Debbie Croft: Many events planned for summer in the foothills

If you’re wondering what there is to do this summer in the foothills, we have so many events and activities planned, you’ll probably run out of summer before enjoying everything our communities offer.

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, also known as YARTS, now connects Fresno Yosemite International Airport to the national park. The route follows Highway 41 through Oakhurst to Yosemite Valley.

For 15 years YARTS has provided exceptional service and state-of-the-art comfort from the Central Valley to Yosemite. Besides serving Merced and Mariposa, routes have been expanded. Service includes Sonora, Jamestown and Groveland to the north, as well as Tuolumne Meadows, Lee Vining, June Lake and Mammoth Lakes on the east side of the Sierra.

Everything you need to know to ride with YARTS is available at the website, www.yarts.com.

Cousin Jack’s Mariposa Evenings has just introduced its 24th season of outdoor concerts in the Arts Park. The concert series started Friday with The Trespassers, a favorite Mariposa band. And Saturday, Green Machine brings reggae music and a light show to the stage.

Sponsored by Mariposa County Arts Council and area businesses, the series runs Friday and Saturday nights from the first weekend in June through the last weekend in August. Performances begin at 7 p.m. at the park, located on Highway 140 between Fourth and Fifth streets in downtown Mariposa.

Scheduling and details are available at www.mariposaartscouncil.org. Concerts and parking are free, but donations will be accepted. Bring blankets or chairs for lawn seating.

An Acting Fundamentals workshop will be offered this summer through MCAC. Connie Stetson is the instructor for this six-week series, beginning on June 23. Evening classes will be held at the Yosemite Bug Spa and Resort for novices and experienced actors wanting to improve their skills. For more information, visit the MCAC website or call (209) 966-3155.

The Yosemite Area Audubon Society will take a field trip this Wednesday along Highway 41 north to Wawona and possibly to Bridalveil Creek Campground. The group hopes to spot green-tailed towhees, calliope hummingbirds and warblers. Bring binoculars, lunch, snacks, water and sunscreen, and meet at McDonald’s in Oakhurst at 7:45 a.m. Contact Nina Jones for further info at (559) 760-1624, mtnlynx@sti.net or visit the website, www.yosemiteaudubon.org.

There’s still time for a Saturday drive to Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for the annual Singing Rails Railroad Music Competition. In addition to competitors’ performances, the Black Irish Band and Sierra Mountain Band will play.

Concerts are free with paid park or train ride admission. This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If there’s still room, a few registrations will be accepted Saturday as standby entries, for a fee of $10. Categories and prizes include vocal, instrumental and the best vocally generated train sound award. Check www.railtown1897.org for more information.

A certified farmers market has recently opened in Columbia on Thursdays. From May through October from 5 to 8 p.m., not only can visitors purchase locally grown produce, but the state park’s living history exhibits and the museum will be open as well.

Costumed docents will be on hand. Merchants will operate a booth or keep their doors unlocked during these evenings. And an assortment of vendors will offer antiques, unique handcrafted items, raw honey, natural and organic foods and more.

Of course musicians will get the toes tapping, and children’s activities will prevent boredom while adults browse.

It all takes place on Main Street. For details check the Facebook page, “Certified Farmers Market at Columbia State Historic Park,” or email columbiafarmersmarket@yahoo.com.

Also in Columbia, ghost tours tell about the lives of this Gold Rush town’s more mysterious residents on select Saturday evenings. The next tour is scheduled for June 13. The authentic 1800s community has maintained 30 original buildings and continues to draw visitors from around the world to experience its old-fashioned charm. See more at the website, www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

This story was originally published June 5, 2015 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Many events planned for summer in the foothills."