Debbie Croft: September events worth the drive

The foothills are bathed in gold this time of year as temperatures start tapering off. It’s a beautiful time for a weekend drive through the country. And with these popular events, September brings plenty of reasons to leave the Central Valley behind for a day or two:

Our annual Blazin’ Hog Barbecue Competition and Zydeco Music Festival features the best barbecue around. Come to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds to sample melt-in-your-mouth fare, starting at noon Saturday, Sept. 19.

Zydeco music fans will enjoy the sounds of BluesBox Bayou Band and Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans. Also in the lineup will be Colorado Road, an indie-folk rock band from Mariposa.

The fairgrounds are located along Highway 49 about a mile south of town. Ticket prices are $15 and under. Proceeds benefit the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation. More information is available at www.blazinhog.com.

In the past it’s been called the Agri-Nature Trail Tour and the Tomato Fest, but this event now has a new name: the Mariposa Farm and Ranch Tour.

With the harvest season comes a unique opportunity to celebrate Mariposa County’s rural character. Don’t miss this chance to meet our farmers and ranchers. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the Gold Country’s agricultural heritage while learning about locally grown produce and natural products and viewing the work of skilled artists and artisans.

Mariposa Agri-Nature Association is the event sponsor. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Five locations are on this year’s tour:

In Catheys Valley visit Epic Alpaca Ranch on Hornitos Road, and stop by Andrew and Lauren Gilken’s Raw Roots Farms.

Sierra Cider is a new operation in the Lushmeadows area. Nearby Butterfly Creek Winery will also open its doors to welcome visitors.

And the CostaLivos olive oil farm brings a taste of Italy to the Sierra Nevada region.

Each location will feature demonstrations and offer items for purchase. In addition, workshops, birdwatching, kids activities and more will enhance your visit.

Tickets are $10 per adult or $25 per car and are available at the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce, 5158 Highway 140, at Casto Oaks Wine Tasting Room, 5022 Highway 140, and at each farm/ranch.

For details, call Kris Casto at 209-377-8203, email J.J. Gillispie at jimandjoce@gmail.com, visit the website www.MariposaFarmsandRanches.com, or find the group on Facebook: Farms and Ranches of Mariposa County.

For a real Western adventure, Coulterville’s Coyote Howl takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. The parade starts at 10 a.m., and family fun continues through the day, including activities for kids, game competitions, live music, a petting zoo, car show, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, plus raffles.

The event highlight is a Coyote Howl contest with cash prizes for each division.

It all takes place on historic Main Street and at Coulterville Park next to the Jeffery Hotel. Admission is free. For more information check the events calendar at www.mariposachamber.org, or call 209-878-3015.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce will hold its 33rd annual Fiddle & Bango (banjo) Contest on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The Columbia State Historic Park gazebo will serve as center stage, welcoming all ages and all music genres.

Categories are: fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocal, miscellaneous and original song. Winners of each category will be awarded cash prizes. Grand prize is a genuine gold nugget.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the gazebo. Contest entry fee is $15 per category. Competition begins at 10:30 a.m.

Park entrance and parking are free. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

At lunchtime enjoy the chili cook-off, only $5, sponsored by the Columbia chamber. Main Street shops and restaurants will be open. For details call 209-536-1672 or www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: September events worth the drive."