Map for Old Miner's Day Burro Race
Old Miners Relive Golden Days
Gold in Holcomb Valley!
This magic call was just as compelling in 1860 as it had been twelve years before when it drew hordes of gold seekers to the Mother Lode country of Northern California.
Today, almost 100 years later, that cry is echoed in the annual celebration held in Big Bear Valley CA the first weekend in August to commemorate the days when Big Bear Valley and nearby Holcomb Valley to the immediate north were the center of a brawling civilization that came for gold.
The celebration of Old Miner’s Days in Bear Valley is not only a four day festival of fun but it is also in the nature of a memorial to men and women who made history here and left their mark on the land. In old-time costumes, beards and bonnets today’s generations re-live the kind of fun the real old miners used to enjoy during their free hours. Such amusement as a donkey-flapjack race, square dancing, whiskerino contest, and kangaroo court are just a few of the events which add to the enjoyment of the celebration.
Rebel Ridge Float, Old Miner's Day
In 1959 the event will get under way on Thursday, August 6, with the start of the sixth annual burro derby at the Old Sheriff’s Station in Apple Valley. The three day race travels forty two miles, through Apple Valley, to an overnight stop in Lucerne Valley, then up the Johnson and Cushenberry Grades to enter Bear Valley at its easternmost end. After a second overnight stop in Big Bear City, men and Beasts start the final lap of the grueling race, to hurry to the finish line in front of the Elks Club in Big Bear Lake, on Saturday August 8th.
The burro derby is particularly amusing because it is not merely a contest of speed between animals, but depends on the ability of each human wrangler to lead his burro entry regardless of the willingness of the animal. Each day the battle begins anew when wranglers draw different burros for that day’s course.
Old Miner's Days Souvenir Program
The race has been widely publicized by radio, television and films and each year draws greater crowds of spectators who enjoy the amusing battle of wits and strength between wranglers and burros. Winners are judged on the basis of elapsed time, with daily prizes awarded as well as large grand prizes at the conclusion of the event. The Clementine Dance, the big costume ball of the year, will be held in Big Bear Lake on Saturday night, August 8th, this year, after day of amusing contests and events. Prizes are awarded for winning costumes in many categories, although wearing a costume is not obligatory.
Old Miner's Day Parade Miss Clementine Float
The four-day celebration is climaxed on Sunday by the big “Western heritage” parade at noon, which is followed by a junior rodeo and gymkhana at Meadow Park.
In celebrating as well as in daily living, today’s generations follow more sedately in the footsteps of the pioneers who made history here in the early days. The wild mining activity that flourished here during Civil War days has left behind its tales of lawlessness and murder equaling the worst of that written in the gold rush of 1849.
Locals crafted amusing advertising for the gazette.
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I really enjoy reading these history articles! Where was the Safeway building — what was the parade route?
Jeanne