The annual Pine Cone Festival has been celebrating its role in bringing families into the mountains to enjoy the forest and learn about wildfire since 2006. Twice featured in the Automobile Club’s Westways magazine’s “Five Worth the Drive,” the Festival is guaranteed to be a great time for families.
On Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., come meet Cheekers the Squirrel, Smokey Bear, Captain Cal (Cal Fire’s mascot) and check out all the fire engines and the first responders.
Smokey Bear stands on the foot of assemblyman Tom Lackey last year.
Back again is Camp Cheekers. Last year visitors enjoyed this special area hosted by Rim of the World Recreation and Park District just for kids (and a rest stop for parents). Thanks to the Inland Empire Prospectors and Miners, we will again have a gold panning demonstration/activity for all to enjoy.
New this year is a costume contest for dogs – more details coming soon!
There are prizes galore! You can compete in the Pine Cone Olympics or the pine cone craft contest for prizes by age group. This family-friendly event is free and can be enjoyed by all ages. You can also learn about our local flora and fauna by taking one of the self-guided nature walk loops; those who complete a loop (different distances to suit your time and energy) receive a special souvenir.
And don’t forget the world’s largest pine cone contest! Judging this year will be managed by the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. Entries must be submitted by noon and winners will be announced at 1 p.m.
Free admission is possible thanks to the generosity of our premier event sponsors: Rim Nordic Ski, Snow Valley, Rim of the World Recreation and Park District , Mountain Transit, Lake Gregory Company and Mountain Top Storage. The Festival is organized by a volunteer steering committee which includes Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council, Church of the Woods, Rim Nordic, Rim Park District and FUNDamental Concepts.
Vendors can sign up as late as Sept. 28. Visit the website, www.PineConeFestival.org, and download the application. You can call (866) 923-3473 or email pineconefestival@gmail.com with any questions.
This local child had his face painted in Camp Cheekers by Rim Rec volunteers at last year’s Fesetival.
The Festival’s theme is fire prevention, forest health and family fun. All nonprofit vendors have games or goodies for children.
Remember to check out the vendor booths with wonderful items for early holiday shopping and great food vendors to satisfy your taste buds. There will be music all day, including local mountain favorites the Little Bear Valley Blues and others.
Don’t forget to cheer on your favorite first responders as they compete in the special Pine Cone Olympics brigade – let’s see if San Bernardino County Fire holds on to the title of champion!
Don’t forget there are great raffle prizes donated by the community and by the vendors at the event. Proceeds of the raffle help us keep this event free and fun.
The Festival is easy to find on Highway 18, just five miles east of Running Springs. Free parking is available at Snow Valley and Mountain Transit’s shuttle will bring you across the highway to the event.
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