Sunday February 19, 2012

SNOWSHOE THOMPSON EXPERIENCE, LUNCH and RAFFLE
Every ticket includes lunch, a raffle ticket, and an encounter with Thompson


Calaveras Big Trees State Park -- The non-profit Calaveras Big Trees Association will hold a fund-raiser for the park this Sunday featuring a chance to snow shoe into the Sequoia grove to meet Snowshoe Thompson, the legendary pioneer who carried the mails across the mountains on skis to the mining camps of Nevada, plus a hot lunch.

Fresh snowfall this week will provide a rare chance to be in the grove with optimal conditions. The park will be open for regular visitors for snowplay and normal activities.

Thompson, portrayed by Steve Hale of Genoa, Nevada, will meet with the guided groups and talk about his exploits and the history of that era. He will also be present during lunch break at historic Jack Knight Hall for questions about that era. Guided hike tickets include park admission, a lunch of chili and corn bread, one raffle ticket, and snow shoes.
All the money raised by the events will go to support educational and interpretive programs at the park.

The raffle includes multiple prizes, the top one being a pair of new snow shoes donated by SNAC (Sierra Nevada Adventure Company) of Arnold, Murphys and Sonora.
Park visitors who choose not to take the hike with Thompson can buy lunch for only $5. Extra raffle tickets will be available at the event. Visitors can check out the raffle items at Jack Knight Hall.

Two separate hikes will be held

SESSION ONE will begin at 11:00 am. Leaving from the Warming Hut on snowshoes, (weather permitting). You will be treated to a guided hike which will take you to an encounter with Snowshoe Thompson portrayed by Hale. The early hike will be followed by lunch in Jack Knight Hall.

SESSION TWO will begin at 1 pm from Jack Knight Hall beginning with lunch and then will proceed to the guided hike for your opportunity to meet Snowshoe Thompson.

Guided hike/encounter tickets are $20.50 for adults and $10.50 for children under 12. Snowshoes will be provided for you but bring your own if you have them.


Purchase online at snowshoethompson.eventsbot.com Outdoor activities are always subject to weather conditions

Call the office at (209) 795-38490 for more information.