May 19, 2021 - Plans for the upcoming Taste of Mariposa fundraising dinner were announced last week. “Since this year’s ‘Taste’ fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 26, why not take advantage of the warmer weather and have an old fashion garden party,” Says Kimberly Vaughan, Creative Director for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, Inc.    

The event begins at 5:00 P.M., Saturday evening.  As guests arrive at the Amigo Park entrance of the Fairgrounds they will be greeted by the enjoyable sounds of the group, “Ukuladies and Gents,” featuring local performers playing, yes you guessed it, Ukuleles.   A full bar will offer a complementary glass of local beer, wine or soda included with the purchase of the event ticket.  Other popular adult beverages will be available for purchase.  Appetizers from Mariposa’s finest restaurants will be served during the opening hours of the garden party.

A photo booth for the patrons to create fun picture memories of the evening is close by the seating area.  As the guests roam the venue, they can purchase raffle tickets for the many prime drawing prizes.  “We want to make sure the items up for the raffle are what people really wish to have,” says Kimberly. 

There is a large selection of silent auction items for the guests to bid on, including paintings, official skydiving prints from the 2019 Mariposa Butterfly Festival Parade and vacation packages. The big-ticket items for the live auction will be on display towards the front the venue.  Prime items such as a one-of-a-kind king size quilt created here in Mariposa, Oculus virtual reality glasses, unique handcrafted furniture by the members of the FFA and much more to be announced in the upcoming weeks.  “We continue to welcome gracious donations from the community for the auction,” said Kimberly.

UPS Sue and her Dancing Crew will teach the adventurous how to line dance.  This should build up one’s appetite for the juicy Prime Rib dinner with salad, vegetables and potatoes to come.  Guests should not forget to grab another drink at the bar before heading to their tables to eat.

The primetime entertainment moves to the 21-foot video wall screening the documentary (see video preview below), “Ranchers and Packers,” featuring stories and anecdotes of the early days of Mariposa.  Longtime native of Mariposa County, Bob Barrett is featured in the film sharing his stories and vintage footage of Yosemite.  A massive 300 head cattle drive accompanied by a moving musical score written by Bill Lowe creates an impressive finale to the film. DVD’s and USB drives of the movie will be available for purchase.

The Grand Auction concludes the Taste of Mariposa.  Marshall Long will be reprising his role of Auctioneer.  And as in the past, this should be a great finish to a wonderful evening. 

Date of The Taste of Mariposa is Saturday, June 26 at the Mariposa County Fairground’s Amigo Park.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M.  The $45 tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 26 online at www.mariposabutterflyfestival.net, at the Visitors center and Ridgeline Gallery and Gift (Downtown).

All proceeds benefit the Mariposa Butterfly Festival coming to The Mariposa County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 3 - Sunday, July 4, 2021.

Source: Mariposa Butterfly Festival