Fall Festival organizers pleased with event and many sponsors

It’s a wrap on the 2026 Oakhurst Fall Festival and the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce offered a “huge thank you” to all the Fall Festival sponsors and helpers.

“Big community spirit made the 2026 Oakhurst Fall Festival possible,” said David Cervantes, chamber executive director.

Some 70 vendors were present this year along with midway and carnival attractions, great food choices and nearly nonstop entertainment.

The festival was held at the Oakhurst Community Center for the first time, with parking offsite and free shuttles running for the duration.

“It was a blast!” said at least one attendee.

“Our board of directors worked tirelessly from Thursday through Sunday while balancing their own business and personal responsibilities,” Cervantes shared.

“They handled the details, solved problems and jumped in wherever needed. We could not ask for a better team! And let’s add a thank you to their families for sharing them with us for the weekend. We appreciate you!”

The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes Rachael Snedecor (president and festival committee chair), Mike Sullivan (treasurer and festival logistics lead), Candace Lavoie (secretary and festival finance lead), Mike Devito (festival equipment source lead), Brian Gearhart (finance team), Jen Mitchell (decor team) and LeeAndra Dupzyk-Dias (volunteer recruitment and decor team).

Cervantes thanked the board for their “long hours, hard work and heart,” before turning his praise to the rest of the community.

“The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce couldn’t produce the Oakhurst Fall Festival without the generous businesses, partners and people who stepped up with funding, equipment, time and hands-on help. We’re grateful for every one of you!”

Cervantes said Sierra Tel provided tech support for Sunday’s Sports Bar game streaming, vendor generators, forklifts to unload the light towers and fencing along Road 425B.

“Sierra Tel is also a valued Chamber neighbor with representatives serving on our Fall Festival Planning Committee and Economic Vitality Committee,” Cervantes added. “(Sierra Tel shows) up for Oakhurst all year long!”

Granite West Funding, LLC again provided commemorative glasses for Saturday’s Sierra Wine Experience and Sunday’s Sports Bar.

Yosemite Dental Oakhurst/Fast Braces sponsored festival wristbands and invited local families to their booth for free consultations.

Central Sierra Enterprises made a financial contribution and supported delivery of the light towers that kept the festival shining into the evening.

“Your commitment to community building is visible throughout our community.”

Mountain Feed and Nursery provided hay bales that helped create atmosphere and served as safety barriers around the light towers.

Josh Augason manages the Oakhurst Community Center, where the event was held for the first time this year. Cervantes said Augason is “much more than our facility contact.”

“You’re a hands-on partner in planning and implementing the festival and your deep care for the property and our community shines through.”

Palm Memorial Sierra Chapel made staff available for vendor check-in and traffic control, provided additional Halloween décor and allowed use of their parking lot as a free shuttle stop.

“That generous gift of time and space made a real difference.”

Sponsor Camerena Health also allowed their parking lot as a free shuttle stop location.

The owners of Acorn Vacation Properties, Inc. shared their “amazing Halloween decorations, including animatronics and inflatables,” giving festival-goers plenty of fun “selfie opportunities and helped make the grounds feel festive!”

Walt Banning Drilling again offered the lifts to hang the festival banner high at the intersection of Highways 41 and 49, helping to make sure Oakhurst knew the festival was coming.

Patient Feather Ranch Rescue’s camel team and Reptile Ron Presentations brought special envoys to enliven the environment.

The all-important Clean and Safe Team was comprised of members of the undefeated Yosemite High School girls tennis team on Saturday and Minarets High School Cheer on Sunday.

“We are thankful for their commitment and energy! These girls showed that nothing is too tough for their strength and commitment!”

The Sierra Wine Experience was a hit, Cervantes said, thanking wine and cider sponsors Karine Wines, Elderberry House, Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen, Quady Winery and Sierra Cider. Idle Hour Kitchen provided the grazing table and Yosemite Pies brought the dessert station.

“The wine, cider and culinary expertise in our region is exceptional,” said the chamber director. “OACC looks forward to many more partnerships in the future, highlighting our local expertise.”

Pacific Pectin equipment helped handle on-site maintenance throughout the weekend. Crossroads Tours offered shuttle service throughout the festival weekend helping guests get where they needed to go.

Visit Yosemite Madera County offered sponsorship and media support.

Chris Edwards wrangled a talented bevy of musicians throughout the weekend while Nicole Hoke of Madera County Arts Council brought the youth groups together and Gymnastics by Diane pumped up the crowd.

Yosemite Cinema offered sponsorship support, popcorn samples and promo posters, bringing movie magic to the festival.

The chamber also acknowledged this newspaper for its Fall Festival event program.

“With schedules published and feature articles highlighting our local sponsors and supporters, the Mariposa Gazette tells our story beautifully!”

Additional sponsors providing financial support included Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino and Yosemite Mortgage.

“We appreciate your investment in our community,” Cervantes said.

Freedom Fuel and Pak & Page were last minute lifesavers, the chamber said, for refueling generators and tower lights and day of printing needs, respectively.

“Local businesses really are the best when a last-minute need pops up! To every sponsor, helper and community partner – thank you! Your generosity makes a difference in Oakhurst. Please join us in thanking and supporting these wonderful community partners. See you next year at the 2027 Oakhurst Fall Festival the second weekend in October.”

It will be Oct. 8-10, 2027.