The John Muir Celebration has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 16th! This date was already set to “Honor Our Vets”. The sponsor, VFW Post 9454, has graciously invited us to share the day and make it an even bigger and better event.
“SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS”
We look forward to starting the day with the Honor Color Guard raising the American Flag at 9:00 A.M. We will observe a moment of silence to honor all that have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to enjoy our freedom, and live in this beautiful country. There will be short program with a number of speakers including a Chaplain. Everyone is invited to attend with a SPECIAL INVITATION TO OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
The booths will be open immediately after. A Veterans Benefits Officer will be available through out the day. ALL THE VETS WILL RECEIVE A FREE TRI-TIP SANDWICH ON A FRENCH ROLL, WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS’ INCLUDING DRINK, CHIPS, AND TWO OF GRANDMA’S COOKIES! Price to others is $7.50. Hot dogs and refreshments are also available. La Grange resident Pete Moon is head chef.
“LIVE THE LEGEND”
The John Muir Event is a family friendly festival celebrating Muir’s great contribution to promoting the idea that wilderness has a spiritual value, as well as an economic one. “EVERYBODY NEEDS BEAUTY AS WELL AS BREAD, PLACES TO PLAY AND PRAY IN, WHERE NATURE MAY HEAL AND CHEER AND GIVE STRENGTH TO BODY AND SOUL ALIKE.” (The Yosemite, page 198) expresses his philosophy. His activism helped to save Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park, and other wilderness areas.
Visitors will find booths filled with art, much of it focusing on the local region, including Art Spirit, Photography Landscapes, Stone Creek Galley, Photo Op and Sierra Art. There’ll be Kettle Korn as well as jewelry and other items of interest including Talsky’s Gems and More, Jewelry Scape, Family Treasures, All About Wine and Wine Barrel Creations. Representatives from the Groveland Kiwanis Club as well as representatives from Martinez, CA. the National Historic Site of John Muir’s Home.
Please plan to join us on this day to honor both our veterans and this great man. For more information contact Joy Kitchel, Coulterville Visitor Center, 209-878-3074 or P.O. Box 333, Coulterville, CA 95311.
For additional information, please call Joy Kitchel at the Coulterville Visitors Center, 209-878-3074 Friday or Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm or Ann Schafer at 209-962-1942. OR GO TO JOHN MUIR WEBSITE:
John Muir has inspired Yosemite’s travelers to see under the surface through his poetic imagery: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.” Muir, who came to California seeking the solitude of nature, decided to stay—dabbling as a glaciologist, a wilderness activist, and a writer who published persuasive ecological articles. Although Muir only truly lived in Yosemite for a few years, from 1868 to 1874, his short time in the Sierra changed him forever more. Muir has inspired us to protect natural areas not for their beauty alone but also for their ecological importance. Muir was essential to sparking dialogue that led to the creation of Yosemite National park in 1890.
The boards of supervisors in both Mariposa and Tuolumne counties in California, have designated Highway 132 from Coulterville to Highway 120, a major route into Yosemite National Park, as the John Muir Highway. The highway generally follows the path that the world renowned explorer and preservationist took on an early journey into Yosemite. The scenic region is chronicled in Muir’s celebrated book, My First Summer in the Sierra.
