ON-GOING EVENTS:
Gold Rush Days: Discover first hand what the life of a miner in early Columbia may have been like, with a chance at riches and a world of hard work to be had in the southern mines. At Columbia State Historic Park in Tuolumne County, the Gold Rush Days are presented by park docents in period attire. They will lead programs throughout the park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Gold Rush Days is presented each month on the second Saturday at Columbia State Historic Park, 4 miles north of Sonora in Tuolumne County, just off Highway 49. Free admission and free parking. Info: (209) 588-9128

NOVEMBER 2008:

Nov. 21-Dec. 21: ‘The Christmas Foundling’: Sierra Rep’s own Christmas tradition returns by popular demand. Inspired by the tales of Bret Harte, this original holiday play blends themes of home and family in a Gold Rush setting. It is Christmas Eve, 1852 at a cabin near rough-and-tumble Columbia, and a pair of miners are suddenly left with an orphaned infant. Over the years, the boy binds a loose-knit group of miners into a family. Then one night, a Boston woman arrives to claim the child as her nephew, and all those who love him must choose his future. Info: (209) 532-3120
Nov. 28-Dec. 21: Candy Cane Making: Watch the making of the Candy Canes at Columbia Candy Kitchen. All sizes and types for sale in the store. Info: (209) 532-7886

DECEMBER 2008:
Dec. 1-21: ‘The Christmas Foundling’: Sierra Rep’s own Christmas tradition returns by popular demand. Inspired by the tales of Bret Harte, this original holiday play blends themes of home and family in a Gold Rush setting. It is Christmas Eve, 1852 at a cabin near rough-and-tumble Columbia, and a pair of miners are suddenly left with an orphaned infant. Over the years, the boy binds a loose-knit group of miners into a family. Then one night, a Boston woman arrives to claim the child as her nephew, and all those who love him must choose his future. Info: (209) 532-3120
Dec. 1-21: Candy Cane Making: Watch the making of the Candy Canes at Columbia Candy Kitchen. All sizes and types for sale in the store. Info: (209) 532-7886
Dec. 5-6: “Lamplight Docent Tour”: Docents in period costume perform a series of skits depicting life in Columbia during the holiday season. Reservations fill up quickly, so reserve early. Fundraiser for Friends of Columbia State Historic Park. Tel: (209) 536-1672
Dec. 6-21: A Miner’s Christmas: This event offers an array of activities for the entire family. Costumed interpreters recreate the mining camp of the 1850s as homesick miners roast chestnuts and hot cider, and perform live music for park visitors. 19th century toys and games, Victorian Holiday craft making, and Christmas storytelling make this an enjoyable experience for the entire family, an antidote for the big store holiday shopping experience. And don't miss the candy store where you can watch candy canes being made. Events are scheduled for 3 weekends, Dec 6-7, Dec 13-14.and Dec 20-21. Tel: (209) 536-1672
Dec. 14: Las Posadas Nativity Procession: Los Posadas procession down Main Street of historic Columbia, gold rush style. The procession is given a Mexican flavor in this event. The streets are lined with candle filled paper bags & participants stroll down Main St. to the "manger".
Dec. 14: Columbia College Jazz Series: Held in the 200-seat Dogwood Theater on the Columbia College campus in Columbia, CA. The dates of the other five concerts are Jan 17/18, Feb. 6/7, March 6/7, April 18, and May 13. Tel: (209) 588-5211
Dec. 14: All Equestrian Christmas Parade: All Equestrian Christmas Parade sponsored by Mid Valley Unit of Back Country Horsemen of California. Call 209-559-2620 to be a part of the parade.