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Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train

June 15 - 18, 2011

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~~~NEWS UPDATE!~~~

The wagon and horseback riding portion of the 36^th Annual Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train, June 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2011 has been cancelled due to an outbreak of EVH-1 virus. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused, but after monitoring the situation with different organizations and veterinarians, the Mariposa Wagon Train Board of Directors feel this is in the best interest of the horse population.

Although the trek from Yosemite to Mariposa by wagon, horse or on foot has been cancelled, the festivities scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Saturday, June 18, 2011 will be held as planned. We invite all registered participants and the public to come out and join us at the Historic Van Ness Ranch for live music, lots of great raffle prizes, dinner, Cowboy Poetry and stories by some long-time residents of Mariposa and the drawing for the winner of the Pioneer Wagon Train Quilt. The Van Ness Ranch is located at 5260 Carleton Rd, approximately 4.6 miles south of Mariposa on Hwy. 49. Just follow the signs!

The price for Saturday’s event is $20 per person. Tickets are available at the Mariposa Shipping Company located at 5008A Hwy. 140, Mariposa and will also be sold at the door. Raffle tickets for the many prizes and the quilt will also be available at the event. There have been some changes to the schedule, so please note the times to insure you don’t miss a thing!

3:00 – 4:30 P.M. Live Music and Raffle Ticket Purchase

4:30 – 5:30 P.M. Dinner

5:30 – 6:00 P.M. Live Music and Raffle Drawings

6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Cowboy Poetry and Story-Telling

8:00 – 9:00 P.M. Live Music, Raffles and Quilt Drawing

We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, June 18, 2011 and ask you to mark your calendars for the third week in June, 2012, when the Cannonball, wagons, riders and walkers will once again bring Mariposa history to life at the 37^th Annual Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train!

Every second weekend in June since 1975, the Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train has made its historic trek from the Goat Meadow campground in Fish Camp, CA to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Following many of the old stage coach roads from the 1800s, the Wagon Train covers this 32 mile trip over the course of three days, camping each night at a different site along the way. We begin with dinner around the campfire on Wednesday night at Goat Meadow, and end on Saturday, with dinner, Cowboy Poetry, and a western dance at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.

NEWS UPDATE!~~~
SEE Info Above

For 2011, we listened to the participants and made the following changes: The 36 Annual ride will take place on the 3rd weekend in June (15th - 18th). The ride will end at a local ranch on Carleton Road. This will make our Saturday evening dinner/dance a real Western Experience!

The Wagon Train welcomes participation from owners of wagons and teams, horseback riders, and those who just want to walk the trail, pioneer-style. All participants are encouraged to dress in period costumes on the rides, around the campfires and especially for the Saturday night Dinner/Dance. Recognition will be given for "Most Authentic Attire" so don't be shy.

In addition, the public is invited to attend and participate in all evening festivites throughout the three (3) day event. Campfires begin at 5:00 PM along with music and cowboy poetry. If you play an instrument, bring it along. If you are a story teller, bring one to share. Dinner starts at 6:00 PM and raffle drawings are held throughout the evening. So mark your calendars and bring the entire family to a truly unique experience.

Left: The Cannonball Stage leaves Fishcamp. Right: Scouts Dianne Austin and Peggy DeBuyser water their horses at Silva Road.

Left: A wagon prepares to leave Summit Camp. Right: The view down Chowchilla Mountain Road.