Editing Oakhurst, California (section)

==Attractions==

===The Talking Bear===

Celebrated as both a local landmark and [[roadside attraction]], the Talking Bear is a prominent fiberglass grizzly bear statue located at the intersection of Highway 41 and Road 426. Known for its distinctive design and cultural significance, the statue has become a notable feature in the area since it was installed in 1965.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=MT19650218.2.38&srpos=2&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-%22talking+bear%22------- |title=Curious Looks Given Talking Bear |newspaper=Madera Tribune |volume=73 |number=197 |date=1965-02-18 |access-date=2024-01-21}}</ref> Visitors press a button to hear a recorded message about the [[California Grizzly Bear]]. Hugh Schollenbarger installed the bear which was made by Alpine's Fiberglass Menagerie Co.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/account/talking-bear-oakhurst |title=Talking Bear Oakhurst |publisher=Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau |access-date=2024-01-21}}</ref>

===Historic Buildings===

The Little Church on the Hill was built in 1894 and moved from Chapel Hill to its current location in Oakhill Cemetery in 1957.<ref>"Old Oakhurst Church Dedication On Sunday." Madera Tribune, vol. 66, no. 47, 9 July 1957. Retrieved from [https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=MT19570709.2.9&srpos=63&e=-------en--20--61--txt-txIN-oakhurst+fresno+flats+-------]</ref> Built from sugar pine lumber from the local mills, it was the first house of worship in Fresno Flats and met the needs of all denominations for over 50 years.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 13, 2014 |title=The Historic Little Church on the Hill in the heart of Oakhurst, California is turning 120 on June 20, 2014 |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/the_historic_little_church_on_the_hill_in_the_heart_of_oakhurst_california_is_turning_120_on_june_20_2014/prweb11834369.htm |work=PR Web |access-date=July 1, 2022}}</ref> The church and cemetery were designated as [[California Points of Historical Interest|California Point of Historical Interest]] in 1994.

Many original [[American pioneer|pioneer]] structures are on display at the '''Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park''' including the 1869 Taylor Log House, where Boot Taylor, one of the first [[Sierra National Forest]] rangers was raised, the two-story Laramore-Layman House, built in the 1870s, the Raymond Jail built in 1890, and several single-room schoolhouses.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=September 1991 |title=Lingering on your way to Yosemite |work=Sunset (Vol. 187, Issue 3)}}</ref>

<gallery class="center" widths=200px heights=200px>
Little Church on the Hill at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst, California.jpg|The Little Church on the Hill at Oakhill Cemetery
1890 Raymond Jail.jpg|The 1890 pioneer jail at Fresno Flats Historical Village was relocated from nearby [[Raymond, California|Raymond]].
</gallery>

===Sierra Mountaineer Days===

Sierra Mountaineer Days, an annual festival established in 1964, became a significant event, drawing over 10,000 visitors each year at its peak.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mountain Area Plans Big Annual 3-Day Celebration |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=MT19650525.2.85.56&srpos=6&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-oakhurst+mountaineer+days------- |newspaper=Madera Tribune |volume=74 |number=8 |date=25 May 1965 |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> The three-day event featured a parade, barbecue, rodeo, and beauty pageant, celebrating the region's history. It focused on the 19th-century miners' lifestyle and the importance of the logging industry, highlighting the area's rich heritage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sierra Mountaineer Days Slated For Oct. 21-22 |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=MT19670302.2.5&srpos=16&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-oakhurst+mountaineer+days------- |newspaper=Madera Tribune |volume=75 |number=114 |date=2 March 1967 |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>

In the late 1990s, the festival experienced a revival and was renamed Mountain Heritage Day, now held at Fresno Flats Historic Village. This modern version of the event continues to honor the area's unique cultural and historical background.<ref>{{cite web |last=Flanagan |first=Kellie |title=22nd Annual Mountain Heritage Day and Parade |url=https://sierranewsonline.com/22nd-annual-mountain-heritage-day-and-parade/ |website=Sierra News Online |date=September 9, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>