Rolling Back the Clock
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Columbia State Historic Park near Sonora, Calif. isn’t just old, it’s GOLD! Featuring the largest collection of gold-rush era brick buildings in California, the town turns the color of gold in the Fall when the leaves change colors. It’s the ideal time to visit this Sierra foothills town which came into being on March 27, 1850 when a group of prospectors discovered gold here. Passing through, Thaddeus Hildreth and others were caught in a rainstorm. While drying out their gear, gold was discovered by one person in their group. Within six weeks his findings attracted thousands of miners and was responsible for the sudden boom–150 stores, shops, saloons and other businesses that sprang up practically overnight. Here are some fantastic events coming up (see visitcolumbiacalifornia.com)
Back to School 1861, September 20, 2014, 4 pm – 7: pm
Meet at the historic schoolhouse. During this reminiscent event, take a tour of the upstairs, sit in on a lesson taught by a docent dressed as an 1860s school teacher, play games of long ago, listen to music, and help make hand-cranked ice cream. Contact Columbia State Historic Park at 209-588-9128.
Stories In Stone Cemetery Tour September 26-27, 2014
Columbia Cemetery, School House Street, Columbia, 95310 United States+ Google Map
Guided tour of the Columbia Cemetery after dark by costumed docents holding lanterns. Guests will stop at specific gravesites where stories of those who have lived and died in Columbia will be told by some very convincing characters!
Annual Fiddle & Banjo Contest & Chili Cook-off! September 27, 2014
The Fiddle & Banjo Contest features more than 40 musicians compete for prizes in the following categories: fiddle, banjo, vocal, guitar, mandolin and miscellaneous. The grand prize is a gold nugget, and there are cash and gift certificate prizes in each category. T
32nd Annual Poison Oak Show September 27 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
This event is like a traditional flower show, except all entries must include poison oak! Some of the categories are: best arrangement of poison oak, most original poison oak dish (with recipe), best photograph of poison oak, best photograph of poison oak rash (or in person). For more information, call 209-533-4656.
Columbia Art Show September 21, 2014, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This fine artshow features over 50 local painters, potters, sculptors and photographers who will display their art on the shady streets of the Columbia State Historic Park. This event is FREE to the public.
