New Year’s Day And First Weekend Of The Year Events

There are several events happening in the Mother Lode this weekend.

The Calaveras Master Gardeners open their demonstration garden every Thursday, year-round including Thursday, January 1st, New Year’s Day. The hours are from 11 AM to 4 PM. You’ll find plant sales, gardening advice, demonstration gardens, children’s activities, a seed exchange and produce. The location is Mountain Ranch Road near the Government Center in San Andreas.

Celebrate the New Year at Columbia State Historic Park with a town tour on New Years Day. The tour will meet outside the Columbia Museum at 11 AM.

The Pinecrest Lake Polar Bear Plunge is an annual event where you are invited to jump in the freezing water at Pinecrest lake to celebrate the new year. The event will take place at Pinecrest Lake on January 1st at 2 PM. There will be a quick safety brief. The event is free and any donations will go to non-profits.

The Mountain Ranch Community Club will host a potluck dinner at the Mountain Ranch Community Club in downtown Mountain Ranch on Friday, January 2nd. The Social hour starts at 5:30 PM. Music will be provided by DDQ and Friends. The Potluck Dinner will be served at 6:30 and after dinner, there will be board games, fun and socializing.

Big Trees State Park Warming Hall is open every day, including New Years Day, through Sunday, January 4th. Once inside of the Park, you are invited to come by Jack Knight Hall from Noon to 3 PM for free hot chocolate and cider and cozy up to a roaring fire, courtesy of the Calaveras Big Trees Association.

The American Legion Smyth Bolter Post 58 will be serving breakfast on Sunday morning, January 4th from 8 to 11 AM. The breakfast takes place at the Sonora Veterans Memorial Building on Washington Street in downtown Sonora. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and is open to the public as detailed in the event listing here.