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Live Theatre in Big Bear Lake Village

BigBear — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:13 +0000

The 2012 Big Bear Summer Theater Festival will open with “Clarence Darrow,” an in-depth look at the life and time of America’s most famous lawyer, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. The show is both a dramatic and humorous whirlwind tour through Americana that cannot be missed no matter what age.

In the play Darrow reminisces of the early influences that helped shape the course of his life. Beginning with his father, a renowned abolitionist, and his mother, an avowed suffragist, who spoke out for women’s rights as early as 1840.

Darrow shares the inspirations that lead him to join the bar. He talks about his early loves and wives.

Then, the audience shares recreations of the massive legal campaigns Darrow orchestrated throughout his long and illustrious career.

First, Darrow talks of the Illinois state persecution of the Haymarket Anarchists. A group of eight innocent men mistakenly vilified for the bombing of a protest meeting that killed seven police and wounded 60 more. Four of the eight were hanged before the governor pardoned the final three.

Next, Darrow walks away from a lucrative career as general attorney for a railroad to defend Eugene V. Debs in the aftermath of the Pullman Strike, a strike that halted railway travel across the nation. With production dropping, George Pullman, the sleeping car man, cut costs and his workers are starving to death.

“If there are still any citizens interested in human rights, let them study the conspiracy laws of the United States, which have grown, until today, no one’s liberty is safe.” A chord that strikes true today with the ever-expanding governmental power under the Patriot Act.

From there he takes on the cause of getting the worker the eight-hour work day. He single-handedly goes up against the powerful coal mine owners in Pennsylvania to win the laborers the right to a decent life at a decent wage.

The first act ends with the McNamara Brothers defense in the Los Angeles Times bombing case. Twenty men are killed when union members blow up a non-union shop. They’re guilty and Darrow must save them from hanging.

The show really blasts off as the curtain opens for the second act.

Darrow, himself, is put on trial for jury bribing. He proves his innocence, but the trial almost costs him his career.

His shows his wit and humor when reliving his days on the Chautauqua circuit where he spent years lecturing and debating. This is audience participation, and he asks questions such as, “Should the United States have prohibition?” He chats directly with the audience on this and other provocative questions.

John Phane plays the title role. Phane has more than a 100 stage roles to his credit. He has worked in radio, television, the movies and as a journalist.

Friday, July 12 will see the opening of the original melodrama, “Belle, the first baby of Big Bear.” Come sigh with the heroine, cheer the hero, boo the villain and enjoy great family entertainment.

The show is based on the actual history of the Big Bear area.

A short drive north of Big Bear Lake is Holcomb Valley and what little remains of the historic ghost town of Belleville. During the 1860s, Holcomb Valley was a rich gold mining area supporting some 10,000 residents. Belleville, the largest town in Holcomb Valley, almost overtook San Bernardino to become the county seat.

On a fourth of July celebration, Mrs. Jed Van Dusen made a flag out of her petticoats. To honor her for her patriotism, the town was named after her daughter Belle, the first child to be born in the camp.

However, in this story, a fantasy, hard times come to Belle, Her father is a dipsomaniac and forgets where his gold mine is, and finally passes away. Belle is destitute.

She may be forced to marry into a loveless marriage in order to save her beloved home from falling into foreclosure if her true love, Hugh DeMann, can’t find out what’s going on.

Little does she know there may be a “golden” opportunity for beautiful Belle to marry the man she truly loves, save her home and keep a warming roof over her head and that of her dear, wise, Auntie.

The shows play Thursday and Friday nights, with three shows on Saturdays.

Big Bear Lake Christmas

admin — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:04:07 +0000

We decided to walk around the Village on Monday. The skies were blue and the temperatures were wonderful. We stopped in to Himalayan Restaurant and enjoyed three different entrees. Their prices are reasonable.

After lunch we stolled around looking for chocolate. Instead, we discovered Der Weihnacht’s Markt. They are located on Pine Knot, in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village. Here is the video we shot of their fabulous Christmas displays.

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Big Bear’s Holiday Images California

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:25:16 +0000

White snow fills the Valley and reflects the beauty of the rainbow. Our skies are clear blue and the air is fresh.

Ring in the Holiday season with Christmas Carols in the Big Bear Lake Village. Join Santa as he lights our Christmas tree and celebrate the holiday season. We suggest you arrive early and park in the Visitor Center parking lot (MAP).

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a great place for people who want to play in the snow, but don’t board or ski. Rent an inner tube for a half day or full day and play on the hill. Both kids and adults will be tired after a day of sliding down the mountain. Big Bear Snow Play, across from the Convention Center, is run by the same people and can be less crowded.

In the east valley, Baldwin Lake Stables offers horseback riding all year round. Group rides are hourly. Hire a guide and go into the back country. Enjoy panoramic views of the Big Bear Valley.

You can take you family to breakfast with Santa at the International House of Pancakes. Santa will be there Saturday morning from 7:45 AM to 8:30 AM. If you want breakfast in a quieter atmosphere, try the Barnstorm Café in Big Bear City. They have a great breakfast menu and you can enjoy watching the planes land at the airport.

The Big Bear Lake Arts Council will present a “Holiday Follies” at the Performing Arts Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 7:30 PM (MAP). The “Holiday Follies” is an eclectic mix of talented artists, including piano duets, cellist Sharon Rizzo and the Orpheus String Ensemble. Guest vocalist, Elaine Fitzpatrick will also visit from Las Vegas and perform. Reserve tickets at the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, 909-585-5916.

A White Christmas is just around the corner. Reserve a Cabin today!

Check out this restaurant list

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Ski & snow news » Fresh Snow News – Many ski areas around the world are reporting great early season conditions with more big name resorts opened or opening in the next few days. Among them Breckenridge and Cortina have opened and Whistler in Canada will open six days …

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Halloween in the Village Made Easy

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:30:52 +0000

Halloween Pumpkins

Big Bear Lake CA -Arrive early afternoon on Sunday and park in the public parking lot on Bartlett. You’ll be able to make use of the Visitor’s Center. Take advantage of the free parking and public bathrooms. You can get your questions answered inside the Center and you’ll find maps, local newspapers and brochures.

Looking to eat and party? Check out these restaurants in the Village.

Desi’s –great food, great prices, parking limited to the street. We suggest parking at the Bartlett Street lot and walking over. It’s really close by. (MAP)

Nottingham’s –Always a party! Limited parking, use Bartlett St. parking and walk.

Northwoods –nice menu from family to fine dining. Easy parking.

Village Pizza –family style with limited parking.

El Jacalito –good Mexican food, limited street parking.

Paolis –Italian food, limited parking. Great place to sit and watch Halloween in the Village.

Starbucks –COFFEE…COFFEE…COFFEE

Halloween in the Village is a co-operative effort supported by local Village businesses. Thousands of children put on costumes and enjoy this holiday treat every year.

Whether you’re looking to experience extreme mountain pleasures or enjoy a cozy cabin campfire, Big Bear Lake California is your perfect, nearby, weekend getaway.

Visiting Big Bear Lake

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Big Bear Events

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:52:25 +0000

Oktoberfest Big Bear Lake CA

Friday Nights in the Village
September 17, 2010 – 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Come to the Village in Big Bear every Friday night to enjoy family entertainment, great shopping, restaurants, arts and crafts fair, live music and more in the Village of Big Bear Lake.

Event Website: Village
Google Map: Big Bear Lake Village

Cooking Demonstrations
Saturday, 09/18/2010
10:30 am – 11:00 am

The Copper Q provides a totally unique shopping and entertainment experience. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, join us for cooking techniques and demonstrations. FREE! Thursdays and Fridays at 12 noon and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (909) 522-TheQ

Event Website: Copper Q
Google Map: CopperQ

40th Annual Oktoberfest
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for seven consecutive weekends, September 18 through October 30 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, located at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. The times are Saturdays 12 noon to 12 midnight and Sundays 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Book your ticket online for $1.00 OFF! For more information call 909-585-3000 or visit www.bigbearevents.com

Google Map: Oktoberfest
More Information

Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails
Bear Mountain esort Presents Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails at Bear Mountain Resort Saturday September 18th, 2010 from 2pm til dark. The Pro Invitational Rail Jam offers up $15,000 in cash prizes. Admission for public is FREE! We’ll have a full bar (21 & up), music, vendor booth city, pro autograph signings, games, giveaways and of course weenie roasting. For more information (909)585-2519 or www.bearmountain.com

Google Map: Bear Mountain

Big Bear Lake International Film Festival
This year’s Big Bear Lake International Film Festival will take place on September 16-19th at the PAC and Village Theatres. More details to be announced in early 2010. The BBLIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the emerging talent of screenwriters and independent filmmakers within the idyllic setting of Big Bear Lake. Our goal is to nurture a festival, which is highly creative, filmmaker friendly and which provides an educational experience for those people interested in all aspects of the film industry. For all details please visit www.bigbearfilmfestival.com or call (909) 866-3433.

Google Map: Performing Arts Center

Aaron’s Fall Big Bass Tournament
Aaron’s Fall Big Bear Lake Big Bass Tournament, sponsored by Holloway’s Marina and Big Bear Cool Cabins. 90% of entry fee goes towards cash prizes, 10% of entry fee goes to Bass stocking in Big Bear Lake. All Bass stocked are 3 lbs and up. $200 per two person team, plus $25 to enter into the “Big Fish prize”. Weigh in at Holloway’s Marina. For more information, rules and regulations call Big Bear Charter Fishing (909) 866-2240 or (800) 475-3166

Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Fresh farm produce, sterling silver jewelry, tacos and burritos.

Google Map: Farmer’s Market

National Forest Weekly Events

Event Website: Big Bear Lake Discovery Center
Google Map: Big Bear Lake Discovery Center

Kayak Tour

9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up.

Gold Panning

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The “gold” is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Map & Compass

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

You won’t get lost in the woods with these skills! You will have the opportunity to walk a course to test the skills you have learned.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated.

Kayak Tour

12:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up.

Nature Walks

1:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Free 30-minute guided walks.

High Flying Rockets

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Get a chance to build your own rocket from recycled materials then see how high it flies. Class limited to 12, sign-up at the front desk.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated.

Nature Walks

2:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Free 30-minute guided walks.

Kayak Tour

3:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up.

Campfire Talks

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The Big Bear Discovery Center is committed to providing educational and entertaining evening programs to teach visitors about the San Bernardino National Forest. Sponsored by California Land Management.
Fee: $5, children 5 & under and Serrano campers Free! Start times vary between 7pm & 8pm, call for details.