EMC HAPPENINGS

Tai Chi

Certified Tai Chi instructor Richard A. Blak invites the community to Tai Chi classes at Sierra Senior Center (49111 Cinder Lane) every Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. The cost is $10 per class and the focus is to strengthen mind, body and soul.

Preparing for fire season

Join UC Master Gardeners on Friday, April 24 at Sierra Senior Center (9111 Cinder Lane) in Oakhurst as the UC Fire Advisor for Madera, Mariposa and Fresno Counties speaks on improving wildfire resilience and community preparedness. The event will include practical solutions to reduce wildfire risk. For questions or to be added to the email list call (559) 365-6342 or email graceacres@sti.net.

Youth Ambassador Awards Night

Join MY Club for an inspiring evening of celebration for young leaders at the 2026 Youth Ambassador Awards Night. The event is set for Friday, April 24 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the MY Club Teen Center (40094 Indian Springs Road) across from the high school in Oakhurst.

All you can eat breakfast

The Coarsegold Community Center (35610 Highway 41) in Coarsegold offers an All You Can Eat breakfast on the last Saturday of the month including April 25, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For $10 guests may choose pancakes, blueberry pancakes or biscuits and gravy with eggs, bacon or sausage and coffee or orange juice.

Veterans and first responders BBQ

The Grove Foursquare Church (42461 Highway 49) in Ahwahnee will host a free barbecue lunch on the last Saturday of each month for all veterans, first responders and their families including April 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact organizers at (559) 683-7911.

Animal Disaster Team training

The Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) will offer a volunteer orientation on Saturday, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eastern Madera County SPCA (43180 Highway 49) in Ahwahnee. Must be 18+ with background check required. For more information and to register visit www.ccadt.org.

Supervisors Candidate Forum

The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce (OACC) announced it will host a Madera County District 5 Candidate Forum at the Oakhurst Community Center (39800 Road 425B) on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Candidates including Charles “Brook” Allen, Melanie “Mel” Barker, Frank Bigelow and Mark S. Reed, Sr. are expected. Wade Wheeler will moderate. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions before the discussions begin. For more information visit www.oakhurstchamber.com and www.votemadera.com.

Oakhurst Area Chamber Celebration

The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Installation Celebration and dinner on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pavilion Room at Oakhurst Community Center. The evening will include with music and recognition of committee members and 2026 Board of Directors. The cost for members is $40 and nonmembers $50. www.oakhurstchamber.com.

Coarsegold Rodeo and Heritage Days

The 73rd annual Coarsegold Rodeo is set for Friday and Saturday, May 1-2, at the Rodeo Grounds in Coarsegold. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.coarsegoldrodeogrounds.com. The 34th annual Heritage Days is set for the rodeo grounds on May 1 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and they are seeking educational vendors now. Contact Mindy Gresham at (559) 760-1398 or email mgresham@yosemiteusd.org.

Bass Lake Fishing Derby

Rain or shine, the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, with more than $55,000 in cash prizes available. Registration is open. Cost is $35 per licensed adult or child 16 years and older or $15 per child under 16 years. Visit basslakechamber.com to register. For more info contact Miller’s Landing Resort at (559) 642-3633.

Kentucky Derby fundraiser

Sip Mint Juleps and enjoy live music by the Yosemite Jazz Band at the Kentucky Derby Fundraiser for the Oakhurst Community Center on Saturday, May 2 beginning at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information visit www.zeffy.com “A Night at the Races Derby Fundraiser for the OCC.

Cinco de Mayo in North Fork

Join the North Fork Boosters for Cinco de Mayo Booster Bingo on May 5 with doors opening at 5 p.m. at North Fork Town Hall (33060 Road 228) in North Fork. The cost is $30 for bingo and $10 for taco dinner with an evening of good vibes, great friends and a fiesta.

Yosemite Jazz Band

The Yosemite Jazz Band returns to the Pizza Factory (40120 Highway 41) in Oakhurst on Thursday evenings from May 7 through September from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Soroptimist Spring Tea & Women’s Awards

Soroptimist International of the Sierras invites the community to their Women’s Awards and Spring Tea on Saturday, May 9 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Oakhurst Community Center (39808 Road 425B) in Oakhurst. Tea party attire is encouraged. Guests will enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, scones and more along with fun, mimosas and raffle prizes. Tickets are $40 (includes 10 raffle tickets) or $10 for

EMC News tip?Contact Kellie Flanagan at kellie@mariposagazette.com