JT Chevalier (Alpine County’s PIO and Econ. Dev. Advisory Committee Chair) and I were yakking a couple weeks ago about the vibe in town due to the many new things that are happening here in Alpine County lately, and he suggested that we’re kicking off somewhat of a renaissance in the least populated county in California.
AS we like to say “One person per square mile, and you!”
MRS. California Alps and I, and Momma CA Alps (that’s her on the left), tend to agree!
NOW that spring is beginning to actually spring (after one or two more – knocky-knocky – doses of the white stuff), and knowing that some of you may already have planned your visit, or might do so after reading this post, let me whet your appetite and regale you with a list of things-a-happenin’ here from the East Slope (Woodfords and Markleeville) to the West Slope (Bear Valley and Kirkwood).
The Alpine County Resource Advisory Committee
THE renewed (there was one back in 2010 or so) Alpine County Resource Advisory Committee, “the RAC”, held its second meeting last month, and representatives, including yours truly, spent about three (3) hours reviewing six (6) projects, and I’m thrilled to say, approving five (5) of them!
- Camp Like a Pro Program
- Forest Service Recreation Technician
- Scotts Lake Dispersed Campground Vault Restroom
- Scotts Lake/Faith Valley Kiosks
- Woodfords Visitor Information Kiosk
WITH approximately $115,000 available now, and more funding to follow, we voted to fully fund these projects, with priority given to the first four (4). Expect to see them bearing fruit starting in 2024.
LEARN more about the RAC here and read this post for some additional context.
Arts And Culture Alpine County
CHECK out this post from last month for more info. Suffice it to say things are moving along nicely. It’s getting closer to being an official entity with a brick & mortar location! Soon a name will be selected. IMHO it doesn’t matter a whole lot what it’s called yet some of us have our preferences. A rose by any other name, right?
MORE importantly, the group already has some event and gallery ideas in the works.
ALPINE County will likely see the fruits of their labor this summer or early fall, so stay tuned!
Markleeville Farmer’s Market
SPEAKING of fruits (okay, those are veggies but we’ll have fruit, too), the county has put out an RFQ for a farmer’s market manager and we hope to see our first “fruit, veggie and crafts (including local artists) expo” in June.
COMING our way this summer…Woo, hoo!
FINGERS crossed, there might even be a market around the Deathride weekend.
Alpine County Chamber Of Commerce And Visitor’s Center
MEGHAN Wolff, Manager, has really taken charge of things since she came aboard in the fall of last year. She’s got a couple marketing professionals (one for the Chamber/VC and one for the Deathride) already hard at work, and with the help of two part-time employees, Graham and Virginia, both locals, is staffing the Visitor’s Center seven (7) days a week.
SHE and her team (that’s Meghan talking up the crowd) held an amazing mixer the Thursday before last at the Outwest Cafe (thank you Danelle and Joey) and we had the highest attendance (about 30) that a Chamber event has had since I can remember.
JT commented that it was about half the population. 🙂
Not too far off, JT!
CHECK out the newly revamped events page for some upcoming adventures from Kirkwood to Bear Valley and points in between. I hope to see you at one or more of them in the coming weeks and do stay tuned for more exciting things to come from the “ACCOC & VC.”
New Look And Feel
THE Chamber and the County have been working closely together on some re-branding efforts, including new logos and some fantastically produced videos (think “Are You Alpine?”), and those in attendance at that mixer got an early preview.
WHILE the new logo(s) haven’t been finalized, in fact we’ve got another version in the works with a Washoe artist, here’s a glimpse at one option, side-by-side with our current logo on the left. What do you think?
Renaissance Indeed!
THESE are just the new things. We’ve still got fishing (Fishmas is next month), the Bear Valley Music Festival, Hermitfest West, and East, the Deathride, Sierra Stargazing, and more. There’s so much going on this summer and fall that I’ve likely missed something. The Chamber’s Events page will capture it, though, so bookmark that sucker and make plans to be in Alpine County, and take in the Alpine-vibe, soon.
WILDFLOWER season is approaching too!
ONCE the snow melts we’re sure to see some good color. Don’t miss it!