The California Carver’s Guild, along with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 7th Annual 
Oakhurst Woodcarver’s Rendezvous will take place April 6-12.
The event will once again be held at the Oakhurst Community Center. This year’s theme will celebrate the 150thAnniversary of the Yosemite Grant.
A Wood Quilt pieced together by individual, intricately carved squares will be crafted during this event. In this amazing piece of art each square will reflect the beauty and wonder that is Yosemite National Park. The Quilt will be raffled off throughout the year at various events.
The winner of the quilt will be announced after the New Year. The proceeds raised through the sales of the raffle tickets will go toward school scholarships for children involved in woodworking.
There will also be a special carving contest sponsored by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. Woodcarver’s will be asked to carve “aBEARham” Lincoln or something Yosemite Inspired as a tribute to the signing of the Yosemite Grant Act in 1864.
“This special week of carving is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family and we would like to extend a special invitation for everyone to come and join us,” said Larry Smith, co-chair of the event.
There will be carving classes, demonstrations and seminars for all level of carvers.
“We will also have crafts and other activities for your ‘tag-a-longs,’” said Smith.
There are many carving classes already set up, with more being arranged. The registration fee allows guests to attend as many classes during the week as they like.
Registration costs $105 for a single person, $160 per couple from the same household for the entire week. The price includes Sunday breakfast and dinner,Wednesday dinner, and a commemorative T-Shirt, as well as the classes, demonstrations, and seminars. Attendees should bring their own knives, tools and equipment.
Looky Loos are welcome all week long, free of charge. You are encouraged to watch the carvers during the week and see how they create such amazing works of art.
“We had a great time last year with a record attendance. We hope to bring even more people in this year,” said Smith.
The event will also include an Open House on April 12. The Oakhurst Sunrise Rotary will be cooking up a delicious BBQ lunch. The public is invited to come see the carvings from the week’s classes, some of which will be available for purchase. The open house event is free of charge.
Lodging arrangements have been made with the Comfort Inn, High Sierra RV Park and Elks Lodge. For more information, contact Smith at 559-658-2405 or Jack Parks at562-425-0732.
