49er Festival & Chili Cook-off results, Groveland parade

Each year we think it can't get better, but this year's perfect weather, fantastic people and great fun rings side by side with the glow of a job well done by so many people. Here it is, days later, and the joy still lingers with everyone I meet saying how grand the festival was this year.

The parade with its lively theme "Swinging through the Sierra" brought out some of our most creative floats ever with swings, swingers and singers! The music rang throughout the park with the beautifully clear vocals of Joni Morris and the great fiddling sounds of Don Burnham and the Overalls.

The Chili Cook-off had a fantastic showing with many area restaurants and home-chefs brewing up a special pot of their best recipes with great early morning efforts by all. The selection of wares available from the vendors, many local and some from far away, provided plenty of diversion for our dollars! The poker walk and saloon girls added loads of flair to the festival. Prizes for this years raffle were desired by all and many a ticket purchased in hopes of the lucky draw.

But a festival favorite was the return of the Live Auction. The donations the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce received from members and neighbors were exciting and fresh and the bidding hands waving throughout the auction hour were testament to the interest by all. Robin in her glorious attire played a perfect "Vanna" to the Auctioneer's clear calling out: Going Once, Going Twice.....Sold!

A special thanks to the many people and businesses that volunteered oodles of hours and donated bunches prizes and dollars to make this festival a hit. We look forward to your participation again next year and hope those wishing to wear our special glow and bright orange vests let us know which areas they would like to chair to lead the town to another success as we begin planning for an even grander 2008!

Let's do it all again next year!

Chili Cook-off Results 2008
Peoples Choice Chili with beans
49er Chili Leaders
Groveland Fire Department
Hotel Jeffery House on Fire

Peoples Choice Chili without beans
Knoth Properties Jamaican Chili
Chris Avery Cross Country Chili
Ranch House Chili Company

Peoples Choice Vegetarian
Pine Mountain Lake Country Club Vegetarian Chili
49er Chili Leaders
Hotel Charlotte Pixie Dust Chili


Judges Choice Chili with Beans
49er Chili Leaders
Groveland Fire Department
Groveland Hotel Victorian Room

Judges Choice Chili without Beans
Hotel Charlotte Call of the Wild Caribou Chili
Knoth Properties Jamaican Chili
Ranch House Chili Company

Judges Choice Vegetarian
Hotel Charlotte Pixie Dust Chili
49er Chili Leaders
Pine Mountain Lake Country Club Vegetarian Chili

Best Decorated Booth
Knoth Properties Jamaican Chili
Hotel Jeffery House on Fire Chili
Groveland Fire Department

Parade Results
Best Walking Adult – Guns of the Chosen Few
Best Walking Jr – Museum Day featuring Tenaya 4th graders
Best Mounted Adult – Cocina Michoacana
Best Mounted Jr – Perry n’ Kids
Best Motor Vehicle – Ron and Carole Smith
Best Community Service- Helping Hands
Best 49r Theme – Guns of the Chosen Few
Best Theme – Sage Maddelena
Best Float – Ed Connery
Best of Parade – Cocina Michoacana