“Aahhh-ooh!” MaryAnn Huff enjoying the parade
October 16, 2018 - The Historic town of Coulterville transformed into a boomtown just like the days of old for its 33rd annual CoyoteFest and HOWLING contest. This quaint little town was all aglow with excitement. The CoyoteFest, which is always held on the 4th Saturday in September, is the Northern Mariposa County History Center’s biggest “fun”raiser (fundraiser). This year’s proceeds will ensure the preservation and display of the history of pioneer families of the California gold rush era for the museum’s visitors and all future generations to come.
The fun began with the pre-party on Friday Night September 21st hosted by the Coulter Café, serving delicious food while guests were entrained by the music played by The Soul Galaxy. The CoyoteFest officially kicked off on Saturday morning with a very homespun parade down Main Street sponsored by the local IOOF, featuring the finest, funniest, most colorful, patriotic, proud, fun loving bunch of individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that came from all over to strut their stuff. All parade entrants were truly a spectacular display of modern-day, small town Americana.
Coulterville’s Main Street made the perfect backdrop for the beloved Classic Car Show Put on with the help of Sierra Flowers, featuring over 54 of the most beautiful cars being showed off by their proud owners. Many of the “Fest” Attendees were seen dancing in the streets and on the sidewalks to the awesome sounds of Jungle Jim Media.
Coulterville’s park was transformed into a fun filled social gathering and market place, featuring Music by The Mountain Fever Band, talented crafters and artisans all selling their one-of-a-kind, must have wares. CoyoteFest guests didn’t leave hungry, they were all well feed by a variety of food trucks, vendors and Coulterville’s local food establishments.
Young Pup Howler
The must see to believe Howling contest attracted howlers from very young pups, “tween” and teens to the most senior howlers… who come out from all over the hills. Some come to defend their titles and all had the same aspiration, not only to win that prize money, but the much coveted bragging rights that come along with the title of “winner.”
This awesome day ended where it started on Friday night at the Coulter Café, this time tunes were played by the Castoffs, their play list was met with smiles, foot tapping, dancing, folks singing along, eating and drinking that ice cold beer and yes there was a whole lot of HOWLING going on!
Save the date of Saturday, September 28, 2019 for next year’s CoyoteFest for one howl of a good time!
Winners of Coyote Howl
Pups Individual
1. Grace Welch
2. Jace Andrews
3. Joy Elizabeth Goodwin
Pup Packs
1. Elizabeth, Ashby and Rachel Encoyard
2. Carter, Cole, Cooper, Wyatt, Clay, Trey, Colton and Jack Huff
3. Skylar, Hannah, Camy, Hailey, Caroline, Kinley and Miley Huff
Adult Individual
1. Mario Chavez Jr.
2. Mary Davis
Mixed Pack
1. Jon, Andrea, AJ and Alyson Wentworth
2. Nicole Hancock, Stephen Huff, and Shannon Markle
3. Bob and Kayleen Reid
Judges: Merlin Jones, Jan Newman, Tom and Brenda Sweeney
Mariposa Butterfly Festival float, with talking coyote
Parade Winners
Best coyote theme: Mariposa Butterfly Festival
Best group: Lake Don Pedro Elementary
Best single entry: North Side Pet Connection
Best of Show winner
Car Show Winner of the 50/50 raffle was Joan Gamble of Mariposa CA., ($215.50 was the winning amount.) This year we had 22 plaques so best to say there were 22 plaques given out and the bill lane best of show went to: Michelle Shaw of LaGrange CA., 95329
Music on Main Street Compliments of Jungle Jim Media
Winners of the Vendor raffles
Three lucky vendor raffle winners… each won a large gift basket donated by the Roberts Ferry Nut Company.
1. Greeley Hill Elementary and Coulterville High
2. Rustic Barbed Wire, by Doreen Radovich
3. Barrel Garden Furniture, by Jerry Phelps
Article and photo credit: Dale Silverman
