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.

Ladies and Gents Battle it out on Rails, Catwalk, and Dance Floor to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

Big Bear Lake, Calif. January 12, 2011 – The inaugural XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest showcases females vs. males in three categories that includes a snowboard rail jam, fashion shows, and DJ battles. The purpose of the event is to educate and uplift women through fun, non-competitive events vs. men, and to raise awareness of breast cancer and the value of living an active lifestyle.

“We want to give women a comfortable forum where they can showcase their talents without any pressures. Winterfest is designed to give them a chance to playfully participate against the guys in a fun atmosphere,” said XOS Productions Event Producer Marisa Lupo. “The other key piece of Winterfest is to communicate the message about breast cancer, the importance of self examination and early detection, and to provide knowledge to fight the deadly disease.”

The two day event is February 3 and 4, 2012 in The Big Bear Village at the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot. The event kicks off Friday, February 3 with a night-time DJ concert, featuring top-name DJs, and fashion show inside a large structured tent. The following day, Saturday, February 4, the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot transforms into a winter-themed festival with a kid’s snow play area, snowshoe demos, live entertainment, carnival-type games, food vendors, art displays, winter apparel and booths providing information about breast cancer awareness. The main attraction on Saturday is the XOS Rail Jam that features top female snowboarders that rival top male snowboarders on professionally-built rails and jibs for an exciting snowboarding competition. Once the sun goes down, the music starts up again in the tented arena for a second DJ concert and fashion show Saturday night. Headlining acts for both Friday and Saturday evenings include internationally-renowned DJs Revolvr, Tatiana Fontes and Kristina Sky. Other performers include 2Deadbeatz, Duality, Shibby, MC2 and Ayla Simone. The tented events provide entertaining male vs. female DJ battles, dance-offs and catwalk fashion struts.

XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest is Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4. Both of the evening tented DJ concerts are from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight for ages 18 and over. Admission is $25 each night. (A portion of ticket sales goes to Boarding for Breast Cancer, a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation for breast cancer.) Saturday’s daytime festivities are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for all daytime activities, which includes the XOS Rail Jam are FREE and open to all ages. The location of the event is at The Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake. For more event information visit www.xosproductions.com. To purchase discounted concert tickets and lodging packages log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

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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• Halloween Trick-Or-Treat; The Annual Big Bear Lake Village Event … – Halloween Trick-Or-Treat; The Annual Big Bear Lake Village Event. 13 10 2010. costume fun 3 October 31, 2010 is Halloween and the annual Trick-Or-Treat event will start at 4:00 PM and go until 8:00 PM. The event is sponsored by the City …
• Big Bear Lake California | My Winter Sun Holiday – Big Bear Lake is an all season’s resort town in San Bernardino County of California. Big Bear Lake is a picturesque town surrounded by the national forest and is about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. This resort community gives both summer and winter events.

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Atlas Snowshoes from Goldsmith's Board House

Did you know Snowshoe the Bear is this Saturday, February, 6. The event welcomes both experts and complete novices. It starts in the Big Bear Lake Village at 8:00 AM and goes out into the San Bernardino National Forest. There is a fully marked five and ten kilometer course. Enjoy fun, family atmosphere and live music.

I’ve never been snowshoeing, and I wondered what our conditions were like (besides the obvious four foot base of snow). I wanted to know; did the snow support the snowshoes, how well do the shoes grip the snow, and how fast could I walk.

I went over to Goldsmith’s Board House (909 866-2728) in Big Bear Lake and rented a pair. I found out there are basically three types of snowshoes;

1. Running –smaller size for aerobic exercise, not practical for serious long term snow travel.
2. Recreational –better in the back country, slightly larger than the running ones.
3. Mountaineering – made for serious outdoor travel and for long distance. These snowshoes can be up to 30 inches long by 10 inches wide.

Snowshoes for running have fixed rotation bindings which bring the back of shoe up with each step, allowing faster movement.  When you find the pair you want make sure you can easily manipulate the straps and securely lock your boot into the snowshoes.

I strapped myself into the snowshoes and was surprised how easy it was to walk in them. I didn’t use the polls. I noticed the crampon cleats were on the balls of my feet. I switched my balance from the heels to the front and was able to move at a good speed.

When I walked on a path that had already been broken, I didn’t leave much of an impression. When I went out into untracked snow, my snowshoes left a three inch deep track (see video). I fell through once. I walked too close to a bush…we have so much snow, you can’t see the bushes!

Goldsmith’s carry Atlas snowshoes, including poles and pack, for under $200. While you’re there, you may want to pick up a good pair of sunglasses or goggles. Ask for Ashley, she helped us and is very knowledgeable. She can hook you up with clothing, boots, anything you need for high altitude recreation.

FACT: The first snowshoes in North America are attributed to the Huron and the Algonquin Indians.

10k Course Description: Begin on Village Drive in front of Paoli’s Restaurant.  Turn right/south on Knickerbocker.  Turn left/east on Forest Road 2N08. Continue on Forest Road 2N08 to trail 1E01.  Turn left/south on 1E01 to Deer Group Camp.  Turn right on the Deer Group Camp access road (from the middle of the camp) to Forest Road 2N08.  Turn right/east on Forest Road 2N08 and continue to the village via the same path.

5k Course Description: Begin on Village Drive in front of Paoli’s Restaurant.  Turn right/south on Knickerbocker.  Turn left/east on Forest Road 2N08.  Turn left/east on Towne Trail (marked with Boulders).  Turn around at beginning of Summit Condos.  Return via the same path.

Additional Resources;

Snowshoeing in the San Jacinto Mountains; Several people took the tram and then asended to the top of the mountain. They shot several great videos. The snow conditions are very much like our mountains.

Snow Report Big Bear- Updated snow conditions for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Valley, Mount Baldy, Mountain High and Mammoth Mountain.

Snowboard & Ski Rentals- Goldsmith’s Boardhouse and Ski Rentals is what we recommend. They have been fitting skiis, adjusting boards forever! Their staff is knowledgable and can shred with the best. Work with people who love the sport!

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Big Bear Halloween

Alpine Magic Mountain has been blowing snow and looks like they will be open for snow tubing this weekend. Both Resorts (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit) have been blowing snow and covering the mountain with their snow guns. Check back with up, we’ll let you you when they open!

Events

October 30 – Nov 1

Octobertfest Schedule

39th Annual Oktoberfest
October 31, 2009

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for seven consecutive weekends, September 19 through October 31 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. Ticket prices for Saturdays are $12 adults; $9 seniors (65+); $6 children (3-12). Sundays are $5 adults; $4 seniors (65+); and children (12 and under) are free. Group and tour package pricing is also available. For more information call 909-585-3000.

Event Website

Google Map

“Theatre of Horrors” Haunted House at the PAC
October 30, 2009 – 7:00pm to 10:00pm
October 31, 2009 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm

The Theatre of Horrors Haunted House is back again this year at the PAC. Presented by Soroptimist International of Big Bear and the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center Foundation with proceeds going to the Soroptimist’s to help fund their various community causes. The Haunted House will be open two weekends October 23rd and 24th and 30th and 31st. Fridays hours are from 7-10 PM and Saturdays from 6-10 PM. Tickets are $6 for adulats and $4 for children 6 and under and can be purchased online or by phone (909) 866-4970 or in person at the Box Office.

Event Website

Google Map

Spooky Halloween Book Signings
October 30, 2009 – 3:00pm

Feel a chill at children’s author Merrily Kutner’s Halloween book signings and readings. Meet the award winning author of the books, Z IS FOR ZOMBIE and THE ZOMBIE NITE CAFE, in her “scary” costume at two Halloween celebrations. Merrily will read portions of her books to children and sign books on Friday, October 30th at Kathy’s Art, Etc. & Postal Plus. Readings will be at 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM. Owner Kathy Bambeck is providing treats, punch, and stickers, and face painting will be offered. Participating stores on Halloween Eve in the Stater Brothers Center will treat with free goodies, discounts and spooky fun. If you miss Merrily at these signings, she’ll also have signings on Halloween in the Village on Saturday, October 31st. Come on in to Premier Properties Sotheby’s International Realty for her 4PM and 4:40 PM signings and Halloween candy as you wait for it to get darker for trick-or-treating! For more details please call (909) 866-2344

Location: Kathy’s Art, Etc, and Postal Plus

Halloween in the Village
October 31, 2009

Take a walk through the village seeing all the horrors that it has to offer! Dont forget your costume or you’ll miss out on the trick or treating! For more info, call 909.866.4607.

Location: Village at Big Bear Lake

Boo In The Zoo!
October 31, 2009 – 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Bring the children on this special day for a late afternoon/early evening of Tricks ‘n Treat–The Graveyard, Pumpkin Patch, Electric Dungeon of Doom, Witches Brew, Scarecrow Land, Witches Lair, and Goblins throughout the park. Also enjoy seeing the park animals receive their Halloween treats too! For more information call (909) 878-4200.

Event Website

Google Map