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Big Bear Renaissance Faire

08
Aug 2011

 

Big Bear's Renaissance Faire

Renaissance Faire Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Magic and Fantasy 

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif./ August 5, 2011 –The Big Bear Renaissance Faire takes guests back in time to an authentic Elizabethan era village of nobles, peasants, peddlers, gypsies, wenches, knights, jesters, troubadours and of course the most honorable Queen Elizabeth I and her Royal Court. The Big Bear Renaissance Faire celebrates its 10th anniversary of enchantment with musical troupes, singing groups, comedy acts, belly dancers, strolling street performers and full-contact joust matches.

“We’re pulling out all the stops for our special 10th anniversary celebration! We have more entertainment than ever before,” said Lynda McGinnis, CEO and Founder of Big Bear Renaissance Faire. “The headlining act is The Knights of Mayhem, a genuine jousting group that give an absolute crowd-pleasing performance!”

The Knights of Mayhem provide bone-crunching, no holds barred competitions that are 100 percent authentic, which means no scripts and no preplanned winner. Each knight is out to win, and spectators should expect to see a contest with full-blown body contact. The jousting competitions occur twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“By all means this is not a dinner show! It’s the real deal!” added McGinnis. “When they hit, they hit hard. In fact, last year we had to pry off a knight’s helmet and breastplate after a grueling battle.”

The 10th Anniversary Big Bear Renaissance Faire is two weekends, August 13-14 and August 20-21. The faire takes place at Pedersen Sawmill, located in Fawnskin at 39115 Rim of the World Drive. The jousting tournaments are only part of the on-going medieval-themed entertainment at the Big Bear Renaissance Faire. There are five stages of continuous entertainment including three general stages, a children’s stage, and a NC-17 stage. Note: Children under 17 should not attend the NC-17 stage performances.

Some of the key performers on the NC-17 stage include comedy troupes Belles of Bedlam and Gallows Humor. Both troupes use witty techniques to tickle the audience with a twisted sense of humor. Another marquee performer is Adam Reid “The Bawdy Juggler.” He can juggle just about anything thrown his way, including swords. On the general stage be sure to check out The Universe According to Galileo, an educational and side-splitting comedy routine. The fun and frivolity starts immediate with the naming of the planets, to Galileo explaining the three theories taught at the time of Aristotle, Ptolemy and Copernicus. Another must-see performance is Argus Armstrong, Minimal Ship Repair. This one man show (actually played by a woman) features as a traveling salesman for Miracle Ship with comedy bits that revolve around repairing a ship that includes clean humor for the youngsters, yet it’s bawdy enough for adults.

This year there are four royal guilds and three different pirate crews to educate guests about the Elizabethan era. Expect spontaneous outbreaks of war between the Spanish and English guilds. Of course the guilds will be on the lookout for scoundrel pirates that are known to rouse things up a bit.

Rounding off the activities and entertainment is Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Court, live steel battle, living history encampment with demonstrations, and Merriment Square Children’s Area with lots of games and prizes. Some of the more notable games include Battle on the High Seas, Chuck a Chicken, Splatter the Platter, Soak a Bloke and Drench a Wench.

Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without a food and beverage court that serves everything from plump, juicy turkey legs to scrumptious chowder served in a bread bowl. The Bear Bones & Dragon Ale Stand serves Dragon’s Blood red wine and Unicorn’s Breath white wine and a full array of ales and meads including Dragon’s Breath, a blend of wheat beer and pomegranate mead. Guests should also expect to see full-costumed vendors and crafters hawking everything from plume-feathered hats to leather goods, and replicated medieval swords to fine crafted jewelry.

Big Bear Renaissance Faire is two weekends, August 13-14 and August 20-21. Location: Pedersen Sawmill in Fawnskin at 39115 Rim of the World Drive; Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Adults: $15; Adult weekend pass: $26; Adult season pass: $50; Seniors, military, students and children (age 6-12) $12; Seniors, military, students and children weekend pass: $20; Seniors, military, students and children season pass: $38; Children 5 and under: FREE. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-424-4232 or online at www.bigbear.com.

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Old Miner’s Days Has Something New!

22
Jul 2011

If you’ve been in Big Bear during the Summer, you know the featured activities for Old Miners Days can be anywhere in the Valley.

Well, check out the Bartlett Street parking lot!

This weekend, the action is right in the Village.

Many of us are familiar with the Old Miners “Theme” and we try to join in the part as an honor to Big Bear’s Heritage.

You may know what to expect:

Yeah.

Right.

;-)>>>

DARE!
Put that cell phone down!

Grab your designer water bottles and come to the Carnival in the Big Bear Village.

There are serene Children’s Activities!

And a Tilt-A-Whirl for us adventurous types.

But….

There appears to be more than we can even remember!

That’s up in the air!

And a Super Slide! That’s up in the air, too!

That is the tallest “structure” around here since the Dam Crane.

And that doesn’t even include the BURROS!
They are arriving tonight!

Come into the Big Bear Village and have a great time this weekend.

For more information and a complete schedule,
please visit the Old Miner’s Days Website, http://oldminers.org.

;-)>>>

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Big Bear Lake Old Miner’s Days

20
Jul 2011
Old Miners Days Big Bear Lake CA

The Village Carnival is Coming to Town for Old Miners’ Days, complete with rides and midway games for children of all ages!  The Carnival opens during Friday Nites in the Village this coming Friday at 4pm till 10pm.  The Carnival re-opens on Saturday July 23 after the Parade from 11am to 10pm, and again on Sunday July 24 from 10am to 5pm.   Advanced Tickets are on sale now at a special 50% discount at the following Village locations: Bear Skins, the Shirt Shanty and Black Fox Trading Company.

The Old Miners’ Big Bear Heritage Parade, sponsored by the City of Big Bear Lake, begins this Saturday, July 23rd at 10:00 am!  Come out early for the Parade Breakfast in the Village and help raise money to support the men and women in uniform that serve this country.  A % of the breakfast sales from the hours of 8am to 10am this coming Saturday will be donated to the National Military Family Association, a leading non-profit dedicated to supporting military families surmount the challenges that are unique to military life. Participating Restaurants are Nottinghams, Boo Bear’s, Amangelas, Stillwells and the Copper Q. Parade road closure begins at 9:45am, visit www.oldminers.org to see the parade route and event parking options or call 584-5949 for more information.

Big Bear Valley’s newest sport returns in the 2nd Annual Old Miners’ Outhouse Race.  Much like the “gold fever” that spread through these mountains over a century ago, “outhouse race fever” has clearly struck Big Bear.  Come out and watch teams push an outhouse along the most difficult race course known to the sport so far as they compete for the coveted “Golden Outhouse Trophy”! Don’t have your own potty to push? Well the Old Miners’ have outhouses ready for teams to use so sign up today! Call 584-5949 for more information.  First race begins at 1pm this coming Saturday after the Old Miners’ Big Bear Heritage Parade.

With a fresh new spin to an old Bear Valley tradition, the Burros Return to Big Bear! Come watch a comical Burro Relay in the Village this Sunday July 24 where contestants re-enact a day in the life of a Holcomb Valley prospector.  They must make flapjacks, stake a claim, buy supplies, pan for gold and assay their pay dirt before racing back to the finish line.  The real challenge is escorting their burros along the obstacle course.  This relay is open to anyone that wants to give it a try! Then on July 25, 26 and 27, the Old Miners’ and Los Vaqueros presents “Burro-Palooza,” a new series of events paying tribute to rich mining and ranching history of Bear Valley.  At 3 pm each day, watch contestants navigate through a rodeo obstacle course with their burros.  Starting at 4:30 each day,  enter your kids in the Junior Rodeo complete with stick pony races, barrel relays and lasso contests.  Each evening at  6:30 pm, come watch local teams compete in a 3-day Donkey Softball Tournament.  Visit www.oldminers.org or call 584-5949 for more information.

The Burros are Back!

 

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Big Bear’s Moonridge Animal Park

19
Jul 2011

Lurrie Bell in Big Bear Lake

A GUITAR SHOOTOUT FOR THE ANIMALS

Blues for the Zoo Benefit Concert Raises Funds for Moonridge Animal Park

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif./ July 19, 2011 – Blues for the Zoo, a benefit concert to help raise funds for Moonridge Animal Park’s rehabilitation programs for orphaned and injured alpine wildlife, features three of Chicago’s most celebrated blues guitarists on the same stage for the first time ever. The headlining act called The Chicago Blues Shootout is an all-star group featuring blues virtuosos Lurrie Bell, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Larry McCray. Singer-songwriter Brother Yusef, opens the concert with his blend of acoustic-style blues. Maria Muldaur and her Red Hot Bluesiana Band performs second on the bill with American roots music including her hit single “Midnight at the Oasis.”

“Music and animals are connected in so many ways. Wolves howl, cats purr, owls hoot and humans play guitar,” said Moonridge Animal Park Curator Debbie Richardson. “The benefit concert is a win, win for our concert-goers. They win because they get to hear quality music at a beautiful scenic lakeside setting, and they win because all proceeds go toward helping our animals.”

Moonridge Animal Park is home to 160 orphaned and injured wildlife representing over 90 species. The main purpose of the zoo since its inception in 1960 is to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild. Not all rehabilitated animals can be released however, which is why the zoo continues to exist.

Spectators on the Beach, Blues for the Zoo

Blues for the Zoo is Saturday, August 6 at Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater, located at 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Gates open at 1 p.m. The concert is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult. Parking is $3. The concert features a selection of local arts and crafts and a freshly prepared food and beverage menu. Beach chairs and blankets are welcome for festival-style lawn seating. McDill Swim Beach is open during the concert for concert-goers only, and attendees are encouraged to bring swim suits and towels. No coolers allowed. To purchase tickets in advance or to book lodging and ticket packages log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232. You may also purchase tickets at the Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road or Moonridge Animal Park, 43285 Goldmine Dr. in Big Bear Lake.

About Moonridge Animal Park:

Moonridge Animal Park (MAP) is the only zoological facility in San Bernardino County, and one of only two alpine zoos in the United States. The difference is MAP is mostly dedicated to alpine wildlife that has been impacted by humans. MAP has always been a wildlife rehabilitation center and sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and endangered alpine species until they can be returned to their natural habitat. MAP is open year round, weather permitting. Permanent “residents” include a family of Grizzly bears, bobcats, wood bison, wolves, mountain lions and a snow leopard, as well as dozens of smaller native alpine wildlife, such as foxes, porcupine, raccoons, eagles and a variety of other birds. Both guided and self-guided tours are available and provide an excellent first-hand look into mountain wildlife and the delicate balance of nature.

Moonridge Zoo

Maria Muldar, Midnight at the Oasis, 2010

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Big Bear Heritage Parade Wants You!

12
Jul 2011

Old Miner's Days - Burro Races

From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Big Bear Lake, the Old Miners’ Association wants you.

That’s the clarion call to arms by the Old Miners’ Parade Committee – and Noel and Katherine Blanc, longtime residents of the mountain resort community answered.

Blanc, the voice of Warner Bros’ most famous cartoon characters for generations and his wife, Kat, artist, sculptor and author of “The Boy Who Conquered Everest,” about Big Bear’s own Jordon Romero, eagerly accepted the challenge to be grand marshals for the Old Miner’s Big Bear Heritage Parade on Saturday, July 23, and be the capstone to this year’s parade goal of being bold and local – reminiscent of its early days.

The famous couple said they were ready to shoulder the challenge of supporting the committee’s efforts to quickly recruit parade participants on short notice, and then put on a show the Big Bear Valley would long remember. He thought the Old Miners’ Association moving the parade to Saturday will enable visitors to spend the weekend enjoying the mountain, especially participating in a full slate of activities taking place over the weekend. Old Miners’ events begin Friday evening at the Elks Lodge with a musical tribute to the military; and then following the parade on Saturday, there will be a carnival and outhouse races in Bartlett’s Parking Lot. Sunday begins four days of burro relays and events, and reigniting one the legendary ingredients of Old Miners’ Association events.

Jim Hart, first-time parade chairman, has tackled the job with energy and optimism, stoked by years in Santa Fe Springs, where as a firefighter he was heavily involved in that community’s annual parade. “Right now,” he said, “we need to get applications out and returned as quickly as possible so we can stage the parade entrants and really be worthy of the 1st Marine Division Band. Even though we have deliberately truncated the parade for spectators and entrants (Big Bear Boulevard, Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive) there are dozens of details that need immediate attention to make the parade the success the city council desires. We have a lot of Ts to cross and Is to dot, but we’re confident we can do it . . . and we need more volunteers.”

The parade got its final go-ahead on June 15 from the Planning Commission, and Blanc and his wife’s enthusiasm was echoed throughout the Valley’s citizenry and service organizations that have long histories of creating floats and entries that reflect the area’s mining history.

“The excitement among everyone is there,” said Bill Wilson, parade committee member, “but time is the factor we can’t alter, so we’re counting on people stepping up to make this a reality.”

“It’s important,” added Rocky McAlister, committee member, “we live up to the city council’s faith in us, and despite the obstacle of time, the people of Big Bear can climb this mountain just like Jordan did Everest. And the addition of Noel and Kat is like a shot in the arm.”

To enter the parade, download the application from oldminers.org and email to jameshart@charter.not. To volunteer, call OMA at (909) 584-5949. Media Contact: Rocky McAlister – 909-633-0438 or wprr1@verizon.net

More Old Miner’s Days

Category: News, Old Miner's Days, San Bernardino Mountains  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
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