Mariposa Butterfly Festival "What's New"
What's New
Information is Updated as we get it.
Mariposa Christian Fellowship
Participates in the Butterfly Festival
What do bullfrogs and butterflies have to do with the Christian life? Mariposa Christian Fellowship cordially invites you and your family to come and find out on Sunday, May 2nd from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. during the Butterfly Festival. We are located on lower 5th Street; at the bottom of the hill behind the Pizza Factory.
During the festival on Saturday and Sunday, we are also providing a "Butterfly Oasis" rest area with tables and chairs. Members of our church will be available each day from 2:00 to 4:00p.m. to assist you with special needs. Please join us as we extend God's love to you in a practical way.
Flutter by and say, "Hi".
Mariposa is 'All a Flutter' with a Wave of Bright Yellow Paper Butterflies!
The merchants of Mariposa have been selling paper butterflies to help raise money for the upcoming Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Their windows and stores are decorated with these cute symbols of sponsorship. Each paper butterfly sells for $2.00 (the cost of purchasing 1 real butterfly to be released during the festival).
Beth Healey, at A Cut Above, has done an amazing job in selling them. She has sold more than 250 of these yellow butterflies. She has also brought in 3 additional $50 sponsorships. Special "Thanks" go out to Beth and all of the merchants of Mariposa for selling these bright yellow butterflies.
The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is scheduled to take place in Mariposa on Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd. The paper butterflies will be available for purchase through the close of the festival. Take a little time to enjoy the beautiful decorations that are raising money for this awesome event in Mariposa.
Article by: Shelly Dulcich
Artistry of Women From the Past Honored at Quilt Show
On Saturday, May 1, Mariposans will be treated to a unique glimpse into the past. Mariposa Piece Makers will present its third outdoor quilt show at the Mariposa Museum and History Center. A special feature of this exciting exhibit will involve a presentation of antique, hand made quilts, some dating back as far as 1852. The “newest” dates to the 1940’s.
Each quilt speaks boldly of the creativity and fine artistic ability of its creator, showcasing her use of color, design and embroidered embellishments. Many of these works contain such individual touches as the quilt maker's name, date and location of completion and reflect popular trends of the day. Various quilt patterns typical of different time periods will be on display in this wonderful collection including Grandmother’s Flower Garden, Yo-Yo Quilts, Wedding Ring and Crazy Quilts. One can easily picture several women gathered around a quilt frame working together to aid in completing a quilt that the talented maker has spent many hours piecing together by hand in the light of a gas lamp.
Through the generations these works have been enjoyed and preserved by families here in our own community and who offer them for public viewing as part of the larger quilt exhibit. One such quilt is the treasured possession of descendants of a dignitary present for the placement of the Golden Spike completing the transcontinental railroad. They will be presented, along with a narrated history of each quilt, on the interior of the History Center at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. All are invited to this free and very special event.
For questions call Marianne at (209) 742-2333 or Pat at (209) 966-3805.
Mariposa Butterfly Festival to Release Butterflies at Children's Hospital
The Mariposa Butterfly Festival recently made an appearance at Children's Hospital in Madera. Several committee members traveled there to present butterfly eggs to the children, in the classroom area of the hospital. It was a heartwarming scene as the children responded to seeing the tiny larvae. It was wonderful to see the anticipation in their eyes as they were educated on the life cycle of the butterfly.
Shelly Dulcich introduced our group and told everyone about all of the events happening this year at the Butterfly Festival. She invited the children and their parents, as well as hospital staff, to attend the festival. Yvonne Sarazin explained the life cycle of the butterfly as the children gathered around a table, where Jeanetta Phillips and Dell Knell separated dozens of tiny larvae into their individual feeding cups. The small cups are where the tiny larvae will feed and transform into caterpillars and then form their chrysalis. The chrysalides will then be transferred into a large netted cage called a 'pavilion' where they will complete their metamorphic process by changing into butterflies.
Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, is the scheduled date for the release of the butterflies from the balcony of children's hospital. This will be the culmination of all the excitement being built for the children, at the hospital. The release, weather permitting, will take place at 2 PM.
For more information please call Shelly Dulcich at (209)742-5596 or email: ButterflyFestival@sti.net.
To see photos and get updates on the Butterfly Festival, checkout the website at: MariposaButterflyFestival.org.
Butterfly Festival Parade Sign-up
That’s right, it’s time for you to Sign-up for this year’s Butterfly Festival Parade. What ever group you
belong to, Mariposa needs to see who you are and what you do for the community. The Butterfly Festival Parade is for you and everyone in Mariposa. The parade will be fun and entertaining and informative for everyone. We’re looking for your organization, group, club, business, you, and your pets to enter in this
years Mariposa Butterfly Festival “Winged Wonders” Parade on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
to download your, “PDF” file, entry application. Now is the time to plan ahead on how you will decorate
your float, car, horse, trailer, pet or yourself in the Butterfly Parade Theme “Winged Wonders”.
All parade entry forms must be turned in at “The Company Store” on Main Street by Friday, April 23, 2010.
Mariposa Butterfly Festival Youth Poetry Contest
Poetry may be dropped off at the Mariposa County Library or at The Company Store, in downtown Mariposa. Entry forms are available at the above locations and online at MariposaButterflyFestival.org. Winners will be announced at the Butterfly Festival on Saturday, May 1, 2010 in the
For more information contact Jeanetta at 742-4933
Popular Quilt Exhibit Returns to Mariposa May 1st, 2010
The creative and talented members of Mariposa Piece Makers are pleased to announce their third Outdoor Quilt Show, scheduled for May 1. This event will take place in conjunction with the Butterfly Festival. Dozens of colorful quilts will be displayed on the covered deck of Mariposa Museum and History Center, under the eaves of the old Gazette building and in the antique-filled rooms in the historic Counts House.
A special "Bed Turning" featuring antique quilts, some made by hand more than 100 years ago, will take place inside the History Center at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Owners of quilts at least 50 years old are invited to arrange for their quilts to be included. There will also be a large selection of lovely new quilts available for purchase.
It is expected that more than 125 quilts in all will be exhibited during this one day show, which highlights both time-honored methods of quilt making and current concepts using today's higher-tech methods. All are welcome to come enjoy this beautiful exhibit, which is free of charge.
Questions can be directed to Marianne at 742-2333 or Mary at 966-5684.
Photos and entries may be dropped off at:
The Company Store or by calling Charles at 742-4933, to make other arrangements.
Butterfly Eggs Go To Children's Hospital
Thursday, March 25 started a new tradition for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Four members of the Butterfly Festival Committee traveled to Madera to present butterfly eggs to the children at Children's Hospital. 150 eggs were carried into the classroom as several of the children watched Jeanetta Phillips and Dell Knell separate each egg into its own individual environment. Shelly Dulcich and Yvonne Sarazin explained the separation and growth process to the children.
Each tiny larva is approximately the size of a grain of rice. They are so delicate that they must be separated by carefully using a tiny paint brush to lift them out of the container that they arrive in. They are then gently moved into a small covered cup with enough food for the larva to thrive until it becomes a chrysalis. In about ten days they will increase in size from that tiny larva to a fuzzy covered caterpillar that's about two inches long. As it matures it begins to form a chrysalis, this is a hard shell that the caterpillar forms around itself so it can metamorphose into a beautiful butterfly. Once the caterpillar changes into a chrysalis it is then moved into a large netted cage called a 'pavilion' to await it's final change into a beautiful butterfly. The entire process takes between three and four weeks.
On April 22nd, Earth Day, at 2 P.M., the Festival Committee will return to Children's Hospital to help the youngsters release their mature butterflies into nature.
If you would like more information or to attend the release contact: ButterflyFestival@sti.net.
(Time Correction Below)
2010 Butterfly Hat Contest set for Friday, April 30th!
This festive hat contest is one of the many exciting highlights of the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival. At the Opening Reception you can enjoy a sea of fanciful butterfly hats while you partake in “A Taste of Mariposa” offering delicious food and refreshments from many local eateries.
There are six hat categories from which to choose; Elegant, Creative, Funny, Outrageous, Unique and Whimsical. Pick a category and get your creative juices flowing! There will be awards for both men and woman in all categories, including People’s Choice.
A "Hat Designing Get-together" will be held at the Mariposa Library on Sat, Apr. 17, join us anytime between 9 a.m. & 4 p.m. Stop by with your hat project and bring any extra decorating bits to share with others. Applications are available at The Company Store in downtown Mariposa, at the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce and online at: MariposaButterflyFestival.org.
For questions call Trish at (209) 966-3232.
Mariposa Butterfly Festival is expanding the “Chrysalis Youth Area”
If your organization is a nonprofit Youth Group your fees may be waived, especially if you are sponsoring a youth activity.
For further information please contact:
Kristi at the Skate Shop at (209) 966-2800 or Email: ButterflyFestival@sti.net
The Little Miss Butterfly and Captain Caterpillar Costume Contest is a pre-event for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival. It will take place at 2PM on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Mariposa County Park Amphitheater. It's Fun! It's Free and any Mariposa County youngster can win.
The age groups are: Preschool through Kindergarten, 1st through 3rd grade, and 4th through 6th grade. The theme is “Butterfly”. Judging is based 50% on costuming (Theme 25% and Originality 25%), 25% on Personality and 25% on Performance.
For applications and further information stop in or call Trish at “The Company Store” at 966-3232. Deadline for entries is Monday, April 19th 2010. All participants will be featured in the Butterfly Festival Parade on Saturday, May 1st at 11AM.
This annual festive hat contest is one of the many exciting highlights of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival. At the 2010 Welcome Reception enjoy a sea of fanciful butterfly hats while you partake in “A Taste of Mariposa” offering delicious food and refreshments from many local eateries.
To create your Butterfly Hat simply pick a category and get your creative juices flowing!
There are six hat categories from which to choose; Elegant, Creative, Funny, Outrageous, Unique and Whimsical. Awards will be given to both men & women in every category. There will also be a special "People’s Choice Award".
The Mariposa Butterfly Festival Reception featuring the “Butterfly Hat Contest", “A Taste of Mariposa” and a Silent Auction will be held this year in Bldg. A at the Mariposa Fairgrounds on Friday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m.
Each participant in the hat contest will be given a number and have their photo taken as they arrive. Judging takes place at 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy this unique event and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Come and embrace your inner butterfly!
A "Hat Designing Get-together" will be held at the Mariposa Library on Sat, Apr. 17, join us anytime between 9 a.m. & 4 p.m. Stop by with your hat project and bring any extra decorating bits to share with others. Also, bring a cloth to cover your working space and any tools that you need to decorate your hat, including extension cords for glue guns.
Applications are available at the Company Store in downtown Mariposa, at the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce and online at: MariposaButterflyFestival.org.
For questions call Trish at (209) 966-3232.
Mariposa’s Annual Butterfly Festival is coming soon! The event takes place on April 30th through May 2nd. Vendors are encouraged to sign up now to reserve booth space for this fun affair. All booth proceeds received for the 7th Street spaces will go Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa California.
The 7th Street Fair takes place on Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd. All spaces along 7th Street are 10x10 and cost $40 for one day or $55 for two days.
For more information please contact Paula Eagle at (209) 742-3425 or at Paula@MariposaSales.com, or visit: MariposaButterflyFestival.org to download your application for the 7th Street Fair.
The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is once again seeking volunteers to sponsor and/or raise butterflies for this years event. Orders for eggs must be in place by Monday, March 22nd. Butterfly Eggs can be purchased for festival release for $50. This includes all that is necessary to watch the tiny little eggs metamorphose into the caterpillars, then to chrysalis, finally emerging into a beautiful butterfly. You will receive approximately 25 eggs. Each egg costs approximately $2.00. The process takes about 30 days and requires very little effort. There will be Butterfly Raising Seminars on Saturday, April 3rd at the Government Center (behind the Library). The Seminars will be conducted at 10AM, 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM.
With your donation you will receive a certificate honoring you as a “Painted Lady” donor and will be honored on the “Patrons Wall” at the Butterfly Festival Reception and during the Festival.
The Festival will take place April 30th, through May 2nd throughout the town of Mariposa. Applications to purchase a set of butterflies and donor forms are available on the website, at The Company Store in downtown Mariposa and at the Mariposa County Visitors Center.
For more information see the website: MariposaButterflyFestival.org or call Trish at 966-3232
The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is a 3 day event that takes place in the town of Mariposa.
There are a myriad of activities that take place throughout the weekend that attract 1,000’s to the festival. The highlights are always the butterfly releases over the Mariposa Creek! This year the Katerpillar Kids area is expanding. The area is designated especially for preschool through primary grade ages. The three day event will take place during regular Festival hours, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 30th, May 1st and 2nd.
It is a great way for service clubs and individuals to get involved in the festival for a relatively minimal cost. You may bring organizational related material to share and perhaps even recruit new members. Commercial vendors will be screened so please submit a photo of your product with your application.
Spaces are FREE if an activity is provided for the children. Some suggestions are a craft project, a demonstration, story telling, book reading, puppets or games. Festival officials will be glad to help you with ideas but encourage you to be creative and see what you come up with. You are encouraged to make your activity butterfly related.
In addition to spaces, the festival will provide a performance area for entertainment. This could include any kind of entertainment geared toward children. There are a limited number of times in half hour segments available so be sure to sign up early.
For more information or an application go to: MariposaButterflyFestival.org or call Trish at the Company Store (209) 966-3232. Applications are available on line and at the Company Store and the Mariposa Visitors Center.
Children's Hospital Central California in collaboration with The Mariposa Butterfly Festival will be raising butterflies. The Butterfly Festival is an annual event held in Mariposa. This year, the festival includes the
staff and patients of Children’s Hospital Central California in this learning experience. The butterflies will
be delivered in pupa stage to the hospital in mid March. Over the course of 4 weeks the caterpillars develop into full grown butterflies. The butterflies will be released into the environment outside at the hospital. The Children’s Hospital butterfly release is scheduled for Thurs., April 22, 2010, Earth Day.
Observing the life cycle of a butterfly is educational, but to see that a beautiful butterfly can emerge from what was a simple caterpillar can be an inspiration to anyone. The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is a weekend full of family fun consisting of live music, children’s entertainment, local vendors, and of course butterfly releases. Many of the butterflies to be released during the festival will be raised by the students
of Mariposa County. The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2010
through Sunday, May 2, 2010.
ATTENTION ARTISTS AND HAND CRAFTERS!
Springtime is just around the corner and in Mariposa that means wild flowers, butterflies, and The Mariposa Butterfly Festival! The Butterfly Festival Committee would like to invite artists and hand crafters to apply for the Art & Artisan show that is the anchor of the festival. This year’s dates are Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd. The booth spaces fill the Arts Park and along the Creek Walkway behind 5th Street. Most booth spaces are 10’X10’ at a cost of $50. The show is open to all artisans’ who do their own work. No imports or commercial items are allowed. This is a juried show, based on workmanship and originality. There are categories of artisan/vendor products with limited numbers in each category.
The Butterfly Festival is advertised throughout California and 1000’s come to shop the art and artisan show, see the parade, quilt and car show, the skate park competitions, the chalk art, enjoy the music, food and more! The highlight of the festival are the butterfly releases which take place throughout the weekend over the Mariposa Creek behind 5th Street, where the Art & Artisan Show lines the side walk and continues throughout the Arts Park.
Applications can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office or at The Company Store in downtown Mariposa. Go to MariposaButterflyFestival.org or call Robbie at 742-6624.
The application deadline is March 15th.
Butterfly Festival Parade Sign-up
That’s right; it’s that time of the year again. The Butterfly Festival Parade Committee wants to make this year’s parade the largest and most entertaining parade in Mariposa. We’re looking for all organizations, groups, clubs, businesses, individuals, pets and County/State/Federal Government Departments to enter in this year Mariposa Butterfly Festival Parade “Winged Wonders” on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Parade entry application forms are available at the Mariposa County Chamber Commerce/Visitors Center, The Company Store on Main Street between 5th & 6th Street or go to MariposaButterflyFestival.org to download your entry application. Now is the time to plan ahead on how you will decorate your float, car, horse, trailer, pet or yourself in the Butterfly Theme of “Winged Wonders”.
All parade entry forms must be turned in at The Company Store on Main Street by Friday, April 23, 2010.