Big Bear Lake Event

‘Old Miners’ relive Golden Days
in Big Bear Lake

Gold in Holcomb Valley!

This magic call was just as compelling in 1860 as it had been twelve years before when it drew hordes of gold-seekers to the Mother Lode country of Northern California.

Today, almost 100 years later, that cry is echoed in the annual celebration held in big Bear Valley the first full week end in August to commemorate the days when Bear Valley and nearby Holcomb Valley to the immediate north were the center of a brawling civilization that came for gold.

The celebration of Old Miners Days in Bear Valley is not only a four-day festival of fun but is also in the nature of a memorial to the men and women who made history here and left their mark on the land. In old time costumes, beards and bonnets today’s generation re-live the kind of fun the real old miners used to enjoy during their free hours. Such amusements as a donkey-flapjack race, square dancing, whiskerino contests, and kangaroo court are just a few of the events which add to the enjoyment of the celebration.

In 1959 the event will get underway on Thursday, August 6th, with the start of the sixth annual burro derby at the old Sheriff’s Station in Apple Valley. The three-day race travels 42 miles, through Apple Valley, to an overnight stop in Lucerne Valley, then up the Johnson and Cushenberry Grades to enter Bear Valley at its easternmost end. After a second overnight stop in Big Bear City, men and beasts start the final lap of the grueling race, to hurry to the finish line in front of the Elks Club in Big Bear Lake, on Saturday, August 8.

The burro derby is particularly amusing because it is not merely a contest of speed between animals, but depends on the ability of each human wrangler to lead his burro entry regardless of the willingness of the animal. Each day the battle begins anew when wranglers draw different burros for that day’s course.

The race has been widely publicized by radio, television and films and each year draws greater crowds of spectators who enjoy the amusing battle of wits and strength between wranglers and burros. Winners are judged on the basis of elapsed time, with daily prizes at the conclusion of the event.

The Clementine Dance, the big costume ball of the year, will be held in Big Bear Lake on Saturday night, August 8th, this year, after a day of amusing contests and events. Prizes are awarded for winning costumes in many categories, although wearing of costume is not obligatory.

The four-day celebration is climaxed on Sunday by the big “Western Heritage” parade at noon, which is followed by a junior rodeo and gymkhana at Meadow Park.

In celebrating as well as in daily living, today’s generations follow more sedately in the footsteps of the pioneers who made history here in the early days. The wild mining activity that flourished here during Civil War days has left behind tales of lawlessness and murder equaling the worst of that written in the Gold Rush of 1849.

More Old Miner's Days, Big Bear Lake History