Stretch Your 4th Of July Celebration Into An Entire Week Along The John Muir Historic Route!

Whether a resident, a regular summer returnee or a first time visitor, the week of the Fourth of July is jammed packed with family friendly events in the local area!  So find some time between the amazing variety of air, land and water sports and activities to get in on the action!

Sunday, July 1^st : Greeley Hill Pancake Breakfast at the Greeley Hill Community Hall on Fiske Rd just off of Hwy 132 (John Muir Historic Route), 8 to 11 a.m. Eggs cooked to order, choice of ham or sausage, biscuits and gravy or all-you-can-eat pancakes plus all the extras!   

Fireworks Spectacular At Don Pedro Lake

Tuesday, July 3^rd : “Fireworks on the Water” takes place at 9:30 p.m.  You can view this half hour spectacular show from the water (assuming you have a boat) or from the Blue Oaks Recreation Area or from parking areas by the dam and Visitor Center on Bonds Flat Road.  Parking is $15 per vehicle.  The Gold Chain Lions Club and other non-profit organizations will have food and beverages available for purchase.  Arrival before 8 p.m. is highly recommended in order to secure a place.  

Saturday, July 7^th : Tour & BBQ

9 a.m. – noon: “YOUNG JOHN MUIR” Tour, sponsored by the Northern Mariposa County History Center departs from the museum’s parking lot (corner of Hwy 49 & 132).  Early bird rates (requiring reservation and payment by Monday, July 2^nd are $20 per adult, $10 for children 9 and under.  Regular rates are $40/adult, $20 per child 9 & under.  This guided bus tour takes you back in time, learning about Muir’s childhood as well as his insightful commentary about the area’s unique and highly varied geography, flora and fauna.  The tour culminates with a short hike to the entrance of Bower Cave and then returns to Coulterville.

Noon – 6 p.m.:  43^rd Coulterville Fire Brigade DEEP PIT BBQ in Coulterville Park

Luscious, melt in your mouth BBQ’d beef, accompanied by baked beans, salad & bread all for just $10/adult and $5 for kids.  Beverages available for purchase.    All proceeds benefit the Mariposa County Fire.

In addition to great BBQ, there will be family activities including a watermelon eating contest, relay races and a tug-of-war with the firefighters, a gift basket raffle and popular DJ,  Texas Rick, will be filling the air with hot summer sounds. 

 Sunday, July 8^th : NMCHC Breakfast

All you can eat pancakes, choice of ham or sausage and eggs cooked the way you want ‘em at the Old School House in Historic Coulterville, at the corner of Broadway and Cemetery Streets. Breakfast is served “family style” from 8 to 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of every month.  Join as a museum member that morning and your meal is “on the house". Free drawing for a complimentary breakfast; raffle drawings held all morning for home baked goodies and assorted gift items.

Your meal includes fresh fruit and beverage and is just $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children; a family “package” costs $15.00 (2 adults & 2 children). The proceeds are used to maintain and operate the museum, located at the intersection of Hwy 49 & 132 (base of the John Muir Route).  After breakfast, bring the family by the museum and check out the wonderful old photos of the town and founding families as well as the many fascinating artifacts from the region’s past. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Call (209) 878-3015 for more information or check out www.coultervillemuseum.org.

And don’t forget that the Coulterville Claim Jumpers will have regular hourly gunfights on the streets of Coulterville on Saturday, July 7^th.  Possibly will be appearing on July 8^th as well.  Call the Coulterville Visitors Center at (209) 878-3074 for additional information.