese Style Acupuncture The Chinese concept of Qi (pro(209) 694-6701 nounced “chee”) is similar to the West51 N. Washington Street ern concept of the immune system. Qi Sonora CA 95370 circulates throughout the body within a 1/2 Block North of the Sonora Veteran’s Hall series of pathways called meridians. Flow-
U Sonora just has a particular ‘vibe’ to it, as if you can feel the warmth and history that surrounds you as you stand on Washington Street. All that under an abundant blue sky. That’s my kind of road trip. Christine Tuohy Blue World Photos, Sonora
Celebrate the City of Sonora Spring Festival! in Downtown Sonora The Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce Presents A Grant A Wish Fundraiser Supporting Our Local Schools
Saturday, April 24th, 2010 10 am - 3 pm
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www.exploresonora.com
24 t h A n n ua l
EXPLORE
E X P L O R E
California’s Oldest & Largest Celtic Faire • Celebrating Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales
Sonora Celtic Faire March 1 2 , 1 3
Family Day • Friday, March 12th Opening Night Bash
&
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Mother Lode Fairgrounds Sonora, California
March 12th
7 Stages of Entertainment
Music • Jugglers • Fire Eaters • Story Tellers • Stage Acts Irish Step Dancing • Street Performers • Belly Dancers
Mary Queen of Scot’s Royal Court
Modern Clans • Scottish Games • Celtic Living History Callanish Pipe Band • Thistle Pipe Band • Ripon Pipe Band Knights Jousting
The Wicked Tinkers
on Horseback
Fencing • Longbow • Archery Molly’s Revenge • Wicked Tinkers • Need Fire • Sligo Rags Music Black Irish Band • Golden Bough • 1916 • Nine 8ths Irish Vendors 80 plus specialty artisans Drink Ale • Beer • Wine • Whiskey Tasting Food
sweets & savories
Enter To Win Celtic Faire Tix
reamcation.com Visit us on Facebook
Molly’s Revenge
Times & Tickets...available online at www.sonoracelticfaire.com/store SUNDAY March 14
SATURDAY March 13
FRIDAY March 12
Closing Day 10am - 5pm Opening Day 10am - 10pm Family Day 9am - 3pm Stu./Sen.,& Active Military $18/Adv./Gate Stu./Sen.,& Active Military $18/Adv./Gate $5/Kids (6-10) $10/Adults $10/Kids (6-10) 5 & under are free! $10/Kids (6-10) 5 & under are free! Opening Night Bash Adults/$18/Advance, $20/Gate Adults/$18/Advance, $25/Gate 7pm - to Close $30/Adults The Opening Night Bash Tickets Include FREE Apetizers! Consider Everything Pass for everything ! The Everything Pass (available in advance only) includes everything the Faire has to offer. Admission to Family Day and the kickoff party .00 on Friday, plus Saturday and Sunday admission. SAVE $34 off the gate price for individual adult tickets! 3 Days/$50 www.sonorachamber.com The Sonora Celtic Faire Program is published by Explore Sonora Magazine, Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce & The Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
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Map & Events
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www.exploresonora.com
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Map & Events
www.sonorachamber.com
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Plan your
Dreamcation
X Pbelow LOR above the fogEand theE clouds and experience everything Tuolumne County has to offer you!
Enjoy the last breath of winter or leap into spring by visiting Tuolumne County for a one, two or three night stay from February to June 2010.
W i n te r & S p r i n g E v e n t s Theater
Jan. 29th - March 7th
Voted the Best Bed and Breakfast in Tuolumne and Calaveras Countites, the McCaffrey House, in Twain Harte, has created a memorable experience of comfort, blended with culinary excellence in a setting that is social and intimate —
Stage 3 Theatre Company The Foreigner (209) 536-1778 “The Foreigner” is a story set in rural Georgia, a peaceful place until Charlie and Froggy show up. What transpires is a hairbrained scheme to get the girl and charm the socks off everyone in town without speaking a word of English. Comedy is the name of the game in this play!
February 6th - March 28th
Sierra Repertory Theatre Guys and Dolls (209) 532-3120 Broadway’s Big winner! On the side streets of NYC, small-time gambler Nathan Detroit bets his big-time pal Sky Masterson that he can’t win over the next doll he sees. When she’s neighborhood missionary Sarah Brown, the stage is set for high-rolling fun.
March 26th -April 18th
Pet Friendly
Sierra Repertory Theatre Dial M for Murder (209) 532-3120 A former tennis player, accus-
Win your own Dreamcation! Register online to win your own Dreamcation in Tuolumne County! visit dreamcation.com for details
A Park Not Just a Place to Park.
tomed to a lavish lifestyle made possible by his marriage to a wealthy heiress, plots the perfect murder. But his plans take a turn when his wife refuses to play the part of the victim. Suspense, humor and unexpected surprises come together for a perfect catand-mouse thriller.
April 16th - May 23rd
Stage 3 Theatre Company The Grapes of Wrath (209) 536-1778 From the John Steinbeck novel, it’s the classic story of the Joad family, displaced from their home and stripped of everything but their dignity. Their journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to the Promised Land of California is an affirmation of the resilient strength and goodness that lies in the hearts of the “common man”.
April 23rd -May 16th
Family Oriented • Dog Friendly RVs • Tents • Cabins Visit Historic Quarry & Columbia State Historic Park marblequarry.com 12 1-866-MQRVING
Sierra Repertory Theatre SHIPWRECKED: An Entertainment (209) 532-3120 The adventurous Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his spellbinding story of bravery, survival and celebrity. He dares you to be whisked away to the high seas,
populated by exotic islanders, flying wombats and a monstrous man-eating octopus. His tales captivated Victorian England, now hear them for yourself!
May 14th - June 20th
Sierra Repertory Theatre STAND BY YOUR MAN: The Tammy Wynette Story (209) 532-3120 The first lady of country music will warm your heart as she relives her journey from Mississippi cotton fields to international superstar. With comic flare, Tammy recounts triumphs and tragedies, and explores her relationships with five husbands, her beloved daughters, her strong-willed mother and dearest friends.
May 27th - 31st
Strawberry Spring Music Festival 209-984-8630 The year will be the 29th year of the Strawberry Music Festival. Check out this years lineup at www.strawberrymusic.com.
June 6th
Concert in the Vines La Bella Rosa Vineyards 209-694-1063 Come spend a summer afternoon tasting fine wine and hors d’oeuvres and listening to wonderful music in a beautiful shaded lakeside setting.
Special Events March 12th - 14th
24th Annual Sonora Celtic Faire Mother Lode Fairgrounds (209) 533-4420 June 25th -August 15th Come experience California’s OldSierra Repertory Theatre est and Largest Celtic Faire feaThe Marvelous Wonderettes turing Knights jousting on horse(209) 532-3120 back, fencing, modern clans, Off-Broadway’s brand new smash! Celtic living history, archery, food When the band doesn’t show at and drink, Jugglers, Fire Eaters, Springfield High’s prom, The Won- Story Tellers, and Dancers. derettes -- Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy -- step in to save the March 27th day. The girls belt out 50s favorites Columbia State Historic Park like “It’s My Party,” “Mr. Sandman” “160th Columbia Day Celebration” and “It’s In His Kiss”. You’ve never (209) 588-9128 had this much fun at a prom! 160 years ago, gold was discovered in Columbia. This discovery July 2nd - August 1st changed the land forever when Stage 3 Theatre Company thousand of gold seekers came to The Sunshine Boys the area to “strike it rich”. Come (209) 536-1778 help us celebrate this monumenCome see the sidesplitting tale of tal event in our history. a retired Vaudevillian team who haven’t spoken a word to each April 3rd - 4th other in 11 years, but are now Railtown 1897 - “Opening Weekend” reunited to perform on national (209)984-3953 television. These two old timers Opening Weekend for Railtown’s can barely stand to be in the same regular 2010 Steam Train Operating room together, much less perform Season! The newly restored Sierra #3 together. What ensues is Neil Si- is expected to debut this weekend, mon at his wisecracking best! with events, live music, and more!
Music
April 24th
February 5th - 6th
Columbia College Jazz Series Big Band Jazz Festival - 7:30pm (209) 588-5211 The best of Big Band jazz featuring Paul Contos, Bob Secor, Marvin McFadden, Clint Day, Jim Anderson, and Mario Flores. All tickets are reserved seating.
March 5th - 6th
Columbia College Jazz Series Vocal Jazz Festival - 7:30pm (209) 588-5211 Fabulous jazz in an intimate theater, featuring Don Shelton, Clockwork, Phil Mattson, Barbara Morrison, Clint Day, and Horns o’ Plenty. All tickets are reserved seating.
33rd Annual Sonora Spring Festival (209) 532-7725 Stroll historic downtown Sonora and listen to live music while watching a variety of artisans and crafters show off their talents. And don’t miss the Disco Boogie Carwash sponsored by the Historic Sonora Chamber.
May 8th
53rd Mother Lode Roundup Parade (209) 928-9318 Break out your boots and Stetsons and celebrate Mother’s Day weekend Round-Up style! This year marks the 53rd Annual Mother Lode Round-Up in historic Sonora. Saturday’s parade at 10 am is recognized as the second largest
parade in California.
May 15th - October 16th
Sonora’s Certified Farmer’s Market Saturdays 7:30am-11:30am (209) 532-7725 Enjoy farm fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, nuts, breads and coffees, jams, honey, pastries, and more. Located at the parking lot on Stewart Street.
June 6
Where The Hell is Groveland Car Show Mary Lavaroni Community Park, Groveland near Yosemite This annual car show brings in over 150 unique and antique cars to our little park. The all day event includes raffles, food, auctions and is a fund raiser for Groveland area schools. Car buffs will love this one! 9am to 5pm.
June 17th - 20th
61st Tuolumne Lumber Jubilee Downtown Tuolumne City 209-743-6796 Four glorious days of merriment and lumber education. Eat, drink, dance, & be merry to your heart’s content. Queen coronation, a parade, carnival rides, car show, Old Tractor Show, vendors, and children’s events and Logging Events.
June 25th - 27th
Mother Lode Fair (209) 532-7428 Mother Lode Fair is attended by over 20,000 who look forward to the fun and excitement. Entertainment, concerts, food, music and a carnival mid-way contribute to this annual event.
Dreamcation Prize Donors
All Seasons Groveland Inn Best Western Sonora Oaks Black Oak Casino/Seven Sisters Darlene’s Vacation Cabins Dodge Ridge Evergreen Lodge Forever Resorts Houseboats Gunn House Hotel Inns of California Lazy Z Resort Leland High Sierra Snowplay Marble Quarry RV Park McCaffrey House B&B Outlaws Restaurant Pinecrest Chalet Sierra Repertory Theatre Sonora Days Inn Stage 3 Theatre Company Wildwood Inn
Visit dreamcation.com to begin planning your DREAMCATION in our year-round playland!
Discover your favorite things to do!
Stay l Play l Dine l Shop l Discover
www.exploresonora.com
The Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau l 542 W. Stockton Road l Sonora, CA 95370 l 800-446-1333
EXPLORE
sonora celtic faire
music
Molly’s Revenge
Molly’s Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm.The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song — set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment — guarantee an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music.
8 Nine 8ths Irish
Black Irish Band The Black Irish Band, also known as the Hooligans of Jamestown, has a musical style that is as timeless as the rugged landscape of the west. They commonly play Irish, Scot’s, Italian, and American folk music with an assortment of original songs and traditional western ballads. The bands musical style captures the spirit of the men and women who tamed the Wild West.
Need Fire Blending soaring bagpipes, reeling Celtic fiddles, & tribal didgeridoo with modern rock guitars, bass, and drums, Needfire takes traditional Celtic melodies into a modern rock context with original lyrics and hard-hitting performances making them one of today’s most distinctive and original bands.
1916
Wicked Tinkers Since 1995 Wicked Tinkers have been playing haunting, heart-pounding bagpipes, Australian didgeridoo, Irish horn, and irresistible, tribal drums. Sit back and be transported to an earlier time in Scotland and Ireland, when battle cries filled the air and strange, unheard-of creatures roamed the night!
Highly acclaimed Sacramento band Nine-8ths Irish plays music that is “Irish and a wee bit more.” They share their love of music with audiences throughout Northern California, incorporating bluegrass, country, jazz, big band, and traditional Irish music into a tasty blend of styles. Their first CD, ‘West of Ireland’, was released in September of 2007, and the band’s music continues to be in high demand for festivals, pubs, and dances.
Golden Bough Rooted in the traditional Celtic music of Ireland and Scotland, this trio of modern day minstrels has expanded upon these ethnic styles through the development of intriguing arrangements and original compositions and have created a sound unique unto themselves.
Sligo Rags
Looking for some music that’ll flip your sporran right off of your kilt? 1916 can do just that! Robbie, a former Scots Guards musician, has performed for the Queen of England during state visits at Buckingham Palace in London. Combine that with Walter’s driving drums, Rich’s wailing guitar and Doug’s thumping bass, and you’ve got one passionate Celtic/Rock experience!
Sonora Celtic Faire Staff Patrick Karnahan
Founder, Producer, Music Coordinator,
Marti Miernik
Re-enactment Coordinator
Bill Watters From neighborhood pubs to outdoor festivals, house Vendor Coordinator, Re-enactment Site Layout Mgr. parties to concert halls, the Sligo Rags have been perGary and Lissa Britt forming regularly throughout the Southland for the past Volunteer Coordinator, Family Day Coordinator two years. Jemiah Westerman While the Rags stay true to the original intent of the Operations Manager, Webmaster, Box Office traditional tunes they play, they are not afraid to add bluegrass-style flat-picking and world music rhythms to Seamus O’More create a unique brand of Irish music. Clan Coordinato
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sonora celtic faire
who come to the Celtic Faire.
voices
An interview with Patrick Michael Karnahan Creator/GM for the Sonora Celtic Faire ESM: What are you most proud of with the Faire entering its 24th year? PATRICK: I think the fact that the Faire has kept a good focus on its mission to explore Celtic Culture. It’s easy to lose your vision in a modern world of people who have short attention spans and want special effects in their movies. The big challenge is to make each Faire exciting to a younger audience, and by bringing more high energy Celtic events we have been able to do this.
ESM:What do you most enjoy about the Faire? PATRICK: I enjoy watching people get excited about all the sights and sounds. One person once told me “Your Faire is the Disneyland of all Faires“. I would agree because there is always so much going on. When you have hundreds of costumed historians, ten stages of music, dance, and magic, it’s easy to lost in the excitement, and many times I will have to study the videotapes afterwards to see all the things I missed. ESM: What’s the most unusual aspect of the Faire?
PATRICK: The most unusual aspect is that in a modern fast paced world that a Faire like this could exist. At the Celtic Faire, people have to interact with each other. People get to climb out of their shell and be something different for the weekend. Everyone that comes to the Events such as jousting, Faire gets to be a kid again and be a part highland games, armored of a fun world. sword fighting, longbow ESM: What’s the most surprising thing competitions, and many about the Sonora Celtic Faire? others. I’m also very proud that the Sonora Celtic PATRICK: I think it would be the human Faire was the first of its interaction overall. It might be a band kind in all of North Amer- on the stage, a jouster lifting his lance, or ica. There had been many a conversation over a fine glass of Irish Patrick Karnahan, center Blue World Photos Scottish fairs and Irish fes- whiskey. The festival brings people totivals, but not one that fo- gether in a very fun way. We do not rely EXPLORE SONORA MAGAZINE:What cused on the Celtic People. on machines for the true experience at my Faire. It’s all based on allowing are you most excited about with this ESM: What changes do you see in the oneself to be free of worries and to just years Sonora Celtic Faire? Faire: with the Artists, Vendors and the have a good time. It’s that simple! PATRICK KARNAHAN: Being a part of audience? something that brings so much joy to so PATRICK: Right now I see that every We have recreated something that has many. Over the years I have had people year should offer different Celtic enter- been lost for over thousands of years. In tell me that they might not be able to tainment. In fact this year we brought in the past, the coming together of Celtic make it over to Ireland or Scotland in many new exciting musical groups and a tribes was a time of great celebration, their lifetime, but because of their visit new jousting troupe. Keep it fresh every and so it will be at our Sonora Celtic to the Sonora Celtic Faire, they felt like year, which is my motto! So many other Faire. I believe that every culture has they were there. How can you beat giv- events just do the same old, same old. At something great to offer and the huing a person that feeling?? On a personal this Faire, I get to work with a very small man experience has no borderline, and note, I get to live out my childhood fan- group of dedicated dreamers that know that is why the Faire is still relevant after tasies at the Faire, surrounded by drag- how to make it real.We live for this event, twenty-four fantastic years. It is one of ons, knights in armor, and swordfights. and have just as much fun as the people the greatest joys of my life in fact… Patrick. at last year’s Opening Night Bash, that coincides with his birthyday. The Bash is open to the public and has its own ticket.
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columbia diggin’s 1852
The Historic
history Gunn House Hotel Built 1850
In the Heart of Historic Downtown Sonora 286 S. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370 Reservations (209) 532-3421
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iscover first hand what the life of a miner in early Columbia may have been like, as the docents of Columbia State Historic Park present their four-day living history, Columbia Diggins 1852.The visiting public is invited to take a memorable step back in time to relive what has been called the most significant era in California’s history.
the Saloon and order a Sarsaparilla, or browse in the authentically recreated Browns Mercantile. Bakers produce bread out of a recreated stone and brick oven, and you can observe costumed docents demonstrating a variety of early mining techniques, and even get muddy yourself, if you choose. A great deal of research is involved in re-creating the characterizations, emerg-
www.gunnhousehotel.com ing architecture, clothing, food and entertainment of early 1850’s Columbia, and the docents, as well as family members and friends, take pride each year in providing an accurate representation of that era. Examine the lifestyles of the families who have settled here, how they prepare their meals, make their clothing and care for gardens and livestock. Learn about their crafts, how their children play, their music and other forms of entertainment, including dancing and gambling.
At Columbia State Historic Park June 3rd - 6th, docents and staff will recreate an early tent town to demonstrate the daily life of the young state. At Columbia Diggins visitors get a chance to wander through the early Tent Town, enjoy entertainment at the theatre, step into
June 3 - 6, 2010: Admission to Columbia Diggin’s is $3 adults, $1 children. Parking is free. See www. columbiacalifornia.com for further information. Photoss: Blue World Photos
12877 Sylva Lane Sonora, California 95370 Phone 209-588-0373 fax 209-588-0736
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ood friends, pleasant surroundings and people who care about you” - these are words residents use to describe their Skyline Place home. www.sonorachamber.com
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explore sonora
The City of Sonora’s Annual Spring Festival is the place to be, with their “Pizza by the slice”, April 24th
food
hot dogs, ice cream, and even PB&J’s! Let the Lighthouse be the beacon for your appetite! The Lighthouse Deli & Ice Cream Shop 28 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 532-1631 www.thelighthousedeli.com
Lightouse Deli &Ice Cream Shop
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ost about where to find a great lunch? Let the Lighthouse Deli guide you towards some fabulous food! Family owned and operated, this charming ice cream shop is billed as “An oldfashioned deli with a taste of New Orleans”.The owners, Judy and Gerald, along with their son Brian, hail from New Orleans, which comes to the forefront weekly for “Fat Tuesday” when they feature authentic dishes from the south. Can’t make it in? Let them come to you! Lighthouse Deli offers delivery in Sonora, as well as gift cards for those hard-to-shop-for friends. Take advantage of their “Create your own” deli sandwiches, or settle in for a tasty hot grilled sandwich and a cup of soup. Once summer hits, the Lighthouse
Everything’s Just Ducky Bath Duckies Available Exclusively at:
“The World’s Greatest Bank”
T TUOLUMNE COUNTY LOCATIONS 229 S. Washington St., Sonora (209) 588-8800 13775 Mono Way, Sonora (209) 532-0986 18711 Tiffeni Dr. Twain Harte (209) 586-0331 18281 Main St., Jamestown (209) 984-3971 22712 Main St., Columbia (209) 536-5900
he sidewalks of Sonora come alive in Sonora’s 15th Annual Spring Festival! Stroll the downtown streets amongst live music, arts and crafts, games, food, and fun for all ages including puppet shows, face painting, belly dancers, jugglers, and in-store specials at several merchants.This event is free to the public, and takes place in the historic section of downtown Sonora along Washington Street. The City of Sonora’s Spring Festival 11:00 am - 4 p.m. Historic Downtown Sonora
209-532-7725 www.sonoraca.com
68 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 209.533.3113 16
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voices Why I Love County Fairs Christine Tuohy
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culture the sun washing your face, with a fried Twinkie and a Slushie in your stomach, is one of those glorious moments that lets us know it’s great to be alive!
MUSIC
Shopping l Dining l Wine Tasting l Art Galleries l Live Theatre
IN THE
PARK
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Fridays 6 pm to 8 pm Courthouse Park Downtown Sonora
ho doesn’t love a County Fair? Mother Lode Fair That intoxicating olfactory mixJune 25th - 27th ture of cotton candy, corn dogs, (209) 532-7428 and cows, harkening back to our Ffun and excitement, entertainment, conchildhood days of riding the Zipcerts, food, music and a carnival midper or Tilt-A-Whirl till we were way contribute to this annual event. dizzy and a little queasy from all the corn dogs and soda— but a summery treat just the same!
July 9 thru August 27
James Faifua & the Jukes BLUES
Black Irish Band IRISH, ITALIAN, AMERICAN FOLK
Chains Required
Something about the Fair is magical. Where else but the Fair can you see exotic flowers, fluffy, unusual chickens, bleating ells Fargo & Co. was borne out of sheep, paintings, needlepoint, the California Gold Rush, an event that launched the greatand “assemble by numbers” carest migration in nival rides all in one place? American history. And where else but a Fair would any- Virtually overnight one in their right mind spend $40 trying the sleepy seaport to win a $2 stuffed animal? It’s all about of San Francisco, located on sand the element of FUN! dunes overlooking Shrieks of delight are all around you the Golden Gate, - some of mock terror in the Haunted exploded from a House, some of joy from the win of a non-native popugiant stuffed smiling carrot, and a few lation of 800 in from the occasional 3 year old who’s 1848 to more than hand was gently nibbled by an overly- 30,000 in 1851. friendly little goat at the petting zoo. As news of the gold discovery spread around the world, farmers left their Walking around the Mother Lode Fair, crops, merchants shuttered their doors, and immigrants abandoned their homelands to journey thousands of miles to gold fields in the Sierra foothills. Risking disease, danger and starvation, they came by clipper ship and steamer, by wagontrain and on foot to seek their fortune in the gold fields.
R&B, ROCK,BLUES
Coyote Hill
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CLASSIC ROCK, SOUL, BLUES
Flemish Paynters RYTHYM & BLUES
The Teddy Bears BLUEGRASS
Hos and Mose BLUES
Snuggly-Wuggly CHILDREN
Bluegrass Conspiracy BLUEGRASS
The pride of countless mining towns, the Wells Fargo agency was viewed as a link to the civilized world. Wells Fargo Bank has been serving the Greater Sonora Community for over 150 years.
Wells Fargo & Co
808 E. Mono Way, CA 95370 (209) 532-3106 Pictured above: the historic Wells Fargo office is located in Columbia Historic State Park, just a few miles north of Sonora www.sonorachamber.com
THE
HISTORIC SONORA CHAMBER
OF
COMMERCE
Commerce,Culture & Community exploresonora.com EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
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“Celebrating one year this Halloween!”
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53rd annual Bare Walls? Picture this!
mother lode Roundup fans and visitors every year. The Roundup Rodeo has always been respected as one of California’s finest yearly events. The world famous Mother Lode Round-Up Parade kicks off in Downtown Sonora at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8th, and will feature nearly 200 parade entries marching, trotting and rolling down the entire length of Washington Street. As usual, thousands of spectators can be expected, lining the street to watch and cheer. The Parade is recognized as addle up for a good time at the 53rd the second largest parade in California, Annual Mother Lode Round-up Rodeo second only to the Rose Bowl Parade. and Parade! The Round Up Rodeo is a real The Rodeo begins on Saturday at 2pm, bronco-bustin’ Rodeo where rodeo stars after the parade crowd heads over to the compete in Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Then, on Saturday night, hats will be ‘bobbin’ and bootsSteer Wrestling and Team Roping. a-stompin’ as the first day of Rodeo is Over 350 of pro rodeo’s finest cowboys topped off with a Cowboy dance, at the and cowgirls are a part of the event, and Mother Lode Fairgrounds with country the weekend attracts over 50,000 rodeo music from California Cowboys. The Parade and Rodeo are generously produced
Mother Lode Roundup
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lue World Photos has all sorts of cool photographs at affordable prices, all taken from Christine’s unusual perspective! Located two blocks south of the Red Church in the historic Yosemite House, Blue World Photos has a comfortable, welcoming feel to it with it’s stone wall and high ceilings. Adorned with photographs taken all over this beautiful country of ours, you’ll find something that brings back a memory or two, or just inspires a “wow!” Blue World Photos also offers custom framing at wholesale pricing for all your framing needs. Be sure to see “Bast” the Amazing Cat Mummy! Uncovered while repairing the ceiling above the gallery, Bast fascinates people of all ages. Come see him! Winter/Spring Hours: Wed, Thurs 11 - 6 Fri, Sat 11 - 7 Sun 11 - 5 Closed Mon, Tues
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2010 Roundup Schedule of Events Sunday April 18
Cowgirl Luncheon 1:00 - 4:00 PM Vintage and Contemporary Western Fashions Sonora Opera Hall $25.00
Saturday, April 24
Great Steak Barbecue for the round-up mood 3:00 - 7:00 PM Music & Dance 8:00 PM - Midnight Sheriff’s Posse Grounds Rawhide Road, Jamestown Adults $15.00 Children $3.00
Saturday May 1
Queen Horsemanship 10:00 AM Mother Lode Fairgrounds FREE ADMISSION
Sunday, May 2 Queen Pagent 5:00 PM Elks Lodge $10.00 at the door Hors d’oeuvres/No Host Bar
Wednesday May 5 Band Review 6:00 PM Sonora High School
Thursday, May 6
Calcutta 6:00 PM Sheriff’s Posse Grounds Rawhide, Road, Jamestown Hors d’oeuvres/No host bar FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, May 8
Parade 10:00 AM Downtown Sonora Rodeo 2:00 PM Mother Lode Fairgrounds $18:00 Regular Admission $15.00 Presale $7.00 Child (7-12) Under 7 FREE Dance 8:00 PM Mother Lode Fairgrounds $10.00 Regular Admission (Unused Adult Rodeo Tickets accepted)
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Sunday May 9
Wrangler Family Day All Day Mother Lode Fairgrounds Mothers Day Breakfast 8 AM - 12 noon Mother Lode Fairgrounds Admission $7.00 per person Cowboy Church with Coy Huffman 10:00 AM Grandstands Mother Lode Fairgrounds Rodeo 12:30 PM Kiddie Rodeo 2:00 PM Rodeo Mother Lode Fairgrounds $18.00 Regular Admission $15.00 Presale $7.00 Child (7-12) Under 7 FREE
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Sonora Family Bowl ‘Cosmic Bowling’
and today’s dance music and throw in a heaping tablespoon of Americana? You get Sonora Family Bowl’s Cosmic Bowling!
Cosmic Bowling is just like it sounds - a visual feast of black lights and disco balls to accompany your ‘Strike Victory Dance’ in your rented shoes. Several things in Sonora Bowl have been upgraded including auto scoring, new floors, and “The Big Strike Café” where you can console Photo: Blue World Photos yourself over your 7-10 split with a hot dog and a soda.
Sonora Family Bowl
Bowling is something that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. How many hat’s the best way to have things can you say that about? Celebratfun with friends and family, ing 50 glorious years in Sonora, (March regardless of the weather? 2010) Sonora Bowl is inviting you to celeBowling of course! If you’ve never tried brate with them with a fun night of strikes, it, you really should. It doesn’t matter spares, and the notorious gutter ball. Bring what your score is in the end, it’s all the whole family and come have a good about having fun! time! So what happens when you take a Sonora Family Bowl little bit of the 1960’s cartoon classic, 19 S. Stewart St., Sonora, CA ‘The Jetsons,’ a little bit of 70’s Disco (209) 532-5167
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TEAM SHERBURNE Don & Laurel Sherburne Broker/GRI Broker Associate
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e chose a real estate career so that we can serve our clients as they purchase or sell a home. We love this area due to its proximity to Yosemite National Park, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge and Stanislaus National Forest.
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rom the diversity of the geography to the friendliness of your neighbors, Tuolumne County truly offers a quality of life without equal.
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hether your interest is in a primary residence, retirement or second home, or investment property, you can find your special property at an unbelievably affordable price.
14520 Mono Way, Suite 100 Sonora, CA 95370 Phone:209.533.7888 Fax:209-588-0889 Direct Line: 209-533-7888 ext. 2113 Mobile:209-613-4397 www.DonSherburne.com teamsherburne@pcr1.com
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Discover What You Love To Do...Explore Your Fun Potential !!
Phoenix Lake Golf Course
A challenging, 9-hole, Par 35 course in Sonora, California with a gorgeous setting of tree-lined fairways. Call the golf shop at 209-532-0111 for your tee time today. www.phoenixlakegolf.com
(209) 532-0111 21448 Paseo de Los Portales Road • Sonora, CA 95370
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www.exploresonora.com To Discover Your Fun Potential Visit exploresonora.com or dreamcation.com