Big Bear Today July 2018

Volume 30, No. 1 July 2018 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

Pontoon & Paddle Play! 

Pontoon & Paddle Play! 

All's Faire for Renaissance! 

• Independence Day Faires, 

Fests, Fireworks 

• Cave Hosts Nugent, 

She Wants Revenge 

• Chili Cookoff, Brewsfest, 

Crafts & Cranks Too 

• Go Ape on Tarzan Boat at Captain John's

Page 2—July 2018 

From the Publisher 

BBTP steps in for 

CATS but where are 

Old Miners Days? 

ummer’s here but something 

doesn’t feel quite right as the July 

2018 issue of Big Bear Today is Sreadied for press. 

Oh, the weather is nice enough, warm 

by day though nights are still dipping to 

the upper 30’s. Snow Summit’s lifts are 

running, boats are sailing, July 4th fireworks 

show will be the biggest yet with 

$70,000 of shells and rockets going boom. 

But something is missing... 

The summer musical production by 

Community Arts Theater Society (CATS). 

Whether it was Man of La Mancha, The 

Music Man, Oklahoma!, King and I or so 

many others, for 20-plus years CATS 

could be counted on to put on one of 

summer’s big attractions. 

When the curtain came down on its 

final production Steel Magnolias last year, 

CATS went into well-deserved retirement. 

And for the first time in nearly a quartercentury, 

I’m not writing about a summer 

musical at the Performing Arts Center. 

But I am writing about a summer 

show, courtesy of Big Bear Theatre 

Project. Which is why I find myself at the 

PAC this late June day, watching rehearsal 

of Our Town, kicking back and occasionally 

bantering with the cast, just as I’ve 

previously done for a couple dozen CATS 

shows this time of year, an equal number 

in the fall. Just like the good old days! 

Then again, why shouldn’t it be the 

same? Most of these practicing performers 

were in CATS at one time or another 

and now they’re doing their own distinctly 

different thing. Some I’ve written about 

so many times it’s a wonder I don’t have 

carpal tunnel. Really, when I walk into the 

PAC it’s like old home week. 

While the faces are the same, the goal 

has changed. Big Bear Theatre Project has 

been around for years, often putting on 

productions spearheaded by Steve 

Cassling and Brian Adams, but now the 

group hopes to aim higher. “The dream is 

to create professional regional theater,” 

Our Town director Beth Wheat says. “Like 

Ashland, Ore. and Sonoma, places that are 

destinations for theater. We have a talented 

ensemble here but also think we can attract 

professionals from Los Angeles.” 

There’s professional talent right here. 

Cassling gets paid for work and Steve 

Gaghagen is another top pro as those who 

have seen any of his award-winning performances 

in major musicals can attest. 

Nancy Walker has performed at South Bay 

cabarets and twice for Presidents at the 

White House. And Adams put on one of 

the best performances anywhere in A 

Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the 

Forum, before taking over the performing 

arts department at the high school. 

I’ve never seen Our Town and don’t 

know much about it, save for the fact that 

it won a Pulitzer Prize, something I’ve yet 

to do. “It’s one of the Top 5 American 

plays,” Wheat says. “But it’s not super 

heady. It’s about small-town life in a way 

that’s similar to Big Bear.” 

Today is the group’s first in the PAC 

so I don’t expect much in the way of sets. 

Good thing, because Our Town barely uses 

any. “The sets are simple, the show very 

abstract,” Wheat says. 

“This is meta theater,” she continues. 

“It breaks the fourth wall (separating performers 

from the audience), suspends reality, 

and is very complex even though it’s 

about regular life. The tiniest things have 

huge meaning.” 

While the set is minimal, save for a 

couple tables, chairs and two doorways, 

props are practically nonexistent. So performers 

pantomime their actions, pretending 

to pick up buckets that aren’t there or 

shut invisible doors. After weeks of rehearsing 

they’ve gotten pretty good at it. 

“You need strong actors to pull it off,” 

Wheat says. “The literature is so beautifully 

written. There’s lots of meaning discovered 

on the way which is what every 

actor loves.” 

• • 

CATS isn’t the only icon missing this 

summer. So’s Old Miners Days, the 69- 

year (or so) celebration of Big Bear’s western 

and mining heritage. The Chili 

Cookoff is happening (story page 9) but 

it’s being run by the Visitors Bureau. No 

burros (though plenty are roaming Shay 

Meadow), Loggers Jubilee, Parade down 

the boulevard, Outhouse Races, nothing. 

Which definitely feels weird because 

the very first Big Bear Today cover in July 

1989 spotlighted Old Miners Days, a gal 

whispering instructions into a burro’s ear. 

Back then Old Miners was a big deal but 

when the burros were bounced it took 

away some of the event’s luster. Lots of 

folks have tried to restore the glory (including 

us; we teamed with Foxanne Media 

to produce the Gazette several years). 

Now it’s the quintessential Old Miner 

himself, Richard Millener of old-time souvenir 

photo fame. He’s hosting a meeting 

to recruit volunteers after we go to press; 

call him at (909) 553-2220 to get involved. 

Have a good one. 

Marcus 

ON THE COVER: Pontoon, Pirate, Paddle, Park at Holloway’s Marina, plus Pirate ship and 

waverunners too. Renaissance Faire is five weekends now starting July 14-15. 

Volume 30, Number 1 July 2018 

4 

7 

8 

10 

20 

Publisher 

Marcus G. Dietz 

Associate Publisher 

Sandra L. Dietz 

Publishing Consultant 

Bret Colson 

Technical Consultant 

Charles Dietz 

Photography 

Steve Dietz 

John Daskam 

Mark Gauger 

In This Issue... 

Big Bear Today 

Pontoons, Pirates, Paddles at Holloway’s 

Pontoon boats that are floating living rooms, standup 

paddleboards, and Pirate ship tours are all found at 

Holloway’s Marina. Along with waverunners, wakeboarding 

and lakeside RV park with convenience store. Holloway’s has 

been around over a century and by now it’s really found its 

groove. 

Zoo Habitats Improve as New Home Built 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s move to its brand-new, larger facility is 

imminent but it’s still providing top notch bedrooms for its 

residents. Some species even need multiple enclosures. All 

part of making the most out of the zoo till the new one is 

built, which is still a lot thanks to curator Bob Cisneros. 

Ren Faire, Chili Cookoff, Brewsfest on Tap 

Renaissance Faire adds a fifth weekend and now starts July 

14-15. Chili Cookoff is now run by Visitor Bureau and is 

bigger and better than ever. And there’s a whole weekend to 

celebrate cowboys at Wyatt’s with bulls, brewsfest, brunch. 

Read all about all of them on pages 8, 9 and 12. 

Nugent, Sanchez, She Wants Revenge at Cave 

There’s shows at The Cave Big Bear every Friday and 

Saturday in July, plus the whole week for Independence Day! 

See Ted Nugent, Poncho Sanchez, Save Ferris and She 

Wants Revenge. Plus a hot all-female tribute to Iron Maiden, 

electronic with The Crystal Method, 80’s night and more. 

Go Ape on Captain John’s Tarzan Boat 

Trampolines, high and low platforms to jump from, rope 

swing, even a water slide. Amusement park maybe? Kind of, 

except this one floats on Big Bear Lake! Say hello to the 

Tarzan boat, a floating playground at Captain John’s Marina 

in Fawnskin. It’s the only Tarzan boat on the West Coast and 

see it now in color, on The Back Page 

Trails for the whole family at Snow Summit 

Adventure Park. 844-GO-2-BEAR. 

DEPARTMENTS 

2 

3 

15 

17 

From the Publisher 

Potpourri 

New! Area Map/ 

Calendar of Events 

The Almanac 

Big Bear's most complete 

listings for recreation, 

dining, and more. 

Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation, 

dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any 

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher, 

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909) 

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA, 

92314. Fax: (909) 585-9359. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. 

Member, Big Bear Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of 

Commerce. Internet Address: bigbeartodaymag.com 

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc. 

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio. 

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big 

Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited 

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned. 

© Copyright 2018 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today July 2018—Page 3 

POTPOURRI 

See Southland’s best free show on land or lake! 

Fireworks, BBQ, 

`Boom’ on July 4th 

From lakeside to high above the water 

at the Snow Summit ski slopes, on a 

beach or on a boat, there are several places 

to see Big Bear’s epic fireworks show over 

the lake as the Valley celebrates 242 years 

of American independence. 

Rotary Club’s annual Fireworks 

Show over the 

lake is on July 4. 

The show has been 

named Southern 

California’s best 

free show with 

some $70,000 in 

pyrotechnics set to 

be fired, including 

several 10-inch 

shells. Each burst 

lights up the sky 

and water below to 

create a visual 

spectacular that 

stadium shows 

can’t duplicate. 

Any location 

around the lake affords 

viewing. 

There’s 2,000 

bursts during the 

grand finale alone. Tune into KBHR 93.3 

FM to hear patriotic music synchronized 

to each shell for a treat for the ears as well 

as the eyes. 

Front row seating for the fireworks is 

at the annual Rotary Best View BBQ 

Play all day for $20 

on July 12 Slide Day 

Enjoy a full day of play for less than 

$20—including lunch!—when Big Bear’s 

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain hosts its 

annual summer “Slide Day” with KOLA- 

FM on Thursday, July 12. 

For just $19.99 Slide Day guests receive 

an all-day water slide pass—a $15 

value in itself—plus two trips down the 

signature Alpine Slide bobsleds, a spin on 

the Putt `N Around Go-Karts, and 18 holes 

on the adjoining miniature golf course. 

The Slide Day deal even includes hot dog, 

soda and bag of chips for lunch. It’s a $40- 

plus value that adds up to a day of inexpen- 

Rotary’s spectacular fireworks show 

lakeside at Marina Resort. There’s DJ Joe 

Vonesh,, midway games and bounce 

houses for kids, and great barbecue and 

beer and wine garden by day, then after 

dark the best seat in the house for the show. 

Including exclusive viewing of pieces fired 

from a second barge only Best View BBQ 

guests get to see! 

Gates open at noon with barbecue 

from 4:30-7:30 p.m. $27 includes entry and 

choice of hamburger, hot dog or barbecue 

chicken sandwich 

meal, or $34 buys 

baby back ribs, all 

prepared by Barnstorm 

Restaurant, 

one of Big Bear’s 

best. Child’s hot dog 

meal is $20. 

Beer and wine 

are available at the 

Hydration Station 

including Big Bear 

Lake Brewing Co. 

offerings. Bring 

your own lawn 

chairs or blankets or 

Rotary has holiday 

blankets for sales. 

VIP guests receive 

served meal 

and seating on the 

deck for $100 while 

for $54 there’s reserved seating at the water. 

Call (800) 4- BIG BEAR 

Miss Liberty has prime fireworks 

viewing sailing out of Pine Knot Marina 

at 8 p.m. Guests enjoy climate-controlled 

Continued on page 12 

All day water slide, go-karts, even lunch just $19.99! 

Weeklong festival has family rides, expo, more! 

Crafts & Cranks 

opens Cycling Fest 

Crafts and Cranks, Snow Summit’s 

popular mountain bike beer festival, kicks 

off the only weeklong cycling festival in 

the United States on July 28-29. 

The one-of-a-kind 4th annual event 

features serious mountain bike competition 

with races including the California Endoro 

Series and State cross-country champion- 

sive family fun in the Big Bear sun. 

Slide Day guests can beat the heat 

with as many trips down the double water 

slide as they want. Then head over to the 

signature Alpine Slide, a one-of-a-kind 

ride that closely duplicates Olympic 

bobsledding. Riders control their own sleds 

with teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels 

down two quarter-mile long cement tracks 

with banked turns and long straightaways. 

Slide Day guests also receive a round 

on the Putt `N Around miniature golf course, 

plus a turn on the oval go-kart track. KOLA- 

FM radio will be on hand for an on-air 

remote broadcast on Alpine Slide’s recently 

expanded sundeck. 

Alpine Slide is on Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 

mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626. 

ships, Endurance #6 series final and Snow 

Summit downhll series final. 

Away from the bike park there’s plenty 

happening too with live concerts, craft beer 

festival and a few carnival rides thrown in. 

Spectating, awards ceremony and concerts 

are free; paid entry for bike park and 

brewfest activities. 

The event kicks off a week full of cycling 

events that concludes with the August 

4 Tour de Big Bear followed by 

SPNDX Stampede gravel ride on Aug. 5. 

Pirate Ship 

Lake Tours 

Holloway’s 

MARINA & RV PARK 

800-448-5335 

2 4 4 2 3 2 7 

Pontoon Boat Rentals 

Fishing 

Boats 

LAKESIDE RV CAMPING 

• Waverunners & Jet Skis 

• SUPs-Stand Up Paddleboards 

• Wake Boarding / Waterskiing 

909.866.5706 

1/2 mile north of Big Bear Blvd. on Edgemoor 

2 miles west of the Village (turn at Log Cabin Restaurant) 

3 miles east of the dam 

www.HollowaysMarina.com


Pontoon, pirate, park at Holloway’s 


Pirate ship and luxury pontoon boats. 

Paddleboards and lakeside RV Park 

serving up spectacular sunsets. Jet 

skis and charter fishing. 

From wakeboard, water ski and tubing 

tows to convenience store with propane, 

ice and beer and wine, Holloway’s 

Marina has it. Kayaks, fishing boats, even 

selfies with a “pirate” are all highlights at 

Holloway’s Marina, famous for daily Time 

Bandit lake tours and a Big Bear landmark 

for over a century, making it one of the 

Valley’s longest-running businesses. 

Something “Dad” Charles Holloway, 

who happened upon the location in 1913, 

could never have foreseen. He built his first 

boat for personal use and it was barely finished 

before someone wanted to rent it. 

Then another renter, and another. By 1914 

Holloway moved his family to Big Bear 

and one of the lake’s first marinas was born. 

Some 104 years later, Holloway’s is 

still renting boats. Luxury pontoon boats 

can be rented at Holloway’s sporting individual 

captain’s swivel chairs, tables and 

fold-up privacy changing area. 

There’s also stereos with quality fourspeaker 

systems—bring your iPod or MP3 

player and plug music right in. Some feature 

90 horsepower motors while others are 

in the 50-60 range. Fishing boats are also 

popular. Rent for July 4 for a unique fireworks 

vantage point! 

Before the Pirate Ship arrived 

Holloway’s was known for expert fishing 

advice and jet ski rentals. Home to Get Wet 

Water Sports Center, it’s long offered the 

largest selection of waverunners and jet 

skis on the lake. Choose from multi-seat 

Sea Doos and Yamaha SUVSs to three-person 

rides and even two-seaters. Combined 

with machines also at North Shore Landing 

there’s a fleet of over 20 rides, so there’s 

usually a ski available even in busy times. 

“Yamaha SUVs are the most reliable 

and fun machines we have,” said Loren 

Hafen of Get Wet Water Sports. “Threeseaters 

tend to be the most popular rentals 

for groups and even solo riders. Friends 

and family can go out with two, come back 

and change out riders, and do it over again. 

Dad and two kids is a perfect combination—you’ll 

have a ball.” 

Personal watercraft have come a long 

way since the days of the stand-up jet ski, 

which required skill to mount though once 

you did, they were as fun as anything out 

there now. Get Wet still has one around 

for the occasional diehard who wants it. 

But sit-down versions bring the sport to 

the masses; if you can ride a bike, you can 

ride a waverunner. 

Four-stroke (or cycle) waverunners 

are clearly the machines of choice for lake 

enthusiasts. Four-cycles have about 20% 

more power than twos, nice at Big Bear’s 

Lake’s 6,750 ft. elevation, and they’re so 

stable they exude a feeling of confidence 

riders pick up on. Best of all, four-cycles 

are friendlier to the environment. 

Holloway’s RV Park is considered one 

of the nicest and most popular facilities 

Pontoon or paddle 

or amp it up a bit 

with waverunners 

around. Surrounded 

by lake on 

one side and quiet 

Metcalf Bay 

neighborhood on 

the other, there’s 

118 level sites with 

trees and full 

hookups that have 

been upgraded to 

50 amp service. 

Each has great 

lake or mountain views and all are well 

away from busy street noise. At 

Holloway’s, campers hear only boats and 

birds. 

Camping at the RV Park dates back 

over a hundred years ago when Holloway 

rented lakeside cabins for a buck a head 

per night. The present day park was developed 

in the early 1970’s by the Hafen and 

Turner families, which continue to operate 

the facility today. 

Holloway’s offers complete facilities 

including convenience store with everything 

from beer and wine to groceries, ice 

and camping supplies. There’s also a nice 

kids playground, propane, hot showers, 

laundry and dump station—everything 

RVers need for an escape to the mountains. 

And the full-service marina is just 

steps from your trailer. Rent a pontoon or 

fishing boat, go paddleboarding, take out 

a kayak, all are just a short stroll away. 

“There’s a really close knit group of 

campers that welcome new guests,” said 

Hafen. “And of course the sunsets out your 

door each night are spectacular.” 

Holloway’s Marina and RV Park is at 

398 Edgemoor. Call (909) 866-5706.


Sunsets, 2 p.m. Queen tours sure bets 

There aren’t many sure bets in this 

world, but a spectacular sunset during a 

Saturday evening tour aboard Big Bear 

Queen one of them. The only question 

mark is to the degree of spectacular. 

Is it one of the stunning yellow-togold-to 

orange sky shows many evenings 

serve up? Or is it something more spectacular, 

perhaps augmented by cloud cover 

or smog in the distant horizon to add hues 

of purple and magenta to the color palette. 

In any case enjoying the lake when it 

is at its finest on Saturday sunset cruises is 

a summer highlight. Big Bear Queen departs 

Big Bear Marina at 6:30 p.m., even 

as other boaters are calling it a day. Typically 

the breeze dies as the star drops, the 

water settles down a bit and it’s a great time 

There’s plenty to get Independence 

Day off to a booming start long before the 

fireworks light up the sky on July 4. 

4th of July Fun Run at Meadow Park 

has opening ceremonies befitting the 

nation’s birthday. During the 8:55 a.m. national 

anthem there’s a flyover with two 

Super Hornet jets! U.S. Marine Corp Color 

Guard presents the colors. 

Then it’s time for 5/10/15K runs along 

mostly level terrain at 9 a.m. for families 

with strollers on up to competitive runners. 

Awards ceremony is at 11 and there’s also 

costume contest. Custom medals for all finishers 

too. RunBigBear.com. veteran assisting 

nonprofit Run Far. 

24th Annual Independence Day 

Fair is a fun-filled day under the pines at 

the Convention Center with live music, 

high altitude beer garden, family activities 

and shopping from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Arts and 

crafts booths feature unique one-of-a-kind 

items including wire-wrap jewelry, home 

and garden decor, candles, homemade 

jams, health products, toys, vintage clothing 

and much more. Watch as many crafters 

make their wares onsite. 

to see the lake sights and sites. 

Romantic in scope and a favorite with 

couples who want to chat or cuddle, Saturday 

sunset cruises feature scaled down 

narration by Chris Bellows, the lake’s most 

experienced captain, that’s heard on daily 

lake tours. As with other Queen tours 

guests can bring their own beer, wine 

(there’s a corkscrew on board), champagne, 

cocktails, or whatever else they desire 

to drink. 

The boat provides meat, cheese, 

cracker and vegetable trays at the stern on 

sunset tours. Saturday sunset cruises cost 

$25 and continue till September 1. 

The other sure bet is Big Bear Queen’s 

2 p.m. tour, guaranteed to sail every day 

of the week even if you’re the only person 

Fun Run, Faire, Farm on July 4 

A sampling of Bear Valley Farmers 

Market vendors who attend weekly on 

Tuesday will also be on hand. For youngsters 

there’s bounce house, face painting, 

contests, arts and crafts and a variety of 

tasty treats. 

Enjoy cold beer, wine and cocktails 

while listening to entertainment by local 

favorite Terry McRaven and Friends on the 

outside Wyatt’s stage. In addition Wyatt’s 

will be serving its famous western menu 

featuring half-pound burgers, pound of 

wings, mound of nachos, shaved ice, hot 

dogs and more. Admission is free. 

The Convention Center is on Big Bear 

Blvd. at Division. Call (909) 585-3000. 

Bear Valley Farms celebrates the 

holiday with watermelon eating contests, 

sack races and more. The 30 acre farm 

offers petting zoo, game zone with bounce 

house, hay rides and more. All included 

in admission of $15. The Farm also hosts 

First Friday star parties starting July 6. 

Cost is $10 for a night of stargazing with 

local astronomers from 8-10. 

Bear Valley Farms is at 1601 E. Big 

Bear Blvd. Call (909) 547-5424. 

See sunsets and sights during Big Bear Queen lake tours 

on board. The recently-refurbished 60-passenger 

paddlewheeler sails daily with the 

longest running guaranteed tours on the 

lake and has served as the perfect introduction 

to Big Bear for countless guests. 

The Bellows spiel started with Chris’ 

late father Dave, who was a longtime Big 

Bear Queen captain; the Queen brand has 

been touring Big Bear Lake since 1965, 

and captains with the last name Bellows 

have guided most of them. The Bellows 

family has been around since 1924. 

Now Chris, who has skippered on the 

lake for over a quarter-century, not just the 

Queen but also Pine Knot Landing’s original 

Sierra, is at the helm. He has seen the 

lake full and low, celebrities come and go, 

and knows which tales are true and which 

ones aren’t. The Queen sails by the Zebra 

Room, Papoose Bay’s luxury estates on 

one side and Forest Lease home on the 

FREE WIFI 

CLOSE TO 

VILLAGE, 

LAKE & 

DINING 

other, Solar Observatory and more. 

Big Bear Queen isn’t the largest boat 

on the water, which allows her to go where 

others can’t. Guests are right above the 

water and can occasionally taste the spray 

and hear the waves splash against the bow. 

It’s an intimate, relaxed way to see sights. 

With its bright flags flapping in the 

breeze, Big Bear Queen has plyed the lake 

waters for well over three decades since 

arriving from Newport Beach. The boat 

was recently spruced up with new carpet, 

paint and trim and down below plus framed 

old time photos depicting the lake history 

Bellows so entertainingly presents. Plus 

there’s an onboard potty and open bow. 

Big Bear Queen sails daily at 2, plus 

noon and 4 p.m. (10 passenger minimum). 

Daily fares are $20, 65 and over $18, 12 

and under $14, under 4 free. 

Big Bear Marina (909) 866-3218. 

Big Bear’s 

Largest Pool 

(Offer Good Sunday-Thursday / non-holiday) 

Motel Rooms $65 

with Fireplace & Queen Bed 

Spa Rooms $85 

with Cozy Fireplace 

Spa Cabins $95 

with Fireplace, private deck 

and Outdoor Spa (800) 255-4378 

local (909) 866-2166 

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 

www.BlackForestLodge.com


8 is enough for SUP at Pleasure Pt. 

Standup Paddleboards (SUP) are the 

latest rage and now they are a group activity 

thanks to new eight-person floats available 

for rent at Pleasure Point Marina. 

Why go out solo when you can bring 

the whole gang along aboard Airhead’s 

Super SUP—even the dogs? Everyone gets 

to experience the fun of dipping a blade 

into the cool lake water as up to eight riders 

simultaneously stroke to provide propulsion 

around peaceful Metcalf Bay, 

where calm tranquil water is ideal for 

paddleboard fun. 

“The trick is to get everyone paddling 

at the same time,” noted Pleasure Point’s 

Larry Whittington. “Some find it hard, for 

some it’s really easy. It’s a real team building 

experience for sure and no one gets left 

behind.” Life vests are provided for safety. 

With eight inches of nose/tail rocker— 

just like modern powder skis and 

snowboards have—the inflatable Super 

SUP glides through the water. It’s super 

stable with sturdy, rigid platform and recommended 

for all ability levels, especially 

beginners who appreciate the extra wide 

platform with plenty of room to stand and 

stroke. Paddle or just float and enjoy the 

lake and mountain views! 

At 18-1/2 feet long and five feet wide 

the board looks like it could accommodate 

Paul Bunyan, making for a stable SUP platform. 

EVA traction pad and heavy-duty reinforced 

drop stitch construction with x- 

cross technology are other nice features. 

Pleasure Point is the only marina on 

the lake offering SUP for up to eight after 

acquiring the gargantuan board at a Las 

Vegas marine show. Of course guests can 

go out solo on it but really this is a ride 

meant for families or groups and it’s a lot 

to handle without help. 

“The bay is the best area for a board 

this big because it’s clean, smooth and 

safe,” added Pleasure Point’s Carole Shaw. 

Super SUP rents for $50 for the first hour, 

$45 each additional hour, pretty affordable 

fun when shared by a group! 

Pleasure Point is the second oldest 

continuously operated marina on Big Bear 

Lake, first opening in 1914 as Belt’s Boat 

House. In 1926 the name was changed to 

Pleasure Point Marina and the “History 

Wall” in the office documents its treasured 

history. Cowboy legends Roy Rogers and 

his wife Dale Evans had a cabin nearby 

and were regular fishing guests! 

Today Pleasure Point is a full-service 

membership-owned marina that offers a 

range of water activities including pontoon 

and fishing boats,kayaks, jet skis, pedal 

boats, and of course SUP boards including 

the Super “8”. Plenty of paved parking 

too, 

In addition Pleasure Point is an official 

weigh station and offers Fishing Charter 

too. Plus full-service repair shop, 

snacks, fishing gear and gas dock that’s 

open to all boaters. 

Call (909) 866-2455. 


Up to 8 can go out on Super SUP rides at Pleasure Point Marina 

2-for-1 Badge Days at Speedway 

Badge-carrying personnel experience 

real racing on a Grand Prix-style track at a 

two-for-one discount Wednesdays at Big 

Bear Speedway. 

Active law enforcement, fire and military 

personnel buy one Speedway pass and 

get another free every Wednesday at Big 

Bear Speedway all summer long. Just show 

proper ID and get two-for-one passes, a 

$20 value. Badge holders can add the free 

race to their license or give it to someone. 

New for 2018, $100 will be donated to the 

charity of their choice for the fastest Badge 

Day racer’s time each week. 

Drivers negotiate fully-featured Sodi 

RT8 Karts around a fifth-of-a-mile long 

course filled with hairpin turns and S- 

curves galore. Drivers reach speeds upwards 

of 30 mph as they compete against 

the clock on a Grand Prix-style course with 

the same Tecpro barriers used in Formula 

1 and circuits around the world. 

Sodi’s RT8 Kart is a mini-race car 

with features straight from the automotive 

industry, like self-adjusting hydraulic 

brakes and vacuum fuel pumps. Sodi Karts 

offer speed and safety with Four Point seat 

belts. The karts handle like race cars with 

pinpoint steering and the Honda Whisper 

Motors generate amazing power, enough 

for cars to lay rubber. 

Big Bear Speedway has 17 single karts 

and six doubles that have two steering 

wheels and two brake pedals for training 

or parent riding with a child. Initial Big 

Bear Speedway membership is $20 (double 

kart $25) which includes license valid for 

one year, one race and mandatory head 

sock. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 

Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. 

At Big Bear Snow Play (42825 Big 


FREE 

Bowling & 

Laser Tag! 

With this ad buy 2 games per person at 

regular price and your 3rd game is FREE! 

(Not valid when on wait list) 

Visit Our New SPORTS BAR & ARCADE! 

GLOW BOWLING NIGHTLY! 

The BOWLING BARN 

40625 BIG BEAR BLVD. (ENTER ON BONANZA) •878-BOWL (2695) 

THERE’S ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE BOWLING BARN! BBT—35


Zoo homes improve as new one is built 

Even as Big Bear Alpine Zoo prepares 

to move into its long-anticipated 

new home sometime this fall, its current 

one continues to get better. 

Indeed there’s expanded signage 

around the 2.5 acre park across from Bear 

Mountain, telling the unique stories of its 

150-plus residents. Exhibits continue to 

improve with new “furniture” put in like 

logs, stumps and root balls. There’s picnic 

tables for guests to enjoy, especially during 

daily enrichment programs at noon, 1, 

2, and 3 p.m. when animals—or “ambassadors” 

as the zoo prefers to call them— 

are presented up close and personal. 

“Just as we have a daily obligation to 

the animals, we have an obligation to our 

guests too,” said Big Bear Alpine Zoo curator 

Bob Cisneros. “Our job is to connect 

people to wildlife.” 

Want to see how you measure up to a 

black bear? There’s a lifesize photo cutout 

of a bruin that’s become a popular selfie 

spot. Kids love to climb up next to bobcat, 

mountain lion and bear carving around the 

park. No wonder that in the past three 

years, zoo attendance has increased from 

80,000 visitors per year to over 130,000, 

even as the new $8.5 million facility just 

down the street continues to go up. 

The park sports one of the largest timber 

wolf populations in captivity with 

nearly a dozen animals in distinct 

packs.That’s because they were bottlefed 

from birth by keepers after their mother 

rejected them. 

“The wolves were imprinted by handraising 

which makes them completely different 

animals,” Cisneros said. As the 

wolves grew the heirarchy for which the 

animals are famous developed and as some 

assumed dominance, others were squeezed 

out and had to be moved. 

So now the magnificent animals, who 

often treat guests to their spine-tingling 

howls even during the day, are found in 

four different locations. “I’m sure they’ll 

present some new challenges to group 

them after the move,” Cisneros said. 

For the same reason there’s three separate 

bobcat enclosures. The most recent 

addition is Baby, who arrived at the zoo 

three years agoat age 7-8 weeks old. She 

was found in a clearing in Temecular after 

her mother took another cub and left Baby 

behind. When the mother didn’t return for 

24 hours, the zoo became her new home. 

Since the goal is always to return animals 

to the wild—and 80% or more of animal 

arrivals end up going back to nature— 

great pains were taken to minimize human 

imprinting. “We took fleece that matched 

her color and put a hole in it for her bottle 

nip to poke through,” Cisneros said. “That 

worked till we weened her and she began 

to eat solid food. That’s when she figured 

out where it comes from.” 

For some, release is never an option. 

Big Bear became 

home to three grizzlies 

when a marauding 

mother with two cubs 

raided one too many 

camp sites in 

Yellowstone and 

faced a death sentence. 

In a great 

grassroots fundraising 

drive bricks were sold 

for the front of the enclosure 

to give the 

apex predators a 

home. 

So Big Bear is 

now one of only two 

zoos in California 

where grizzlies, the 

state symbol, tcan be 

See Himalayan snow leopards at the zoo even as the new one is built (below left) 

seen, and these massive animals with the 

rounded back and several hundred pounds 

are impressive. Their toys include empty 

beer kegs! At one point Big Bear Valley 

was flush with grizzlies, but by early after 

the turn of the century all were gone. The 

last California grizzly was seen in the Sequoia 

Park in 1924. 

Also one of only two alpine zoos in 

the country—the other is in Colorado 

Springs—Big Bear became an ideal home 

Continued page 8 

Catch Rainbow Trout...Guaranteed!* 

Cantrell Guide Service 

Big Bear Lake's Longest Running Guide Service 

* Catch a rainbow on a 3-hour trip or your next trip is on us 

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only guide boat on the lake with 

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Professional licensed guides John Cantrell 

and Cliff Fowler ("Fowler's Fish Tales") 

have over 80 years combined experience 

fishing Big Bear Lake! 

Private Tours / Only your party 

Sunset Tour - No Fishing Happy Hour (BYOB) 

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www.bigbearfishing.net 

Pine Knot Marina • 400 Pine Knot Ave. • Big Bear Lake, CA


Jousts, jests at 17th Renaissance Faire 

There’s new dates and an extra 

weekend to enjoy live jousting, 

nonstop entertainment and fine 

food and drink at Big Bear Valley 

Renaissance Faire, opening July 14-15. 

Return to days of yore with period 

grub, grog and merriment on the beautiful 

north shore of Big Bear Lake in Fawnskin 

at historic Pedersen Sawmill. An exciting, 

vibrant village springs up among towering 

pine trees five consecutive weekends from 

10 a.m.-6 p.m. through August 11-12. 

There’s knights jousting on horseback 

in live competition, archery tournament, 

live steel battle, Queen Elizabeth’s Royal 

Court and Midsummer Fairy Forest 

Children’s area. The days of William 

Shakespeare and the Renaissance are 

presented with nonstop entertainment by 

strolling entertainers, stage performances 

with belly dancers, jugglers, musicians and 

singers, beautiful crafts and plenty of 

period food and drink. 

Thrill to live jousting courtesy of the 

Imperial Knights each weekend. This is no 

dinner show but rather live contact action 

with no predetermined winner. Wearing 

130 lbs. of armor is just the beginning; each 

competitor peers through a quarter-inch slit 

in their helmet, staring down a foe atop a 

2,000 lb. horse just as they are. When they 

charge head-on the ground shudders and 

their solid hemlock lances often break and 

yes, occasionally so do bones. It’s full 

contact action at its best. 

In addition there’s nonstop action on 

five stages with Joust Kidding, a high 

energy singing group playing pirate ballads 

and Renaissance melodies, and stage and 

street performer De Gekkevlek, who 

utilizes music and comedy to entertain. 

Other performers include Gypsy Time 

Travelers, a husband and wife team who 

have performed for millions across the 

country featuring fabulous storytelling 

with a hot iron twist. 

Favorites Cutthroat Reef, a crew of 

about a dozen pirate, gypsy and rover 

musicians who put on a different show 

every time with traditional and original 

drinking songs and sea shanties. Others 

include gypsy-style folk-rock band 

Gallows Humor and Celtic singersongwriter 

Kris Colt as Black Rose. 

Musicians and magicians, jugglers, belly 

dancers, they’re all here. 

Of course there’s plenty of good grub 

and grog, with suds freely flowing and 

turkey legs to gnaw, pig on a stick, 

bratwurst and more traditional tastes like 

sandwiches, gyros and tacos. For a 

medieval shopping experience visit the 

marketplace with dozens of merchants 

presenting wares from ere and yon, ranging 

from Renaissance clothing to pewter steins, 

tarts, scents, oils, ceramics and much more. 

Enjoy a chocolatada, a thick Spanish 

drink usually served hot made with melted 

chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon and other 

spices, with Queen Isabel. This version is 

poured over ice to cool it for warm 

Real Gear...Real Track...Real Racing! 


Live contact jousting at Renaissance Faire with the Imperial Knights 

mountain days but otherwise it’s a 

beverage straight out of the history books. 

There’s special entertainment, pastries and 

more during the hour-long event at 1 p.m. 

each Saturday and Sunday, priced at $10. 

Themed weekends include Fantasy on 

July 21-22 filled with fairies and fun, and 

Pirates on July 28-29 where scallywags 

teach how to become Jack Sparrow. 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo... 

Continued from page 7 

for endangered Himalayan snow leopards 

Asha and Shanti, which arrived from 

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle as part of 

the program. The climate is much more 

inviting for animals accustomed to living 

at elevation, though the cats can’t see their 

surroundings after being born with rare eye 

conditions that left each blind. 

Mountain lions Cascade and Canyon, 

rescued after their mother was killed when 

they were four weeks old, have also been 

on a diet. In 2015 the fully-grown cats 

were, in Cisneros’ words, “obese.” 

“Cascade weighed over 200 lbs.,” he 

said. “That’s a double cat!” So both were 

put on strict diets and furniture was put into 

Steampunk weekend on Aug. 4-5 serves 

up time-traveling fun and Royal weekend 

closes out the Faire on Aug. 11-12 

Daily Faire admission is $25 for 

adults, children ages 4-17 are $18, but save 

on both by purchasing in advance for any 

weekend before July 13 for $18 and $15 

respectively. Senior/military $15. 

www.bbvrsinc.org. 

their enclosure to encourage prowling and 

jumping. The result is that Cascade 

dropped a hundred pounds, resulting in a 

more agile and active lion. 

The zoo is also home to four black 

bears, which were introduced to the local 

mountains a hundred years ago after the 

grizzlies were extinct. “There’s 400 estimated 

in the San Bernardino Mountains 

and 40,000 in the state,” Cisneros said. 

Each consumes a five gallon bucket of food 

each day! 

The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 

p.m. through Labor Day. Admission is $12, 

$9 ages 3-10/60 and over, under three free. 

The zoo is at 43285 Goldmine Dr. Call 

(909) 584-1299. 

KART RACING in BIG BEAR 

• New Full-Featured Sodi Kart Racing 

• Grand Prix-Style One-Fifth Mile Course! 

• Races Timed, Fastest Times Posted 

• Safety First With Helmets, 4-Point Restraints 

• Single and Double Karts! Fun for Ages 4 and Up 

Located at Big Bear Snow Play 

42825 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake 

www.BigBearSpeedway.com 

(909) 585-0075 

Open April – October 

Mon-Thurs 

10 am-6 pm 

• 

Friday-Saturday 

10am-6pm 10am-9pm 

• 

Sunday 

10am-5pm

Zone offers farm fun for youngsters and 

for parents there’s beer, wine and cocktail 

garden under umbrella seating. 

Live music plays on the stage all day. 

At noon Born Country takes the stage followed 

by The Blue Henrys at 2 p.m. Both 

bands are favorites at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon 

as well as at Big Bear Oktoberfest on 

the outdoor stage. 

Headliner I See Hawks in L.A. performs 

at 3:30. The alternative country 

group formed in 1999 and mixes in tradi- 


tional elements of 

Chili Cookoff back with fiery fixin’s, fun country music, 

vocal harmonies 

and instruments 

including acoustic 

guitar and 

fiddle. The band 

The heat is on Saturday, July 14 as 

some 40 top chefs vie for $4,000 in prize 

money and the right to advance to world 

International Chili Society competition 

during the annual Big Bear Chili Cookoff. 

The family-friendly ICS-sanctioned 

event is from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Village’s 

Bartlett Events area with live music and 

dozens of vendors in the artisan marketplace, 

featuring artwork, photography, oils, 

unique gifts, health and lifestyle merchandise 

and more. Bear Valley Farms Kids 

Crafts, wine, music at 20th Art Walk 

Artists from throughout Southern 

California gather July 21-22 at Bartlett 

Events area for the 20th annual Big Bear 

Lake Art Walk Festival. 

The festival features many artists presenting 

their own original works in all mediums 

of fine art, including paintings in 

acrylic, oils, watercolor, photography, 

sculpture in clay, glass, and wood. Each 

artist will be present to meet with the public 

and discuss their work. All work is available 

for purchase. 

In addition to fine art, fine crafts will 

also be presented. Festival patrons will find 

blown glass, turned wood, semiprecious 

jewelry, pottery, leather and metal. Plus 

there’s beer and wine garden, live music, 

food vendors and more. 

Art Walk features accomplished artists 

displaying their own creative works, 

like La Quinta artists Charles and Linda 

Perkins, who present their colorful and 

cherished “Hearts” painted in acrylics and 

“Trees of Life” created from recycled metal 

and glass for the consideration of discriminating 

buyers. The Perkins’ has been creating 

their thoughtful and emotional artwork 

since the 1990s. 

Visitors will also enjoy talking to Big 

Bear Lake artist Annie Aldrich about her 

unique, one-of-a-kind ceramic garden vessels 

and platters in soothing earthy colors. 

Guests can even make their own brightlycolored 

silk scarf at Creative Alive booth. 

The Bartlett Events area is in The Village 

at 630 Bartlett Road. The handicapaccessible 

event is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day 

and admission and parking are free. 

Big Bear Lake Art Walk Festival is 

produced by West Coast Artists. For additional 

information call 818-813-4478 or 

WestCoastArtists.com. 

features Rob 

Waller, Paul 

Lacques and Paul 

Marshall and is 

known for songs 

like “The River 

Knows,” “Raised 

by Hippies” and 

“Sky Island.” 

The eighth 

Hawks studio album, 

Live and 

Never Learn, was 

released earlier 

this year. 

Admission is 

free to get in with 

chili tasting kits 

just $5, which allow 

guests to sample all the spicy fixin’s 

they can handle and vote for their 

favorites...bring the heartburn medicine. 

There’s prizes and trophies for best red and 

green chili, salsa and the People’s Choice 

traveling award which gives bragging 

rights to the top Big Bear Valley chili cook 

and their concoction. 

Awards ceremony at 5 p.m. determines 

the winners with Mark Sweeney 

back as Chief Judge along with scorekeeper 

Donny Gordon and emcee Mike 

Austin. In addition to chili there’s other 

Sample spicy fixin’s at the ICS-santioned Chili Cookoff 

good eats including Mexican favorites, 

craft hot dogs, barbecue pulled pork, 

grilled corn and potatoes and festival foods. 

Chili Cookoff has been a longtime 

event, previously put on by Old Miners 

Association and now by Big Bear Visitors 

Bureau. Park at public lots in the Village 

as well as Community Church, Presbyterian 

Church and Calvary Chapel. A portion 

of the proceeds benefit Mountains 

Foundation and Discovery Center. 

Chili Cookoff is at 630 Bartlett Rd. 

Call (800) 4-BIG BEAR or BigBear.com.


Nugent, Iron Maidens, Save Ferris at Cave 

July opens with a full week of live 

music that includes rock and rollers 

Ted Nugent and Pat Travers, 

transitions to the great Poncho Sanchez, 

and concludes with She Wants Revenge. 

In between The Cave Big Bear has top 

shelf music every Friday and Saturday with 

a lineup that ranges from country to 80’s 

to electronic with Grammy-nominated The 

Crystal Method. If it’s different you’re after, 

try a smokin’ hot all-female tribute to 

Iron Maiden and rockabilly lounge versions 

of Kiss songs mixed with heavy metal 

Elvis. 

Big Bear’s intimate concert venue is 

going off in July with twelves dates featuring 

the largest variety of music yet. All 

served up close and personal with full 

cocktail service and special effects like lasers, 

arena-quality sound, even “snow” that 

periodically falls on the dance floor., which 

is just inches from the stage, making for 

the most amazing selfies. 

SUMMERLAND TOUR 2018 arrives 

at The Cave July 1 with 90’s alt rock 

favorites Everclear, Marcy Playground and 

Local H. Everclear is the headliner with 

11 studio releases and a 1998 Grammy 

nomination—indeed the band’s singer-guitarist 

Art Alexakis created Summerland 

Now 

Re-Opened! 

Tour in 2012—but each band is tight, sure 

to please Gen Xers everywhere. Tickets 

start at $65. 

TED NUGENT is next night on July 

2 and needs little introduction. The “Motor 

City Madman” rocked The Cave a year 

ago as only he can, bringing hits like 

“Stranglehold,” “Cat Scratch Fever,” “Dog 

Eat Dog” “Great White Buffalo,” “Spirit 

of the Wild,” “Wango Tango” and many 

more. Seeing the rock legend in such an 

intimate fashion from feet away is a treat! 

Nugent’s music is best served up live 

and each summer he hits the road to dish it 

up to longtime fans, including his 2018 

“The Music Made Me Do It” tour. His career 

began as lead guitarist for Amboy 

Dukes in the 1960’s, playing mostly psychedelic 

rock, and he was also a member 

of supergroup Damn Yankees featuring 

Tommy Shaw of Styx, Jack Blades of 

Night Ranger and Michael Cartellone of 

Lynyrd Skynyrd. Nugent plays a little bit 

of all of it in a nonstop rocking show. 

Nugent has sold over 40 million albums 

in his illustrious career, an incredible 

number and he shows no signs of slowing 

down with his high-octane concerts 

continuing to set attendance records at venues 

around the world. Whether he’s performing 

for 

55,000 Marines 

and 

their families 

at Camp 

Pendleton or 

on a USO 

Tour in the 

Persian Gulf 

with country 

star Toby 

Keith, 

Nugent’s 

shows never 

disappoint. 

In 2011 

he released 

Your Wild Bird & Squirrel Headquarters 

July at The Cave stars the hot Iron 

Maidens, rocker Ted Nugent 

(right), She Wants Revenge 


“I Still Believe,” a hard-driving 

homage to America released on his 

website that garnered positive reviews, 

featuring his ever-powerful 

guitar. Tickets are $85. 

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS 

is at The Cave July 4 in a rare matinee 

show starting at noon and what 

a deal—tickets are just ten bucks! 

The band’s first two albums each 

went gold and the second, If Only 

You Were Lonely, reached #1 on 

Billboard Independent Albums 

chart and #3 on the Top 200. The 

single “Saying Sorry” also went gold and 

other hits include “Ohio is For Lovers” 

“Niki FM” and “This is Who We Are. Forget 

Your Friends opens. 

PAT TRAVERS is a great post-Independence 

Day celebration on Thursday 

July 5, first time at The Cave. He’s obviously 

best-known for the anthem “Boom 

Boom (Out Go The Lights) and “Snortin’ 

Whiskey” was another megahit. Other favorites 

include “I La La La Love You,” 

“Crash and Burn” and “Life in London.” 

Then there’s “Hammerhead” which has attracted 

a cult following. Tickets $18-$28. 

PONCHO SANCHEZ is on July 6. 

A Grammy winner for Best Latin Jazz Album 

(Picante), Sanchez and his ensemble 

stir up a fiery mix of straight ahead jazz, 

gritty soul music and infectious melodies 

and rhythms. Influences by conga drummer 

and composer Chano Pozo and famed 

trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie left their marks 

on his Latin jazz music. Tickets $20-$30. 

IRON MAIDENS is an all-female 

tribute Iron Maiden to The Cave July 7. 


"Fly, Drive or Walk to the Barnstorm Restaurant" 

The Best Homemade Food in Big Bear 

Open Daily from 7 am to 3 pm 

Dinner: Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 5 to 9 pm 

with live Entertainment 

and Weekly Specials! 

• Fine Selections 

of Beer and Wine 

• Authentic 

German 

Specialties 

Bird Info Here! 

Birdwalks, Too 

• Fine Oregon Pine Furnishings 

• Seed 

• Suet 

• Nuts 

• Gift Items 

• Feeders 

• Nectar 

(909) 281-4548 • 42656 Moonridge Rd. 

Big Bear Lake, California 

(Across from the New Zoo, On the Way to Bear Mountain) 

Breakfast • Lunch 

Dinner 

18 

Airport Terminal 

X 

Valley Blvd. 

W. Big Bear Blvd. 

International Menu 

Big Tree Dr. 

Live Music 

Saturday 

Night 

10% OFF* 

for BB Locals 

(beer & wine 

not Included) 

(909) 585-9339 

Mike Cross 

plays at the Barnstorm 

“Enjoy the Piano Artistry 

of Mike Cross. 

Celebrating 50 Years 

on the piano. 

Every style and genre 

in his own unique style.” 

Music with your meal 

Hot Lunch Specials from $8.99 

Monday thru Friday, except Thursday 

*non-Holiday prices 

The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal 

501 W. Valley Blvd. • Big Bear City • CA 92314


BBTP stages Pulitzer winner Our Town 

Matt Gardner, Tiffany Toner star 

The Pulitizer Prize-winning show Our 

Town celebrates its 80th anniversary this 

year with appropriate treatment from Big 

Bear Theatre Project during its six-show 

July run at the Performing Arts Center. 

Director Beth Wheat and a very talented 

cast present the show July 6-8 and 

Hike Gunsight, aspens 

Hike cross-country across Big Bear 

Valley’s southern ridge, to the Gunsight or 

to recovering Aspen Grove on Sierra Club 

Big Bear Group public outings in July. 

Sand/Bow Canyon Loop on July 6 

is a 6-mile (roundtrip) moderate partial 

cross-country trek past interesting rock formations 

and large oaks along the south 

ridge. Meet at Vons; call (909) 584-9407. 

Bluff Lake/Siberia Creek to Gunsight 

on July 7 at 8 a.m. is an epic 7-mile walk 

past historic Champion Lodgepole Pine. As 

the trail follows Siberia Creek wildflowers 

can be expected before arriving at the 

impressive Gunsight rock formation. The 

hike is moderate; meet at Aspen Glen Picnic 

area, home to Pine Knot Trail. 

Aspen Grove Trail on July 21 is anJuly 

21 at 8:30 a.m. Discover how one of only 

two naturally occuring aspen groves in 

Southern California is recoving after the 

Lake Fire three years ago. The 4-mile hike 

is easy and education with environmental 

experts joining as well. Limited to 12 hikers 

so sign up early. (909) 289-1932. 

As always bring the 10 Essentials including 

water, sturdy hiking boots etc. 

12-14 true to playwright Thornton Wilder’s 

vision. “Through the years there have been 

subtle deviations from the original,” Wheat 

said. “We’re using the original stage and 

costume plots and original direction.” 

Our Town, set in 1938 in the fictional 

small town of Grover’s Corners, is a simple 

story of a love affair with deeper meaning 

of love, life and death. It explores the extraordinary 

in the mundane, the profoundness 

of simplicity, and the shallows and 

depths of humanity. 

All without elaborate stage sets or special 

effects; indeed the story is told through 

exquisite acting, something which this talented 

cast is truly capable of presenting. 

Sets and props are minimal so performers 

pantomime many actions while delivering 

lines, augmented by sound effects and 

lighting to tell the story. They also act as 

stagehands, moving the few props themselves 

since the red curtain never closes. 

Steve Gaghagen appears as the stage 

manager, best known for his award-winning 

performances with Community Arts 

Theater Society (CATS). He’s joined by a 

lengthy list of CATS veterans with countless 

credits among them, including professional 

actor Steve Cassling as the newspaper 

editor (see story page 2). 

Brian Adams, Diana Meyer 

Hintergardt, Matt Gardner, Spencer 

Cassling and Michael McConnell are other 

stage veterans. Along with Nancy Celeste 

Walker, whose lengthy resume includes 

performances from cabaret clubs in the 

(clockwise from 

top left) Brian 

Adams, Steve 

South Bay to the Redlands Bowl 

and twice at the White House. 

Charlotte Boda, Margo 

Penardi, Teresa Hoffman, Steve 

Boggio, Ken Best, Nancy 

Butterworth, Bobby King, Kelly 

Mount, Jazmin Thompson, JV 

Zamoyta and Johnny Ray Wells 

round out the cast. There’s downthe-hill 

talent too; Tiffany Toner 

performs with the Orange County 

Underground Burlesque Society 

and appears as Emily. 

Our Town won the Pulitzer 

Prize for Drama in 1938 and during 

its resurgence in 1989 took Drama BBTP presents “The Big Bear Vaudeville 

Jubilee” September 28-30 at the PAC. 

Cassling, Teresa 

Desk and Tony Awards for Best Revival. 

Hoffman, Diana 

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. except for July 8 Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970. 

Hintergardt 

4 p.m. matinee. Ticket prices $10-$20. 

Full Hot & Cold Deli 

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto 

Try Our Famous 

Rotisserie Chicken 

& Kabobs! 

We cut the highest 

Quality Meats 

Daily 

Award 

Winners: 

1st 

Liquor 

2nd 

Groceries 

2017 

Chamber of 

Commerce 

Excellence 

in Business! 

Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip, 

Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too! 

(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days 

Community Market 

100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City 

1 mile east of The Convention Center 

Year-Round 

Christmas Room! 

Our rooms are 

filled with gifts 

and treasures 

from nearly 

20 artists! 

Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel 

• Bear-ly Used 

Books 

• Jerky 

• Pottery 

• Aprons 

• Sports 

Memorabilia 

• Everything 

Bears & More 

Open 7 Days 

a week 

Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m. 

Shopping Experience 

There is not “Anything” we do not have! 

Village Faire 

40794 Village Dr. 

(909) 866-8220 

Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village


Western weekend with Bull, Brewsfest 

Dance under the pines at Wyatt’s 

Celebrate the hardworking American 

cowboy with a whole weekend of family 

western fun on July 27-29 that includes mechanical 

bull riding, Spirits of the West 

Brewsfest and Sunday Cowboy Brunch. 

Held at Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon under 

towering pine trees at the Convention 

Center, the event offers three days of Western 

fun while celebrating of National Day 

of the Cowboy. Start on Friday with 

“Bucks for Bucks” mechanical bull riding 

competition. Teams of four and individuals 

compete for style points—most unique 

ride wins. Proceeds benefit Big Bear Museum. 

There’s also live music with South 

of Santa Fe, country dancing with free lessons 

and Wyatt’s tasty ranch-style food. 

Then it’s the showcase event, 

Saturday’s 7th annual Spirits of the West 

Brewsfest. Those 21 and over can sample 

more than 50 beers and spirits. Brewsfest 

has become one of the mountain’s largest 

sampling events, and includes whiskey, tequila 

and bourbon. There’s everything 

from flavored organic beers to IPAs. 

Gates open at 1 p.m. with free admission 

and a full slate of activities to mark 

Big Bear’s western heritage that dates back 

to the late 1800’s, which included 

cattle drives up to the 

mountains from the deserts of 

Palm Springs, Morongo and 

Yucca basins. Temecula Action 

Gunfighters perform live western 

shootouts with heroes and 

villains four times during the 

day. 

Live entertainment includes 

Silver Mountain String 

Band on Wyatt’s stage, a true 

bluegrass band, plus local Terry 

McRaven, and at night DJ Robert 

and Cowboy Karaoke. 

There’s contests like watermelon 

eating and boot toss 

plus bull riding. Little buckaroos 

will enjoy carnival games, 

bounce house, face painting 

and western arts and crafts. 

Western vendors will be on 

hand and the Sheriff’s Posse will deputize 

youngsters. 

Brewsfest admission is $5, free ages 

16 and under. Special sample kits with 

commemorative pint glass are $12 with individual 

sampling tickets a dollar each for 

beers and $3 for spirits. There’s a selection 

of sodas for the under 21 crowd. 

Sunday wraps up the weekend with 

Cowboy Brunch at Wyatt’s with special 

breakfast menu and no waiting in line. The 

Good Courage Ranch Bloody Mary bar 

and bottomless mimosas are highlights. 

The National Day of the Cowboy organization, 

founded in June 2005 with official 

resolution passed the U.S. Senate a 

month later, seeks to preserve America’s 

cowboy heritage for future generations. 

Bear Valley American Legion is another 

beneficiary. 

Wyatt’s is open Wednesdays for country 

dancing and Fridays and Saturdays 

with live music on the patio under the pine 

trees. Highlights include Born Country 

and The Sounds on July 6-7, The Working 

Poets and Revelator featuring Terry 

McRaven July 13-14 and Born Country 

July 20-21. Convention Center is on Big 

Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000. 


Temecula Action Gunfighters at Brewsfest, part of Cowboy weekend at Wyatt’s 

Big Bear's 

Best Coffee House! 

(909) 281-5141 

Open 7 Days! • 7 am-6 pm 

Free Wireless Internet! TVs Too! 

July 4th fireworks... 


comfort as they see each burst from right 

below aboard the lake’s largest tour boat. 

$85 includes country buffet, beer and wine 

for purchase. (909) 866-8129. 

Big Bear Queen also has fireworks 

cruise at 8:30 out of Big Bear Marina. Captain 

Chris Bellows knows the best spots 

and the boat’s capacity is cut in half to afford 

prime viewing. Cost is $50 and includes 

light snacks—bring your own favorite 

beverages, as always the case on Big 

Bear Queen. (909) 866-3219. 

Time Bandit Pirate Ship sails from 

Holloway’s Marina at 8 p.m. Full cocktails 

and pirate crew add to the festivities. Call 

(909) 866-5706. Or book your own pontoon 

rental with a few of Holloway’s 

luxury boats still available at press time. 

See the fireworks from atop Snow 

Summit at Above the Boom. The party 

starts with Skychair ride and 5:30 p.m. barbecue 

at Hog on the Rocks. There’s live 

music plus bounce house, face painting and 

free hot chocolate for the kids. $50 adults, 

$30 ages 5-12, four and under free. (844) 

GO2-BEAR. 

Moonridge Coffee Co. 

Finest Coffee & 

Freshest Beans 

Direct from 

Sisters, Oregon 

New Owners! New Management! 

• Espresso • Lattes • Cappuccinos 

• Teas 

• Hot and cold specialty drinks 

• Pastries • Baked fresh daily 

• Sandwiches 

• Homemade ham & cheese croissants 

Fine brew served in relaxed mountain lodge setting 

Best Grinders and Espresso Machines on the hill! 

42646 Moonridge Rd. 

next to Wild Wings by Bear Mtn.'s lower lot

Big Bear Today July 2018—Page 13


Big Bear Today


HOMESTYLE 

QUALITY... 

Steaks 

East 

Seafood 

Valley's 

Pasta 

Only 

Chicken 

Bakery! 

Voted Big Bear's 

Best Breakfast! 

DAILY Breakfast Special! 

Every Saturday Night 

All-You-Can-Eat 

Beef Ribs $19.95! 

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS 

MON—MEAT LOAF $9.95 

TUES—CLOSED FOR DINNER OPEN 6-3 

WED—PRIME RIB $15.95 

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $12.95 

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $13.25 

OR SURF & TURF $15.95 

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS 

$19.95...POT PIES $13.25 IF AVAILABLE 

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $15.95 

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT 

After lunch or dinner... 

treat yourself from our 

Bakery! 

Caramel-topped apple 

dumplings...cheesecakes... 

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies 

of the season! 

Also Available to Go! 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy 

Fireplaces or Under Trees on 

Our Outdoor Patio! 

337 W. Big Bear Blvd. 

(2 miles east of the Convention 

Center in Big Bear City) 

(909) 585-7005 

...FAMILY 

PRICES! 

Captain John’s 

S 

Marina 

CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY 

West Boat Ramp 

MARINA 

WINDY POINT 

W E 

To Los Angeles 

and Orange County 

North Shore 

Landing 

Castle Rock 

Trail 

BOULDER 

BAY 

1989 

Holcomb 

Valley 

All Phone Numbers are area code 

(909) unless otherwise noted 

July 

2 

Rock Legend Ted Nugent in concert 

at The Cave 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets $85. 878-0204. 

4 

4th of July Fun Run 5/10/15K 

and costume contest 9 a.m. at 

Meadow Park. Runbigbear.com 

4 

24th Independence Day Fair at 

the Convention Center 10 a.m.- 

5 p.m. with arts and crafts, live 

music under the pines, kid’s 

activities. Free entry. 585-3000. 

4 

Fireworks Over the Lake, preceded 

at 4:30 by Rotary BBQ at 

Marina Resort with music, midway 

games, best fireworks view. 

$27 hamburger/hot dog/chicken 

sandwich dinner, $34 baby back 

ribs. (800) 4-BIG BEAR. 

5 

Pat Travers in concert at The 

Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets $18- 

$28. 878-0204. 

6-8 

“Our Town” by Big Bear Theatre 

Project at the PAC 7:30 p.m., 4 

p.m. Sunday matinee. $19, senior/student 

$14. 866-4970. 

7 

Free Fishing Day on the lake; no 

license required. 866-5796. 

7 

“Music in the Mountains” series 

opens at Discovery Center with 

Led Zepagain tribute to Led Zeppelin, 

MountainTop Strings 

open. $37-$48. Gates open 5 

p.m., show at 6. 866-3437. 

7 

Movies in the Meadow 8 p.m. at 

Snow Summit; Wonder Woman. 

Free. 866-5766. 

12 

KOLA-FM Slide Day at Alpine 

GILNER POINT 

METCALF 

Holloway 

BAY Marina 

2014 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

Big Bear and Vicinity 

Pleasure 

Point 

Performing Arts 

Center (PAC) 

Polique Canyon 

Trail 

Solar Observatory 

BIG BEAR LAKE 

Mill Creek 

Mill Creek 

Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mtn. 

Pine Knot 

Trail 

Cougar Crest 

Trail 

Woodland 

Trail 

Discovery Center 

Serranno 

Campground 

East Boat 

Ramp 

EAGLE POINT 

Swim 

Beach 

Big Bear 

Pine Knot 

Marina 

Marina 

Meadow Park 

Town Trail 

Slide; all-day water slide pass, 

Alpine Slide rides, lunch, more 

for $19.99. 866-4626. 

12-14 

“Our Town” by Big Bear Theatre 

Project at the PAC 7:30 p.m. 

$19, senior/student $14. 866- 

4970. 

14 

ICS-Sanctioned Big Bear Chili 

Cookoff 11 a.m. in the Village 

with craft beer and wine garden, 

Kids Zone, live music. Free 

admission, tasting extra. 866- 

6190. 

14-15 

Big Bear Renaissance Faire at 

Pedersen Sawmill (39115 Rim 

of the World Dr., Fawnskin) has 

jousting, shows 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

$25, $46 weekend pass, senior/child/military 

discount. 

bbvrsinc.org. 

20-21 

77th Annual Flower Show ”Rainbow 

of Flowers” by the 

Women’s Club at the PAC Friday 

noon-5 p.m., Saturday 9 

a.m.-2 p.m. Free, refreshments. 

866-3784 or 866-4970. 

21 

16th Annual Xeriscape Garden 

Tour by Sierra Club; self-guided 

tour visits eight homes 9 a.m.-4 

p.m., check-in Eminger’s (41223 

Big Bear Blvd.) 547-2237 

21 

“Music in the Mountains” series 

at Discovery Center with The 

Garth Guy, Vegas McGraw 

opens. $37-$48. Gates open 5 

p.m., show at 6. 866-3437. 

21 

Movies in the Meadow 8 p.m. at 

Snow Summit; Coco. Free. 866- 

5766. 

21-22 

Summer Art Walk Festival in the 

Village (630 Bartlett Rd.) with 

Walk 

Board 

July 2018—Page 15 

Big Bear City 

Moonridge 

colorful mediums, beer and wine 

garden, live music. free admission. 

(818) 813-4478. 

21-22 






discount. 

bbvrsinc.org. 

27-29 

Ultimate Big Fish Derby at Pleasure 

Point Marina starts noon 

Friday with kids fishing clinic, 

angling for cash and prizes. 

bigbearfishingassociation.com 

28 

Spirits of the West Brewsfest 1- 

7 p.m. at Convention Center 

with Temecula Gunfighters, 

beer, wine and spirits tastings, 

live band, free admission. 585- 

3000. 

28-29 






discount. 

bbvrsinc.org. 

28-29 

Crafts & Cranks brew fest/mountain 

bike racing at Snow Summit 

opens weeklong Cycling Festival. 

866-5766, 

bigbearcycling.com. 

August 

4 

Tour de Big Bear 25, 50, 70, 

100 and 125 mile rides in the 

Valley with cycling festival in 

the Village, Sunday recovery 

rides and time trials. 

bigbearcycling.com. 

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet! 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

CC 

Club View Drive 

Bear Mountain 

To Victorville, Barstow 

& Las Vegas 

Museum 

To Angelus To Oaks 

and and Redlands 

Big Bear 

Alpine Zoo 

E 

V 

E 

N 

T 

C 

A 

L 

E 

N 

D 

A 

R


Cave concerts... 


Each musician is highly trained with diversified 

backgrounds ranging from orchestral 

and musical theater to blues and 

rock featuring Kirsten Rosenberg on vocals, 

Linda McDonald on drums, Courtney 

Cox, Nikki Stringfield on guitars and 

Wanda Ortiz on bass. The girls blast out 

Iron Maiden favorites likeIron Maiden hits 

like “Rainmaker,” “No More Lies” and 

“Dance of Death” and have been highly 

honored for their efforts. Tickets $15-$25. 

ELVISS and the MEMPHIS 

STRUTTERS on July 14 is a unique take 

on artists like Elvis and Kiss to say the 

least. Think Vegas lounge show on tunes 

like “Rock and Roll All Night” and turn 

The King’s music turns heavy metal. Tickets 

$15-$25. Country Night kicks off the 

weekend on Friday July 13 with favorites 

Morgan Leigh and Eli Y Bands. $10-$15. 

THE CRYSTAL METHOD on July 

21 turns The Cave electric with dance music 

by the Grammy-nominated, platinumcertified 

duo that helped define the genresmashing 

electronic sound, Ken Jordan 

and Scott Kirkland. Tickets $25-$35-$45. 

80”s Night on July 20 tickets are just $10. 

SAVE FERRIS on July 27 sees the 

ska punk band from Orange County which 

gets its name from the movie Ferris 

Bueller’s Day Off at The Cave with tickets 

$30-$40. SHE WANTS REVENGE 

on July 28 is another band making its first 

Cave visit. The band has sold over 300,000 

records in the U.S. and three top songs, 

“Tear You Apart,” “These Things” and 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

Live weather! 

Photo Gallery! 

PDF Reader! 

“Out of Control” on their debut album were 

chart toppers. The band has toured with 

Depeche Mode and Placebo with tickets 

$25-$35. 

Shows start at 7:30 p.m. (except the 

July 4 matinee at noon). 

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909) 

878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com. 

See Read at meeting 

Nat B. Read, author of “Don Benito 

Wilson: From Mountain Man to Mayor” 

is the speaker at the Historical Society’s 

July 12 monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Discovery 

Center, open to the public. 

Reed spent three years researching the 

life of Wilson, who gave the Big Bear area 

it’s name after his party captured 11 grizzly 

bears in these mountains. He owned 

Jurupa Ranch in what is today Riverside 

and lead the U.S. Army in the first battle 

of the Mexican War in Southern California. 

He helped set up American government 

in Southern California and served as 

Los Angeles mayor and country supervisor. 

After reading every scrap in the 50 

boxes of Wilson’s papers in the Huntington 

Library and visiting dozens of libraries, 

archives, museums and historical societies 

in California and even Tennessee, 

where Wilson was born, Read has compiled 

an authoritative work. He’ll sign 

books after the meeting. 

Admission is free and there’s refreshments 

and opportunity drawing. Call Discovery 

Center at (909) 382-2790. 

If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up! 

Monthly! 

Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the Big Bear Lake Area 

Summer! 

Fall! 

Winter! 


Denver, Doobies music at series 

The five-event “Music in 

the Mountains” outdoor concert 

series benefitting Southern 

California Mountains Foundation 

opens its 13th season with 

two big shows in July. 

The season opens July 7 

with the music of Led Zeppelin 

by arguably the world’s top 

tribute band to the rock supergroup. 

Led Zepagain, Sony recording 

artists in their own 

right, has been named one of 

the “World’s Greatest Tribute 

Bands” and for good reason. 

The band’s spot-on reproductions 

of Zeppelin classics like 

“Rock and Roll,” “Black Dog” 

and “Stairway to Heaven” 

caught the eyes and ears of non 

other than guitarist Jimmy 

Page, who invited Led Zepagain to attend 

the original band’s 2007 reunion concert 

in London. Drummer Jason Bonham also 

put his stamp of approval on Led 

Zepagain, sitting in with them at a show. 

Last year Led Zepagain returned to 

AXS-TV to perform the iconic Led Zeppelin 

IV album in its entirety. Having 

played around the world including Japan, 

Russia, Germany, several South American 

countrys and throughout the country, the 

group routinely plays to packed houses. 

More proof? Led Zepagain has well over 

a million iTunes downloads to its credit. 

With vintage equipment and costuming, 

this is the closest you’ll get to seeing 

Led Zep live. Big Bear favorite 

MountainTop Strings opens. 

Music in the Mountains continues two 

weeks later on July 21 with The Garth 

Guy, presenting the Ultimate Tribute to 

Garth Brooks. Dean Simmons looks kind 

of like the country superstar and definitely 

sounds like him, and after over 20 years 

performing Brooks’ music, has every note 

and mannerism down to a tee. 

For two decades he’s performed for 

Led Zepagain opens Music 

in the Mountains outdoor 

concert series at Big Bear 


the famous “Legends in Concert” shows 

in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Atlantic 

City and is still the only “Garth” on the 

Legends roster. In 2014 “The Garth Guy” 

was featured on “World’s Greatest Tribute 

Bands” and his shows have been seen 

through the country and in Canada. 

A third generation country musician, 

Simmons is backed by full band as he presents 

an accurate and respectful presentation 

of Garth’s music.Of course, Brooks 

gives him an incredible body of work to 

perform, with songs like “Friends in Low 

Places,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” 

“The Dance,” “Unanswered Prayers” and 

many more.Vegas McGraw opens. 

General admission tickets for all 

shows are $37 as guests bring their own 

lawn chairs and sit under the trees. Premium 

bench seating is $48. Or see five 

shows for the price of four with season 

passes priced at $148 general admission 

and $195 premium. Gates open 5 p.m. with 

shows at 6. 

Purchase tickets online at 

www.mountainsfoundation.org or call 

Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790. 

Lake Activities 

Boating • Fishing • Hiking 

Biking & Special Events 

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Join the Two Month long Celebration 

with all the insider information. 

Essential Information about the 

#1 Ski Resorts in Southern California 

for All Skiers, Snowboarders 

& Snowplayers 

Big Bear's Best Calendar of Events 

• Lodging • Attractions • Much More! 

All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com 

18


Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More 

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov 

Recreation 

Guide 

Action Tours 

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines. 

Segway along Village streets, discovering 

Big Bear history at the same time on a most 

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing 

skills like rappelling from certified 

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through 

the forest. Action Tours has year-round 

guided mountain adventure for all ability 

levels! (909) 866-0390 or (909) 866-0830. 

Alpine Slide 

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic 

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to 

control the speed. After an exhilerating 

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for 

more fun. $6/ride, 5-ride books $25. There’s 

also dual water slide, miniature golf, Go- 

Karts, family-priced snack bar, video 

games. Open daily. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 

mile west of the Village. 866-4626. 

Bear Valley Farms 

Real working farm on 30 acres in the East 

Valley! Petting zoo, horse and hay rides, 

play zone with bounce house and more. 

Enjoy good old fashioned farm fun Saturdays 

and special events. All-inclusive admission 

is $15. The Farm also offers riding 

lessons and horse camps. 1601 E. Big Bear 

Blvd. (909) 547-5424. 

Big Bear Speedway 

Soki Kart racing comes to Big Bear with 

timed heats and authentic track experience. 

Reach speeds up to 30 mph while 

negotiating hairpin turns and straightaways 

on the Grand Prix-style course. Double 

Karts allow younger riders to go to. $20 on 

first visit includes license valid one year, 

head sock and race ($25 double Kart). Base 

lodge with snack bar. At Big Bear Snow 

Play next to Motel 6. (909) 585-0075. 

Bike Rentals 

Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine 

Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front 

suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all 

day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours, 

$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/ 

hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big 


Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop 

has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071 

THE ALMANAC 

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728. 

Bingo 

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games 

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome 

ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd. 

west of the Village, across from Lakeview. 

(909) 866-3557. 

Boat Tours 

“Big Bear Queen” sails daily from Big 

Bear Marina including the lake’s most guaranteed 

daily tours and its most experienced 

captain, Chris Bellows. 2 p.m. tour goes 

out regardless of passenger count every 

day and Saturday noon and 4 p.m., Sunday 

at noon are guaranteed too. Adults $20, 

seniors $18, 12 and under $14, 3 and under 

free. Saturday Sunset cruises from July 2 

through Sept. 3, light hors d’oeuvres provided 

and bring your favorite beverage, 

$25. (909) 866-3218. 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly 

refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third 

scale replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared 

in the movie of the same name, sail 

daily from Holloway’s Marina...complete 

with canon fire! Full bar with beer, wine 

and cocktails. Fares $22, senior $20, $16 

under 12 (2 and under free). (909) 878- 

4040. 

“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed, 

heated deck and snack bar, leaves 

Pine Knot Landing for scenic tours of Big 

Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities, 

solar observatory, and much more. $22, 

$20 senior/military, $14 ages 3-12, four 

and under free. (909) 866-8129. 

Captain John’s Lake Cruise is a more 

intimate cruise aboard eco-friendly 

Duffield Whisper Drive electric boat 

“Serena” or “Rose Bud” once owned by 

Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels. Learn about 

the lake including knowledge of the China 

House and bald eagles. Fridays, Saturdays 

and Sundays at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. $20, 12 

and under $12. (909) 866-6478. 

Bowling 

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with 

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment. 

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail 

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after 

dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3 

games for the price of 2 with coupon in this 

issue. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd. 

(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL. 


The Discovery Center on the north shore, 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Baldwin Lake Stables 

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour 

1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested 

If you can ride a bike, you’ll love new water bikes at Big Bear Marina 

two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a 

breathtaking facility overlooking the lake 

and offering informational galleries, self 

and naturalist guided tours, Adventure 

passes and wilderness permits, and recreation 

programs. Open daily (closed Tuesdays 

and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437. 

Fishing 

Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter 

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable 

boat with afriendly, expert guide 

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters 

for individuals or groups of all ages. 

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures, 

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard 

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina; 

(909) 866-2240. 

Cantrell Guide Service at Pine Knot Landing 

is the lake’s longest running guide 

service since 1991. Troll for trout around 

the lake’s 23 miles of shoreline aboard 24' 

enclosed pontoon boat with 18 ‘ roof. Licensed 

guides John Cantrell, Cliff Fowler 

(“Fowler’s Fish Tales”) have 80 years experience 

on the lake. (909) 585-4017. 

Golf 

High altitude enhances any game at the 

Bear Mountain Golf Course. A nine-hole 

(par 35) 2,730-yard course, each round is 

accompanied by clear air and spectacular 

mountain views. The full-service 4,000 sq. 

ft. clubhouse and pro shop has putting 

green, cart and club rentals, restaurant, 


Pony Rides & Petting Zoo 

909-585-6482 • Big Bear City 

Big Bear Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38, 

veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs 

46475 Pioneertown Rd. 

www.baldwinlakestables.com 

Specialty Rides 

•Majestic Sunset Ride 

•1/2 Day Ride along the 

famous Pacific Crest Trail 

Please Make Reservations 

for Specialty Rides 

Under Permit USDA Forest Service


GET WET 

WAKEBOARD 

RIDES 

Free ree Lessons! 

SKI DOCK 

Edgemoor 

Rd. 

Holloway's 

Marina 

Log Cabin 

Rest. 

With Us! 

SEA DOOS 

JET SKIS 

WAVERUNNER 

Rentals 

To 

Village 

Big Bear Blvd. 

Also on the North Shore at 

North Shore Landing! 

GET WET WATER 

SPORTS CENTER 

878-4FUN 

866-5706 

Big Bear. 

Blvd. 

Alpine 

Slide 

lounge, and deck overlooking the course. 

Driving range too. Across from the ski 

resort on Moonridge Rd. (909) 585-8002. 

Helicopter Tours 

See Big Bear from above during new aerial 

tours by Helicopter Big Bear. See the lake, 

ski resorts, desert and surrounding mountains 

aboard a climate-controlled Robinson 

R44 helicopter with longtime pilot Roy 

Harding at the controls, departing daily out 

of Big Bear Airport. Group rates and discounts 

available. (909) 585-1200. 

Hiking 

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to 

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San 

Bernardino National Forest. From easy 

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs 

into the mountains, there are trails for all 

abilities, including families, within a short 

drive of Big Bear. For information on all 

trails in the Valley and the required 

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center 

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west 

of Stanfield Cutoff. 866-3437. 

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile 

(each way) paved trek following the lake 

on the north shore. Popular with hikers, 

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs 

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat 

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano 

campground, Solar Observatory and more. 

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous 

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of 

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful 

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her 

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft. 

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill, 

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring 

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on 

the lake side of the road. 

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile 

(each way) hike. As it winds above the 

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views 

of water and the surrounding mountains. 

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two 

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile 

from the Discovery Center where you can 

park without an Adventure Pass. 

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, 

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation 

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gain, located on the north shore near Cougar 

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the 

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify 

markers along the route noting local 

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc. 

Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big 

Bear from Onyx Summit through the East 

Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb 

Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through 

Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638 

mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call 

the Discovery Center to find out where to 

catch this famous international trail. 

SEEK ... 

and Ye Shall Find!! 

Use the Search Feature on our website to learn 

about previous events, discover exciting new ones, 

and general Big Bear information! 

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• Read Print Magazines Online! 

• Calendar of Events 

... and Much More! 

www.BigBearTodayMag.com 

Monthly • Summer • Oktoberfest • Winter 


Rides wet, wild at Alpine Slide 

Rides are wet and wild at Alpine 

Slide, a great place to beat the heat with 

dual water slide and bobsled-like ride 

The double water slide has been a 

family favorite since 1986. The recentlyrefurbished 

flumes are sliding as good as 

new or better after gel coating was applied 

by Teca Aquatics. 

Flume #1 is considered the slower 

of the two, with a more gentle descent at 

the beginning but a series of sharp turns 

at the bottom that really whip riders 

around. Flume #2 on slider’s right drops 

quickly at the onset of the ride and takes 

riders through a series of gyrating turns. 

Water slide rides are inexpensive— 

$15 for an all day pass, 10 rides for $10, 

or two bucks each. Going to be around 

for a few days or coming back this 

summer? Season passes are $49 valid 

Sunday through Friday (excluding July 

4) or $69 anytime. A great way to beat 

the heat, and parents who don’t want to 

play don’t have to pay to get in. 

For more fast times take a few runs 

on the Alpine Slide where riders aboard 

individually-controlled sleds get an 

Olympic-like ride. Experience many of 

the same gravitational forces bobsledders 

do descending two quarter-mile cement 

tracks filled with long straightaways, S- 

turns and banked curves. Riders control 

how fast—or slow—they go down the 

track in the most unique ride around. 

Alpine Slide rides cost just $6 each, or 

$25 for a five-ride book. Alpine Slide is 

open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., till 9 Fridays 

and Saturdays. 

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln. 

on Big Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-4626. 

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic 

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine 

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr. 

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of 

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another 

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular 

180-degree vistas. 

Holcomb Valley 

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving 

gold country. The last remaining signs of 

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are 

featured in a driving tour through what is 

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6 

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops 

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s 

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and 

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear 

Discovery Center on the North Shore— 

call 866-3437. 

Horseback Riding 

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round 

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour, 

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides 

with longer rides heading along the famous 

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A 

variety of spectacular mountain trails with 

horses for all riding abilities. For little 

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and 

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all 

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at 

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left 

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd., 

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482. 

Jet Skis/Waverunners 

Jet skis and two, three and four seater 

Waverunners from Get Wet Water Sports 

Center at North Shore Landing (878- 

4FUN), and Holloway’s Marina (866- 

5706) are $85-$140 per hour. Big Bear 

Marina (866-3218) has new Yamaha three- 

Continued on page 19


seaters for $125/hour, gas included. Pine lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more. Enjoy 

Knot Landing has three-person barbecued food, beer and wine at the View 

waverunners available at $109. 478-4377. Haus on top, which has a terrific sundeck, 

while taking in spectacular views that can 

Laser Tag 

stretch to the Basin. Hike down or ride the 

Head to Big Bear Funplex for indoor laser chair back. Roundtrip ride (no bike) $24, 

tag, arcade, rides and much more. Pizza $19 senior/youth (save 20% with 72 hour 

and snack bar, pool tables. 40679 Big Bear advance online or phone purchase). Open 

Blvd. 866-3866. 

daily. (909) 866-5766. 

Miniature Golf/Go Karts Wakeboard/Cable Park 

Putt ‘N Around at Alpine Slide features a Experience wakeboarding, wake skating, 

landscaped 18-hole miniature golf course water skiing, even kneeboarding without a 

complete with water hazards and breaking boat with the new cable pull at Holloway’s 

greens. Then there’s an oval-shaped gokart 

Marina. Beginners on up learn to ride and 

track with high-banked turns, with can master new tricks in a fraction of the 

nine Can Am racers—including four twoseaters—featuring 

time it takes out on the open lake. $35 buys 

Honda 5.5 horsepowers two hours of pulls in Holloway’s quiet 

engines and an array of safety features zip cove and includes equipment. 866-5706. 

around. Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626. Get Wet Water Sports Center offers 

water ski and wakeboard rides from North 

Museum 

Shore Landing, Holloway’s Marina and 

An authentic, restored log cabin, gold Big Bear Marina. $195/hour includes 

mining artifacts, rebuilt stamp mill, cattle equipment, boat and lessons, if desired. Panoramic views on horseback rides at Baldwin Lake Stables; (909) 585-6482. 

ranching and logging memorabilia, Group rates. Call 878-4FUN. 

information on native animals, birds and 

family dining favorite. Daily breakfast, 

Water Slide 

reptiles, and much more are found at the 

Dining 

lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat 

Eleanor Abbott Big Bear Museum. Open The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is 

beef ribs $19.95 on Saturday nights, and 

Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and home to two side-by-side water slide flumes 

homemade pot pies are big favorites. Open 

Holiday Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. that take riders through a maze of banked Guide 

daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W. 

through Labor Dayr. 800 Greenway just turns and wild, wet action. At the bottom, 

Big Bear Blvd. Call 585-7005. 

off the boulevard at Big Bear City Park. $5, each track dumps into a heated pool. Allday 

passes $15, single rides $2, 10-ride 

Big Bear Lake 

Big Bear City 

14 and under free. (909) 585-8100. 

books $10. daily. 1/4 mile west of the 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT— 

Parasailing 

Village on Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-4626. 

Comfortable dining at the airport. Open BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.— 

Get above it all with parasail rides at Pine 

daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner Craft micros brewed on premises and 

Knot Marina. Part sky diving, part hang 

Zoo 

Thursday through Sunday with nightly gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this 

gliding, and part speed boating, parasailing Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes, specials and Saturday night entertainment. new brewery in the Village. Full bars 

offers the unique perspective of seeing Big mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other German food a specialty plus steaks, upstairs and down with lakeviews and all 

Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at sports all the time on big screens. 40827 

from 300 ft. above the water—riders don’t of which are native to the San Bernardino the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283. 

get wet unless they want to. Now riders as Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle 

young as age 7 can go! Rides $80, $160 for Moonridge Rd. to Clubview, veer right to cooking at awesome prices make this a 

tandem. (909) 478-4377. 

Bear Mountain, and turn left to the zoo. 

$12 adults, $9 ages over 60 and children 3- 

Scenic Sky Chair 

10, under two free. (909) 584-1299. 

Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair to 

the top for incredible views of the Valley, 

After Dark... 

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide 

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow 

Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 

Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday- 

Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl 

3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at 

40625 Big Bear Blvd. Call 878-BOWL. 

AV NIGHTCLUB—DJ every night at 9 p.m. Happy hour daily till 6 p.m. with $1 

beers. 664 Pine Knot. (909) 866-7377. 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with popular 

entertainer Art Harriman. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

BEST WESTERN CHATEAU—Enjoy Silver Moon in the Tiffany Lounge Saturdays 

from 7-10 p.m. 42200 Moonridge Rd. (909) 866-6666. 

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Live music daily. Craft microbrew beers, food 

in a cozy atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 

866-BEER. 

NOTTINGHAMS—Dayton Borders Sundays on the patio 6-8 p.m. Thursdays 5-9 

p.m. with Nikki Sparks (June 10), Alex Johnson (June 17), Fantasy (June 24). 

40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644. 

THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national 

performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert 

venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake 

Brewing Co. (909) 878-0204. 

THE PINES LAKEFRONT—Pianist Mike Cross and Bass Mark Cade live Thursdays 

5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 4-7 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400. 

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open at 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing 

with DJ Evan, Fridays and Saturdays with live music. July 4: Terry McRaven; July 

6-7 Born Country, The Sounds; July 13-14: Working Poets, Revelator with Terry 

McRaven. July 20-21: Born Country. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. 

Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000. 

909.878.4FUN 

at North Shore Landing 

& Holloway’s Marina 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’ 

Narrated lake tours aboard 

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon 

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’ 

• Pirate Booty for the Kids 

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours 

• Waverunners • Jet Skis 

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP 

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides 

• Poontoon Boats 

and Fishing Boats! 

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com 

COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS... 

LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA... 

JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS! 

Also Available 

Lakeside RV Park 

with 

Full Hookups! 

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store 

www.800BigBear.com


THE BACK PAGE 

Go ape on Tarzan floating water park 

There’s rope to swing from, platforms 

to jump from, trampolines to 

bounce on and water slide. All 

floating on Big Bear Lake! 

Say hello to the one-of-a-kind Tarzan 

Boat at Captain John’s Marina, which 

debuted last year. Part pontoon boat, part 

playground, part water park, the awardwinning 

design is taking lake play to a new 

level with multiple ways to play. 

Tarzan Boat is like nothing you’ve 

ever seen, largely because Captain John’s 

has the only one on the West Coast. The 

floating playgrounds have been wildly 

popular back east in Florida and Tennessee 

along with water venues in the Bahamas 

and Australia, but this is the first one to set 

sail west of the Mississippi. 

Jump, leap, swing or slide into the 

water to beat the heat on Tarzan boat—two 

drop-down ladders make it easy to get back 

aboard. It’s a jungle-theme aquatic park 

complete with trained lifeguards, and those 

played on Tarzan boat called it one of the 

best times they’ve had on the water. 

Go ape on an array of attractions, 

starting with low and high platforms for 

jumping into the water. You’ll probably 

start the Tarzan experience on the low 

platform with the Monkey Jump, a six foot 

high platform accessed by the first 

staircase. Then graduate to the Gorilla 

Jump with 14 foot high dive. 

For a really different experience 

check out Monkey and Gorilla Bounces. 

Guests jump onto springy trampolines with 

padded sides and are sent skyward before 

they splash into the water. The Gorilla 

Bounce sports a 12 foot drop that really 

sends people flying, as high as 20 feet 

above the water! As does the Tarzan Rope 

Swing—unleash your inner Captain Jack 

Sparrow by swinging out over the lake. 

Tarzan Boat even has its own water 

slide! The twisting, turning flume has a 

pump that sends lake water through the 

jungle theme tube to make for fast slides 

before riders are deposited into the water. 

Tarzan boat offers the lake’s most 

unique experience. It’s anchored inside 

Grout Bay about 100 yards for 10-12 feet 

of calmer water and guests are shuttled out 

by electric jungle-safari cruiser. While the 

34-foot boat accommodates up to 40, 

Captain John’s limits capacity to 30 so 

there’s no waiting for attractions and 

everyone has a good time. 

General admission is $25 for one hour, 

$40 for two hours, $50 for three, and $60 

for four with multiple daily sessions. Under 

12 must be accompanied by parent. Tarzan 

Boat is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Tarzan Boat isn’t the only new vessel 

at Captain John’s, which added two large 

deluxe pontoons last season as well. Quiet 

propulsion is a staple at Captain John’s, 


home to 

electric boat 

tours with 

capacity of 

no more than 

12. Take a 

cruise and 

learn lake 

history with 

the Captain’s 

firsthand 

knowledge 

of the lake 

and famed 

C h i n a 

Island. Ecofriendly 

boat 

Eight attractions, one great time: Tarzan Boat at Captain John’s 

tours launch 

Fridays, 

Saturdays and Sundays at noon, 2 and 4 A nine hole disc golf course at Captain 

John’s is free to play, five bucks to 

p.m. Adults $20, 12 and under $12. 

Head to Captain John’s on the quiet rent a disc. The course features Professional 

Disc Golf Association holes and is 

north shore for canoe, kayak and SUP rentals—the 

marina has long been the lake’s a lot of fun for the whole family as it winds 

popular destination for paddleboard. Grout around the shoreline and near the lake. 

Bay’s tranquil water makes for smooth Captain John keeps the grass short on the 

strokiing and Stand Up Paddleboarding fairways but rough abounds on most sides 

(SUP) has long been a marina staple. and shrubbery is a challenge. As are lake 

It’s a Hawaiian-born sport that Captain 

John Saunders brought back to Big Renting a boat or paddleboard at 

breezes that develop in afternoons 

Bear from the islands after a visit several Captain John’s is as simple as going online 

years ago. At first his marina was the only with the marina’s new reservation system. 

one to rent the boards—most have followed 

suit—and Captain John’s has be- 

well before arriving in the mountains. 

Pick out the vessel you want and reserve it 

come the lake’s place to learn. There’s lessons 

for all ability levels plus weekend na- 

Point Park in Fawnskin, 39369 North 

Captain John’s Marina is at Dana 

ture tours. 

Shore. Call (909) 866-6478..

Big Bear Today July 2018

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