Debbie Croft: From jumping frogs to jumping broncs, Mother Lode has it all

As always, there’s much to do in our neck of the woods. And wildflowers are still in bloom, so there’s plenty to see if you’ve got time for a drive through the country:

▪ Frogs and frog-lovers everywhere are busy practicing their jumping techniques. The annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee is taking place at the fairgrounds in Angels Camp on May 14-17.

Because this event is renowned worldwide, it has its own website: www.frogtown.org. Mark Twain would be proud.

And it has everything that makes county fairs so much fun: livestock auctions, 4-H shows, calf-branding, pole-bending, cowboy round-up, arts and crafts exhibits, home-baked treats, mouth-watering, grease-laden, overly-processed food, outhouse racing, frog-jumping contests, and too many other crowd-pleasing activities to list here. Call (209) 736-2561 if you need more information.

History and old-fashioned charm greet travelers at every turn along California’s picturesque Highway 49. Angels Camp is just one of the Gold Rush communities in the Central Sierra foothills. Visit www.historichwy49.com for more information about things to do and what to see.

▪ “Fork in the Road” is a unique fundraising event hosted by the American Association of University Women of Mariposa County.

Don’t you love peeking around doors into a friend’s home, and then being invited to step inside? For one day only, May 17, the owners of 10 distinctive homes will open their doors, allowing visitors a tour of their indoor and outdoor kitchens.

Light appetizers and yummy desserts will satisfy your taste buds in a feast that moves from one kitchen table to another.

The tour starts at 10 a.m., and the cost is $20, to benefit the AAUW in its community service projects. Details and tickets are available at www.aauwmariposa.com.

▪ On the pastoral lawn of Mariposa County’s historic courthouse, the 11th annual Fine Art and Wine Fest will be held May 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The benefit event is presented by the Mariposa Yosemite Rotary Club.

This year’s festival blends fine art and wines of the Sierra foothills and Yosemite region. A variety of artists and artisans will display their wares, including handcrafted jewelry, photographs, paintings, sculpture and weavings. While browsing, enjoy the smooth jazz sound of the Blue Skies Trio.

Admission and parking are free. For wine-tasting, a nominal fee includes six tickets and a commemorative glass. For details, contact Karen Smith at (209) 966-6406.

▪ The Yosemite Conservancy introduces new theater productions and art workshops for 2015 in Yosemite National Park.

“Theater and art programs make any visit to the park even more memorable for visitors of all ages,” said Yosemite Conservancy President Frank Dean. “The proceeds for these programs go toward important restoration and protection work in the park supported by the Conservancy.”

Nightly performances take place at the Yosemite Theater in the form of films and presentations featuring park history and heart-warming anecdotes.

Two programs premiering this year are:

“Creative Fusion: Exploring the Nature of the Sierra Nevada” – Ranger Erik Westerlund uses whimsical art, games, music and storytelling while taking the audience on a nature walk without leaving the building.

“Yosemite by Song and Story” – A lively evening of storytelling and music with Gail Dreifus, engaging the audience while teaching lessons about nature and ecology.

This year’s art workshops will appeal to artists of all skill levels. Taught by acclaimed artists, a variety of creative subjects will be covered, from mosaic art to photography and watercolors.

Pre-registration is recommended. Workshops are currently being held and will continue through October. Detailed information is available at the website, www.yosemiteconservancy.org, or by calling (800) 469-7275.

▪ The Mother Lode Round-up Rodeo and Parade with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse will be May 9-10. The Rodeo Queen events will take place this weekend.

One of the longest parades in the Golden State will stretch along Washington Street in downtown Sonora on Saturday morning. Rodeo action takes place both days at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, along with Western dancing and a barbecue. A Mother’s Day brunch, Cowboy Church with Coy Huffman and kiddie rodeo are planned for Sunday. There’ll be lots of fun on tap at this old-fashioned hometown reunion.

For 62 years, the Sheriff’s Posse has partnered with local businesses to provide volunteer labor at county functions and to raise much-needed funds for scholarships, youth programs and charitable organizations. More information is found at the website, www.motherloderoundup.com.

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: From jumping frogs to jumping broncs, Mother Lode has it all."