Every year the Village at Big Bear Lake celebrates the mining heritage of the San Bernardino Mountains with a series of fun and exciting events throughout the summer, and the celebration has just begun!
The Old Miners Heritage Parade kicked off this summer-long celebration earlier in June. The festivities will continue into July with endless events including a chili cook-off, cycling race, horseshoe tournament and so much more for the whole family to enjoy while you stay at Big Bear Frontier.
Old Miners Association Chili Cook-Off
Start your summer with a weekend of heat at the Old Miners Association Chili Cook-off on Saturday, July 11th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is FREE or you can enhance the experience for your taste buds with a $5 tasting kit. The chili judging will take that afternoon and the winner will be announced to close the event.
Do you want to enter your own simmering chili recipe? Win cash prizes, awards and bragging rights by whipping up a pot of chili right in your Big Bear Frontier lakeside accommodations because many of our cabins come fully equipped kitchen. The event will also host LIVE music, arts-and-crafts for kids and onsite vendors with food, beer, drinks and souvenirs for purchase.
The 5th Annual Outhouse Race
Experience the beauty of Big Bear by foot with friends at the 5th Annual Outhouse Race on July 11th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Round up a team and strap some wheels on to your personally decorated port-o-let. The, pedal or pull your way to victory with friends and family in this zany competition! Entry is $50 and free to watch. Racers, make sure you think of aesthetics. The best decorated’ outhouse and team costumes will be recognized with a”People’s Choice” award.
Spectators can also bid on their favorite portable racing potties at the Calcutta Auction. The winning bidder splits the prize pot with the championship team and Old Miners. The championship team will be awarded the”Golden Outhouse” trophy, plus, gift certificates from various Old Miners event sponsors.
“Ride n’ Tie” Mountain Bike Race
Be sure to bring your bike and a buddy for continued festivities across the lake in the quaint and boastful town of Fawnskin on Saturday, July 18th for the 2nd Annual “Ride n’ Tie” Mountain Bike Race from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The race includes a 10-mile loop beginning and ending in the tucked away mountain community of Fawnskin. The team entry fee is $50 and participants must race in teams of two using a single bicycle. The bike must be swapped at least twice and both team members must finish together. To apply, visit www.oldminers.org. Spectators are invited to attend for FREE.
Fawnskin Doo Dah Parade & Moose Festival
Don’t miss out one of the areas wackiest traditions! The Fawnskin Doo Dah Parade–rumored as the “World’s Shortest Parade–makes up for its length with tons of fun, crazy costumes and over-the-top floats. The parade is being held July 18th at 8 a.m. Attendance is FREE and $10 for entry. After the parade, stroll over to the Fawnskin Moose Festival for local food, LIVE music and family activities including:
- The Tomahawk Throw Competition
- The Loggers and Miners Jubilee
- The Competition Gold Panning
The Old Miners Horseshoe Tournament
Join in on an old tradition on Friday, July 25th for the Old Miners Horseshoe Tournament at 10 a.m. until sunset. All skill levels are welcome, so bring a group or compete solo for a chance at cash and prizes! This event is FREE to attend and $25 to play.
16th Annual History Alive!
After sunset on Saturday, July 25 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. experience an interactive glimpse into the area’s Chautauqua heritage at the Friends of the Library and the Old Miner’s Association’s 16th Annual History Alive! Watch as actors portray historical personalities from the areas Native American past.
Accommodations
We would love to share this legacy with you and your family. Join Big Bear Lake and the surrounding valley in the celebration of its mining, logging and ranching roots. Make your reservation at Big Bear Frontier and experience this summer-long celebration.
For more information about these events, please contact Steve Elliot from the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce at 909-379-9812.
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