Sierra Hootenanny to support fallen, injured firefighters

Families are invited for a special day while supporting the Wildland Firefighter Foundation when the 2019 Sierra Hootenanny comes to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds on April 27. Admission is free and all proceeds will benefit the Foundation, which serves fallen and injured wildland firefighters and their families.

Throughout the day the Sierra Hootenanny will offer music, headlined by Motel Drive, Oakfire Rising, and the Mediocres.

Included is an expanded Kids Zone, a beer garden, food trucks and vendors along with several competitions where the public are invited to participate. A special dinner will be catered by the Wild Fig Kitchen.

The day will kick off at 8 a.m., with the Mop Up 5K Run coordinated by the Yosemite High School cross country team. The first run begins at 9. Awards will be presented to both males and females in eight different age categories, ranging from children under 10 to adults over 60. Returning to the Sierra Hootenanny this year at 11 is the Corn Hole Tournament, with the winning two-member team earning 50 percent off the competition’s entry fees. Yet another great contest is the ‘Stache and Beard competition. Beard, moustache and goatee entrants will be judged by the Fresno Beard and Moustache Club.

Throughout the day attendees will be able to visit the fire camp, a special offering of the Hootenanny that allows attendees to see for themselves the types of equipment that are used in the course of a wildland fire. Shining a spotlight on how firefighters’ families are impacted every fire season are the Fire Spouse of the Year awards. These spouses will be recognized for their efforts at home, taking care of family and whatever needs arise while their personal firefighters are on duty and away from home.

Hootenanny gates open at 10, following the Mop Up 5K Run. Full details, tickets and registration forms for the 5K, Corn Hole Tournament, and the ‘Stache and Beard Competition, as well as dinner reservations, are available at wffhoot.com.

Proceeds from the Sierra Hootenanny will benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation which honors past, present and future wildland firefighters by providing financial assistance, PTSD support services and other help to the families of fallen and injured wildland firefighters across the country. The WFF maintains the National Wildland Firefighter Monument and educates the public about wildland fires and the men and women who give their lives to protect people and lands impacted by wildfire.

The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds are off Road 415 near Highway 41 at 44777 Rodeo Grounds Lane in Coarsegold. Event parking is $10.