Big Bear Today December 2018

Volume 30, No. 6 December 2018 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

New Soaring Eagle 

at Slide! 

• See Santa at the Slopes, 

Snow Play Hills, Village 

• Bob Gulley Plays 3 Nights 

at Nottinghams 

• Cave Hosts Jonny Lang, 

Ignite, Sublime Tribute 

• Christmas Shows, Services... 

New Year's Eve Too 

‘Nutcracker’ at the PAC

Page 2—December 2018 

From the Publisher 

Tim Estes makes 

sure Big Bear’s float 

comes up roses 

im Estes has personally been involved 

in designing and building 

over 500 Rose Parade floats, but Tone entry went straight to the dogs. Surfing 

dogs, that is. 

The 2017 entry for Lucy Pet Foundation 

is one of the most talked about floats 

ever in the parade’s 129 year history, featuring 

two pooches that actually surfed on 

10,000 gallons of running water as their 

ride rolled down Colorado Blvd. Much to 

the amazement of millions around the 

world, including Guinness World Records, 

which certified “Beachside Paradise” built 

by Fiesta Parade Floats as the longest and 

heaviest in Tournament of Roses history. 

“Standard floats are 55 feet long,” 

Estes said. “This set the record at 127’ and 

weighed over 146,000 pounds. That’s over 

73 tons—the water weight alone was 30 

tons in a tank 80 feet long. 

Making such contraptions mobile and 

beautiful too is what his company Fiesta 

Parade Floats has specialized in for 30 

years. Including one of its most recent 

floats, “Play. Rest. Repeat” representing 

Big Bear, the town’s first-ever entry and 

the result of a years-long, Valley-wide 

campaign. 

There’s no surfing dogs, or even skiing 

or surfing ones, but it does depict Big 

Bear’s four-seasons with beautiful, intricate 

detail. Not surprising because Fiesta 

Parade Floats under Estes is the most 

awarded designer at the Rose Parade. 

Typically a dozen or more floats in each 

Rose Parade are created by Fiesta, the 

longest tenured builder in the event. 

If you can dream it, Estes can make it 

happen on a float that moves only as fast 

as bands can march. To tell the Big Bear 

story there’s a ski chair that rises 22’ high. 

“The whole chair folds back,” Estes said 

of the float that will weigh 22 tons when 

decorated. 

There’s skiing, boarding and tubing 

bears with black eyes made of seaweed 

and canoes paddling on a lake created out 

of blue flowers. Look carefully to spot 

more Big Bear, from hikers to bikers to 

bald eagle on the standard length float. All 

surrounded by trees and flowers, just as 

they are in nature up here. 

“We use five different types of glue, 

about 120 gallons on the float, to attach 

the different individual flowers, about 

80,000 of them,” Estes said. “That’s not 

counting dry seed and bark.” 

All sitting on frames built into chassis 

with varying configurations and looks. 

Fiesta has some 30 chassis to work with. 

“We spend about $50,000 for each and it’s 

good for about 10 years,” Estes said. “The 

frame has to flex to go over dips.” 

All are powered by gasoline engines, 

the majority V8’s from Chevrolet or Ford 

that idle at 750-800 RPMs. Since they only 

have to go as fast as people walk, transmissions 

just need to provide power and 

torque. “They’re put in low and left in 

low,” Estes said. “Wee put in extra coolers 

for the radiator and a fan sucks heat 

out so drivers don’t get overheated.” 

Since 99.9% of drivers can’t see out, 

Estes said, they’re assisted by observers 

via intercom who give directions like 

“touch right or left, hard right and such. 

Observers have brake pedals too.” 

Can you imagine getting a flat tire on 

the parade route? Neither can Estes—and 

Big Bear’s float has 10 wheels to support 

all that weight. “The front tires are all solid 

rubber or foam fill,” he said. “You could 

punch a hundred nails in them and they 

would not go flat. 

“We strive really hard to make these 

things work,” Estes said of the floats. “Every 

engine has two batteries and we don’t 

use electric fuel pumps.” 

Estes has built floats for 40 years after 

decorating his first at age 8. “As kids 

growing up in Alta Dena we would go 

down and play around the floats,” he said. 

“I was more into how they were built.” 

He leads a talented team of 30 yearround 

employees and another 10 seasonal, 

each averaging 18 years experience. Jim 

Hynd is the floral director of the most 

prize-winning floats in Rose Parade history. 

Artist Mike Abboud draws fantasies 

that become realities. 

All of whom have helped Fiesta develop 

a client list that reads like a Who’s 

Who of float entries: Kaiser Permanente, 

Dole Foods, Macy’s, Lowe’s, Paramount 

Pictures, many more. If it’s been in the 

Rose Parade, chances are it was built by 

Fiesta, which also builds props for television 

and feature films, malls and more. 

“When I started there were nine companies 

building floats,” he said. “Now 

there’s just three. If you want to make a 

lot of money, don’t be a float builder. But 

if you like creativity, the Rose Parade is 

unique.” 

Two weeks after New Year’s, Fiesta 

will have four floats at the Martin Luther 

King Parade, and floats at other parades 

throughout the year. But only one has 47 

million viewers worldwide! 

Have a good one. 

Marcus 

ON THE COVER: Take to the skies on the new Soaring Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide; 

Moonridge Dance Studio presents The Nutcracker three shows only at the PAC 

Volume 30, Number 6 December 2018 

4 

6 

8 

9 

16 

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 

Sky-High Fun on New Soaring Eagle Ride 

It’s part zipline and all amusement ride thrill with Alpine 

Slide’s latest attraction. Soar like a bird above tree tops at up 

to 26 mph. Just the latest way to have fun at Alpine Slide 

where there’s sleds you control in an Olympic-like ride and 

several feet of snow for inner tubing...and no tiring walk back 

up to the top, thanks to covered Magic Carpet lift! 

Nutcracker, `Carol,’ Holiday Shows Abound 

The famous holiday ballet is back, presented by Moonridge 

School of Dance, and there’s lots of other holiday shows too. 

Zany A Christmas Carol...Askew is happening and there’s 

recitals, winter celebrations and more. Not to mention New 

Year’s Eve with torchlight parade and the Doo Wah Riders. 

Lit, Ignite, Jonny Lang and More at Cave 

It’ll be a December to remember at The Cave where there’s 

two shows every weekend with top shelf talent and the best 

tributes. Don’t miss Ignite or Lit which is joined by Alien Ant 

Farm in a great twin bill. Logan Mize and Jonny Lang are also 

on tap plus there’s tributes to Heart and Fleetwood Mac, 

Sublime and much more. 

3 Nights of Bob Gulley at Nottinghams 

It’s time for the longtime favorite’s Christmas return to Big 

Bear. Bob Gulley is at Nottinghams Dec. 28-30 with the 

music that’s taken him from opening for The Who as a kid to 

Branson and beyond. 

Tallies, Treks, Talks at Discovery Center 

Count bald eagles in the wild, meet one up close, discover 

flora and fauna at the Discovery Center...Big Bear’s recreation 

destination has your way to play in December. Including 

naturalist-led Snowshoe Eco-Tours into the forest assuming 

Old Man Winter shows up. Think snow, then go! 

Who knew Scrooge could be so fun? A 

Christmas Carol is Askew on page 10 

DEPARTMENTS 

2 

3 

13 

14 

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 December 2018—Page 3


Sky-high rides on new Soaring Eagle 

Unique attraction at Alpine Slide zips through the sky at 

speeds up to 26 mph...snow play and slide too 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

T○ here’s a new eagle in Big Bear, 

soaring through the skies and you 

get to come along for the ride. 

Soaring Eagle at Alpine Slide is the 

latest unique attraction at a recreation area 

already famous for its signature bobsled 

ride plus inner tubing in winter and water 

slide in summer. The Soaring Eagle attraction 

is a zipline-like experience with a 

couple notable differences. Riders sit instead 

of lie down and ride up to the top 

tower backwards. 

Guests don’t have to apply any brake 

or use any skill set, since it’s an amusement 

park ride rather than zipline, so 

they’re just along for the ride. And what a 

ride it is! Between the two towers riders 

soar 500 feet—close to two football 

fields!—and reach speeds up to 26 mph, 

with a vertical drop of about 125 feet. 

It’s the first ride of its kind in California 

with the nearest other one just installed 

atop the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. There’s 

no bulky shoulder harness to wear so 

guests feel, well, as free as birds while they 

fly. 

Which they first do backwards! 

Double seat belts secure up to two riders 

and they shoot to the top tower facing the 

ground, almost as fast as when they’re 

coming down, in an experience that’s as 

exhilarating as the descent. 

Get ready for high-speed thrills coming 

down as Soaring Eagle tickles tree tops. 

Riders hit top speed as they approach the 

bottom and the attraction automatically 

brings them to a stop in dramatic fashion. 

“It’s different than anything I’ve ever 

done,” said Alpine Slide’s Julie Eubanks, 

one of the ride’s early testers.. “You’re fac- 

ing the lake at the top for great views. It’s 

really exciting and the people watching me 

wanted to know how they can get on!” 

Indeed Soaring Eagle is unlike any 

coaster at an amusement park as riders 

dangle in the sky, secured by two seat belts. 

Shooting up backwards is half the fun, giving 

riders a taste of what’s to come on the 

downhill leg. After a slight pause at the top 

the eagle takes flight, zipping downhill in 

a thrilling experience. 

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced 

less than other similar attractions. Riders 

can go solo or with a companion to share 

the experience with, unlike ziplines. Guests 

must be at least 42” tall and those between 

42-48” must ride with an adult. Photo and 

video of the experience can also be purchased. 

Soaring Eagle may have no guest interaction, 

but Alpine Slide bobsleds are 

quite the opposite. Guests unleash their inner 

Olympian while navigating sleds they 

control down two quarter-mile long tracks 

with banked turns and long straightaways. 

It’s an experience straight out of the Olympics, 

as riders lean into and out of each turn, 

all the while controlling their speed by 

working the brake handle. 

The sleds sport ball-bearing wheels 

and teflon runners so snow and ice aren’t 

necessary, but otherwise the ride is the 

same as bobsledding. It’s a ride so real 

bobsledders could train at Alpine Slide and 

lets everyday folks get a taste of the Games’ 

exciting event. 

Each sled carries one or two riders— 

typically parent with a young child. Pulling 

the control handle toward you applies 

brake and slows the sled down; pushing 

Tube with Santa at Snow Play, Alpine Slide 

forward releases it and allows the 

sled to roll freely. Far from an 

amusement park attraction where 

there’s little or no guest interaction, 

Alpine Slide offers an experience 

that’s different every time 

down, since riders control their 

own speed. 

Each trip down starts with a 

scenic ride up the chairlift, where 

there’s stunning views of Big 

Bear Lake along the way. Don’t 

let the lake views distract on the 

way down though, for this is a real 

ride where each driver controls 

their own destiny and while some 

streak, many crawl. 

More thrills are found on Alpine 

Slide’s inner tubing hill. The 

area’s powerful Lenko fan guns 

produce volumes of snow in 

building base depths that reach 

dozens of feet high, and already 

the white stuff is really piling up. 

Getting to the top of all that snow, which 

is groomed nightly so guests slide on perfect 

corduroy each morning, is easy thanks 

to the covered Magic Carpet uphill lift. Just 

step on and step off...no tiring uphill walk! 

Inner tubing is offered at Alpine Slide 

daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with night tubing 

sessions 5-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays 

and holiday periods including nightly from 

December 14-January 5 (except Christmas 


Raise your hands if you 

think the new Soaring 

Eagle at Alpine Slide is 

full of thrills! 

Eve and Night). Tubing under the lights 

has become wildly popular in recent years, 

with the runs groomed again after the day 

session. As temperatures drop the snow 

gets faster, making for wild rides indeed. 

Tickets for all inner tubing sessions 

include lift and tube rental and are $35, 

children 36-42 inches $20. 

Alpine Slide is 1/4 mile west of the 

Village. Call (909) 866-4626. 

Santa Claus can guide a team of flying 

reindeer through the night sky. He 

doesn’t have any trouble riding an inner 

tube either. 

Which he’ll again be doing at Big 

Bear Snow Play on Saturday, December 

22. He’ll be around all day from 10 a.m.- 

4 p.m. taking tube rides with youngsters 

with parents take photos with their own 

cameras. Be quick or Saint Nick just 

might blow by in the blink of an eye! 

Santa will also have candy canes for 

little ones plus his patented “reindeer 

food” of mixed oats and glitter. “Sprinkle 

it on the lawn Christmas Eve and the reindeer 

will smell the oats and see the glitter,” 

says Big Bear Snow Play’s Kim 

Voigt. Call (909) 585-0075. 

Next day he heads across town to Alpine 

Slide for more tubing on Dec. 23, 

and maybe a turn on the bobsleds or new 

Soaring Eagle. Call (909) 866-4626. 

Already tons of snow at Alpine Slide for inner tubing...and selfies

Big Bear Today December 2018—Page 5 

Wish lists filled at historic Village Faire 

Bear hats come with paws for 

hands at Village Faire; (below) 

Nancy Berg displays Old Glory 

Carved bears or stuffed ones, cloth 

purses, cozy animal print throws, yearround 

Christmas room, incense and tasty 

jerky. All in a historic Big Bear setting that 

may or may not have its own ghost. 

Chances are, there’s something for 

every holiday wish list at Village Faire. 

There’s literally thousands of gifts ranging 

from sports logo items and Harley 

Davidson to hundreds of crosses and walls 

of winter attire. The walls at the top of the 

stairs may tell tales—the building used to 

house Big Bear’s first hotel, the historic 

Navajo built in 1920, kept busy by gold 

miners and ladies of the night—but today 

the real story is on the shelves, filled with 

goods from artisans around town, the country, 

even the world. 

Sixteen theme rooms present a wide 

range of gift ideas, from bears and princess 

dolls, signs and home goods to gourmet 

foods and Oriental treasures and much 

more, many items handmade. Why there’s 

an entire Princess Room at Village Faire, 

with dolls and dresses and tea party sets 

and wallets. Duck inside the Tiki Room for 

Asia-theme gifts like adorable stuffed 

panda bears, fans and dragon figurines. The 

Pottery Room not only features handmade 

clay plates and pots but also soap pumps 

and dreamcatchers. 

For sports fans there’s not one but two 

rooms filled with memorabilia like playing 

cards, 

team coffee 

cups and 

shot glasses, 

signs and 

m o r e . 

There’s a 

stadium’s 

worth of 

football 

team selections 

to 

choose from 

whether you 

root for the 

Rams or 

Chargers 

and all the 

other teams 

too. Unique 

are team totem poles not found anywhere 

else, topped with bronco, steelworker or 

ram’s head as the case may be. Plus team 

helmet banks for 20 bucks. 

Baseball season is well represented 

with plenty of Angels and Dodgers, Giants 

and Yankees stuff to choose from, like team 

coosies for only $7.95. From steins and 

stemware to signs and clocks, blankets and 

more, the shelves are filled with sports. 

USC and UCLA gear too! 

The walls can bear-ly hold all the bruins 

at Village Faire, just about every room 

sporting something Yogi. Bear hats pictured 

above, modeled by Sandy Dietz, are 

popular with long arms and cozy pocket 

paws for your hands. There’s stuffed black 

bears from Wishpets and Giftable Worlds 

that are super cute and huggable. 

The year-round Christmas Room is 

obviously busy at this time of year, filled 

with Santas and trees, ornaments and decorations 

galore. Stockings in a variety of designs 

are less than ten bucks and there’s 

gingerbread man ornaments for $3.50. 

Particularly unique is the “Cross 

Room.” Cross-bearing carved bears are 

one-of-a-kind but there’s many other selections 

to choose from. There’s also oldfashioned 

toys like paint by number kits, 

models and more. Then there’s the Chime 

Room, where an endless selection of pieces 

Continued on page 12


Youth stars in Studio’s Nutcracker 

A true holiday classic springs to life 

on the Big Bear stage when Moonridge 

School of Dance presents The Nutcracker 

Ballet three shows only at Performing Arts 

Center December 14-16. 

Enjoy the magical ballet featuring 

Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince 

and other beloved characters in a full-scale 

presentation of the classic. The famed 

Carnegie Kids in recital 

See the latest “Carnegie and Sydney 

Kids” and other talented performers 

present a diverse mix of music during 2018 

Winter Voice Recital on December 2. 

Presented by the Voice Studio of 

Diane Sloan Kubeja at the Performing Arts 

Center, the 2 p.m. show features Big Bear 

youngsters set to perform next year at 

Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera 

House. Enjoy a mix of holiday, classical, 

Broadway and pop tunes, presented by 

award-winning talent. 

Performers include Hannah Magers, 

Sophia Rizzo, Troy Obernolte and Maggie 

Kubeja, who have been selected to perform 

in 2019 at Carnegie Hall as part of the High 

School Honors Performance Series. In addition, 

the group will also sing at the 

Sydney Opera House. 

Winter Recital also includes singing 

groups Voice Male and the Chick-A-Pellas. 

Tickets are $15, $13 seniors, $11 student 

Proceeds help fund the student trips to 

Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. 

Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970. 

“Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky offers 

some of the most well-known selections 

but the entire ballet is filled with captivating 

music and movement. Moonridge 

School of Dance’s Maria Knisley directs 

with original choreography. 

Accomplished performers join the 

studio’s youthful dancers on stage, with 

much of the cast 10 years old and younger. 

Brian Adams brings a slew of stage credits 

to his role as Drosselmeyer while Adam 

McDonald returns as the Nutcracker, a role 

he had last year. Both appeared in many 

leading roles for Community Arts Theater 

Society (CATS) and bring extensive credits 

to the show. 

As does Briana Ochoa, classical ballet 

dancer from Lake Arrowhead who will 

also perform. Kristyn Watson is a ballet 

and tap teacher who will also dance. Sophie 

Boone, who danced as Clara last year, returns 

as the Snow Queen with Faye 

Dumont filling the role of Clara. 

Yet it’s the 30 or so young dancers 

from the studio who steal the show with 

charm and energy. Performers like Emily 

Planz, Mary Olsen, Jordan Gilligan, Robin 

Anderson and Cora Swope bring exuberance 

to The Nutcracker as they defeat the 

Rat Queen (Jeanine Hamer) and are 

whisked to the Land of Sweets where flowers, 

chocolates and sugar plums dance. 

“A lot of the dancers have worked with 

CATS or other groups, so they have experience 

and know how to emote on stage,” 

Knisley said. “Even though this is dance 

Full Hot & Cold Deli 

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto 

Try Our Famous 

Rotisserie Chicken 

& Kabobs! 

Award 

Winners: 

1st 

Liquor 

2nd 

Photos courtesy Tonya Schour Photography 

Now 

Re-Opened! 


Adam McDonald 

and Faye Dumont 

star in Moonridge 

Dance Studio’s 

Nutcracker 

there’s no 

words, just lots 

of pantomime. 

To put on a fulllength 

Nutcracker 

like this 

is something. 

“This show 

has been five 

years in the 

making,” she 

added. “More of 

the dancers are 

en pointe, on the 

tip of their toes 

rather than balls 

of their feet, this 

year.” 

Knisley has Young dancers join talented veterans in the holiday favorite 

choreographed 

high school shows since 2010, starting with mance. Including a stunning chandelier illuminated 

by sound and light director 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor 

Dreamcoat,” and has studied ballet since Randy Worner. 

she was age 4. She’s studied and performed Shows are at 7 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. 

with companies like Ballet Pacifica, Royal Sunday matinee on Dec. 16. Tickets are 

Winnipeg Ballet of Canada, Santa Rosa $22 $20 seniors, students and military, 

Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and many under 7 free. 

more. 

Call (909) 866-4970 or 866-2244. 

The costumes are lavish as are the sets, 

both courtesy of CATS, which donated BigBearTodayMag.com 

them to the studio after its final perfor- 

Your Wild Bird & Squirrel Headquarters 

Groceries 

We cut the highest 

Quality Meats 

Daily 

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 

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)


A 

RESORT SHORTS 

What's Happening at Snow Summit & Bear Mountain 

USASA action opens with How to save a buck or 2 

Dec. 16 rail jam at Bear at Snow Summit, Bear 

The nation’s largest and most popular 

amateur snowboard competition, USASA, 

returns for 2018-19 with several events at 

the Big Bear resorts and now has freeskiing 

categories too. 

The road to the United States Amateur 

Snowboard Association National Finals, 

held at Copper Mountain in April 

2019, begins with these Southern California 

Conference regional events, in slalom 

and giant slalom, boardercross, slopestyle 

and halfpipe competitions. 

Events are open to all boarders and 

skiers—there’s different age and skill classifications 

to choose from—and there are 

several reasons for every rider to get involved. 

First, the $100 membership fee 

entitles riders to enter all events at serious 

discounts that include lift ticket, race fees, 

T-shirt and more. Then there’s the apresevent 

parties, which are legendary, with so 

much swag and giveaways it’s hard not to 

win something. 

Yet there’s more. Members save hundreds 

with discounts at summer camps like 

Woodward Copper and Tahoe, Windells, 

High Cascade and more. Plus SASS Argentina 

Backcountry Camp. 

Events at Bear Mountain include the 

first rail jam on Dec. 16. Slopestyle events 

#1 and #2 are on January 13 along with 

rail jam #2. Boardercross #1 and #2 are at 

Snow Summit on February 10 with 

halfpipe events #1 and #2 back at Bear on 

Feb. 24. These events do change so visit 

www.usasa.org. 

For more fast times on the slopes, 

don’t miss the five-event Goldsmith’s 

Boardhouse race series events (formerly 

the Alpine series) down Snow Summit’s 

Widowmaker race course. The series 

opener is on Dec. 30 with events #2 and 

#3 on Jan. 19-20 and #4 and #5 on Feb. 9- 

10. Races feature pro-format head-to-head 

dual slalom action (no pro bump). 

Call (909) 866-5766. 

Reggae Parties with DJ 

Rasta George at Geronimo’s 

Come to Da Party, Man! Geronimo’s 

Outpost, the on-mountain retreat at the base 

of Bear Mountain’s highest peak and top 

of Access Express, is, the site for Snow 

Splash reggae parties starring DJ Rasta 

George Saturdays and Sundays beginning 

at noon once the season gets rolling. 

Enjoy full bar and revitalized food 

menu along with nonstop reggae music 

from Bob Marley to Sean Paul with 

George, now in his 14th year at the Outpost, 

along with wife Margie. Find your 

beach in the snow while taking in views of 

top skiers and snowboarders as they descend 

down Bear Peak high above the 

beach party Geronimo’s. 

Access Express chair services Southern 

California’s largest beginner area, so 

it’s Geronimo’s is accessible to everyone. 

Stop by, weather permitting, for a little fun 

in the sun! 

A 

Everyone loves to save money and the 

Big Bear resorts have a few discounts out 

there for the 2018-19 winter season. 

Those who have purchased the new 

Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass have already 

scored big. Unlimited access to Snow Summit 

and Bear Mountain is only the beginning 

with either Ikon. There’s access to 

Mammoth and June along with Alpine 

Meadows/Squaw Valley in Califorina and 

over 30 other resorts around the country 

and world. One pass unlocks Deer Valley, 

Steamboat Springs, Alberta’s Big 3 (Lake 

Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay), 

Copper Mountain and many more. 

Skiers and riders staying home can opt 

for midweek passes valid at both Snow 

Summit and Bear Mountain to anytime 

passes. Park lovers can opt for Bear Mountain-only 

passes too. But hurry...all pass 

prices go up December 22. 

In the meantime there’s other ways to 

keep money in your pocket... 

* Plan ahead! Purchase your tickets 

at least 72 hours in advance either online 

or at (844) GO2-BEAR and save 20% off 

the price at the window. For holidays, book 

14 days out to save. 

* Stay and play and save with lodging 

packages available through BigBear.com. 

Go direct to the lifts, skipping the ticket 

window and saving big bucks in the process. 

*Celebrate your birthday on the slopes 

and the Big Bear resorts will give you a 

free lift ticket for a gift! Must be on your 

actual birthday; present valid ID on your 

day and ski or ride both resorts for free. 

*Snow Summit and Bear Mountain 

honor active duty military members and 

their families with discounts all season 

long. Present an active duty military ID at 

the window and get 25% off lift tickets, 

rentals and lessons. Or purchase in advance 

from MWR/ITT offices; for a list of participating 

bases (909) 866-5766 ext. 126. 

Movies in the Meadow, 

Santa at Snow Summit 

Apres ski or board in Snow Summit’s 

Meadow courtyard with free outdoor movies 

under the stars, so popular they’ve been 

expanded for the 2018-19 season. 

On December 15 get in the holiday 

spirit with “The Muppet Christmas Carol” 

followed a week later by “Polar Express” 

on Dec. 22. The series continues January 

5 with “Ratatouille” and on Jan. 19 “The 

Croods” will be shown on the huge inflatable 

30 foot movie screen. 

Subsequent showings include “School 

of Rock” on February 16, “Tubo” on 

March 2, “Pirates of the Caribbean (Curse 

of the Black Pearl)” on March 16, and 

“Hop” on April 20. 

There’s built-in fire pit plus two portable 

ones, heat lamps and tables with limited 

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chairs and blankets. The Bighorn 

Smokehouse is open for concessions. 

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Mize, Lang, Lit, AAF, top tributes at Cave 

G 

rammy winner Jonny Lang, country 

star Logan Mize, even Lit appearing 

with Alien Ant Farm. It 

will truly be a December to remember at 

The Cave Big Bear. 

What better place to spend the holidays 

than the Cave, Big Bear’s intimate 

concert venue top shelf shows each Friday 

and Saturday. From December’s opening 

music doubleheader to top Sublime 

tribute that ends the month, the Cave is 

rocking the Christmas tree with dance floor 

just feet from the stage and full cocktail 

service that includes craft beers from Big 

Bear Lake Brewing Co. 

FLEETWOOD MAC or HEART? 

Decide for yourself Dec. 1 with a tribute 

doubleheader featuring two top bands in a 

musical competition. Nothing but hits from 

two amazing bands all night long! 

Mirage is well-known for its 

Fleetwood Mac tribute, including shows 

at The Cave. Longtime Stevie Nicks impersonator 

Michelle Tyler leads the way 

but the whole band is tight with great guitar 

work by Bruce Lawrence. Carla Buffa 

as Christine McVie is also spot-on. Hits 

like “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,” 

“The Chain,” Dreams” and “Rihannon” 

make Fleetwood Mac’s case. 

Dog `N Butterfly counters, having 

been given the stamp of approval by 

Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson. The tribute 

band captures the original’s high energy 

concert experience complete with 

retro-inspired costumes on songs like “Barracuda,” 

“Crazy on You,” Magic Man,” 

“These Dreams” and many more. 

Vocalist Lizann Warner’s spot-on portrayal 

of Ann Wilson has landed her several 

tracks on video games and Sandals 

Resorts commercials. All of which has led 

Dog N’ Butterfly to appear on AXS-TV’s 

World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and popular 

DJ “Uncle” Joe Benson to call them 

one of the best tribute bands he’s seen. $20- 

$40. 

LOGAN MIZE makes his first Cave 

visit Dec. 7. His second album Nobody in 

Nashville reached #49 on Billboard charts 

and last year’s Come Back Road featured 

the single “Ain’t Always Pretty” that has 

had over 20 million streams on Spotify. 

Mize has opened for Leann Rimes, 

Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Charlie 

Daniels Band, Hank Williams and many 

more. You might have seen him on the 

“Fabric of Life” cotton commercial with 

Hayden Panettiere and on the CW show 

“Hart of Dixie.” Tickets $15-$25. 

JONNY LANG next night on Dec. 8 

also makes his first stop at The Cave. 

Blues, gospel and 

rock are all part of 

his repetoire and 

five of his albums 

have charted Billboard 

top 50 with 

one, Turn Around, 

winning a 

Grammy Award. 

He’s already had 

an amazing career 

that’s spanned 

two decades, even 

though he’s only 

37. Okay, he’ll be 

38 in January! 

Lang has 

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Saturday 

Night 

toured with 

the Rolling 

Stones, 

Buddy Guy, 

Aerosmith, 

B.B. King, 

Blues Traveler, 

Jeff 

Beck and 

Sting. In 

1999, he was 

invited to 

play for a 

W h i t e 

House audience 

that included 

President 

and Mrs. 

Clinton and 

his current tour “Signs” takes him from 

Tahoe to Honolulu. 

Eric Clapton asked Lang to play a 

fundraiser at the Crossroads Guitar Festival 

in a fundraiser. Of note Lang appears 

regularly as a part of the Experience 

Hendrix Tour along with other well-known 

guitarists to pay tribute to the deceased 

guitar legend Tickets $58-$68. 

LIT along with ALIEN ANT FARM 

make for a great doubleheader on Dec. 15. 

The former headlines, bringing a sound 

that has ranged through the years from 

metal and grunge to punk, pop and even 

country. Lit is best known for the song “My 

Own Worst Enemy” along with “Zip-lock,” 

“Miserable,” “Looks Like They Were 

Right” and recently “Miss You Gone.” 

Grammy-nominated Alien Ant Farm 

has to be the best opener The Cave has seen 

in a long time, headliners in their own right. 

“Smooth Criminal” was a mainstream hit, 

but “These Days,” “Wish” and “Courage” 

are others that have helped AAF sell over 

five million records worldwide, and were 

featured in prominent video games. See 

two top bands with tickets starting at $38! 

IGNITE lights up The Cave on Dec. 

Cave December shows: (clockwise from top) Lit, 

Jonny Lang, Ignite 


21. The band has played in over 40 countries 

but this is it’s first Cave visit, bringing 

hits like “This is a Warm” “Bleeding,” 

“Slowdown” and a great cover of U2’s 

“Sunday Bloody Sunday.” $18-$38. 

KOTTONMOUTH KINGS is another 

Cave first-timer on Dec. 22. For two 

Continued on page 10 

Dec. 24 & 29 

Robert Parlee 

Breakfast • Lunch 

Dinner 

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Dec. 22 & 31 

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Monday thru Friday, except Thursday 

*non-Holiday prices 

Dec. 1, 8, & 15 

For Your Dining Pleasure 

The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal 

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


Branson fav Gulley back at Notti’s 

He was in a band in 10th grade that 

opened for The Who, Buffalo 

Springfield, The Four Seasons, 

Temptations, The Asssociation, Sonny and 

Cher, others. But there was a downside. 

All the shows had to be in Orange or 

Los Angeles Counties since Bob Gulley 

and the rest of The Youngmen were too 

young to tour. “We were still in school,” 

the musician and onetime Big Bear resident 

said. 

The band was good, if young. Signed 

to DJ Sam Riddle the Youngmen were 

regulars on his television show “Boss City” 

and recorded the theme song for the show. 

And in June, 50-plus years later, the members 

of one of The OC’s top bands reunited 

for a June concert on Balboa Island. 

Gulley brings his old-time rock, country 

and big band music to Nottinghams 

Tavern on December 28-30 at 7 p.m., and 

there’s little the 67-year hasn’t done in his 

lengthy career. Opening for legendary 

bands as a kid would be the pinnacle for 

many musicians but Gulley followed up 

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by playing with Bill Medley of Righteous 

Brothers fame and toured with Alabama. 

More recently he played bass in a 

backing band for the Texas Tenors for PBS 

specials and toured with them. “I just received 

a certificate noting that the show 

won an Emmy,” Gulley said. 

Gulley’s real breaks have come courtesy 

longtime neighbor Medley. Both went 

to Santa Ana High and grew up a couple 

blocks from each other, though separated 

by a decade in age. He produced “Rock 

Around the Clock” at Medley’s famed club 

The Hop in Orange County for eight years, 

and with Bill’s blessing took a version of 

it to Branson, Mo. where his production 

was nominated for best new show and he 

won the best male newcomer award. 

Gulley and Medley appeared together 

on a compilation album called “Classic 

Country Duets” and Medley produced 

Gulley’s CD “Yippi-Yi-O” on Netrock 

Records (he also has another CD out on 

the label, “Everybody’s Love Song”). 

Gulley in turn has returned the favor, serving 

as musical director for concerts in Las 

Vegas starring McKenna Medley, Bill’s 

daughter. She joined her dad in concert at 

The Cave two years ago, a show arranged 

by Gulley. 

At Nottinghams Gulley plays guitar. 

And bass. Drums and keyboards too. He’s 

prerecorded all the background music for 

each of his songs on the digital 24-track in 

his in-home studio, and plays more live on 

stage while he sings, so the Bob Gulley 

show is truly the Bob Gulley show—no 

karaoke tracks here. 

“I have a little drum set and keyboards,” 

Gulley said. “I’m a frustrated 

drummer and I overdub to make myself 

sound good that way.” 

The result is a big-time sound indeed. 

There aren’t many one-man shows that get 

listeners up to dance, but Gulley does. His 

mix ranges from “Under the Boardwalk” 

to danceable rock to slow stuff like Elton 

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John’s 

“Candle in 

the Wind.” 

Up to 

half of his 

material is 

original; 

writing music 

is what 

mostly interests 

him 

these days, 

especially 

instrumentals. 

He opened a 

12-day run 

at the 

Fresno State 

Fair with 

eight songs 

each morning 

“with 

just the guitar,” 

Gulley said. “It was the first set and I 

really enjoyed it and got a good response. 

I’ll (play those songs at Nottinghams) if I 

think it’s right. You never want to force 

music on people.” 

Gulley also plays a little Chuck Berry, 

a star he knows something about. He and 

Medley were about to toss Berry out of The 

Hop in Lakewood years ago—while the 

rock and roll pioneer was in mid-concert! 

“Chuck was getting pretty rowdy and 

rude,” he said. “Bill said let’s go throw him 

out. But he’d finished and left by the time 

we got there.” 

Ironically Nottinghams is a room 

Musician Bob Gulley opened for 

The Who and others in high school; 

he’ll be at Nottinghams three nights 

Dec. 28-30 

Gulley played when he lived in Big Bear— 

kind of. It shares one wall anyway with 

the old Rusty Anchor where he used to 

croon in the early 1990’s. “My kids went 

to school in Big Bear for a few years,” he 

recalled. “I still have a good following.” 

He was a fixture at the Tropicana 

Laughlin for two-and-a-half years. “The 

band was really good but it got time to get 

out of the casino,” Gulley said. “I’m not 

playing as much as in the past. I’m not taking 

gigs that I don’t want to do.” He’ll be 

back in August for the Fun Run too. 

Nottinghams is at 40797 Big Bear 

Blvd. Call (909) 866-4644.


Something’s Askew with this `Carol’ 

A traditional holiday favorite gets notso-traditional 

treatment when A Christmas 

Carol...Askew returns for three shows only 

at the Performing Arts Center on December 

21-23. 

Cave concerts... 

Continued from page 8 

decades the band’s unique sound, described 

as psychedelic hip-hop punk rock, 

has led to some 15 albums, most of which 

have charted nicely, including the recent 

release The Harvest. “Suburban Life” 

wound up in the film “Scream 2” leading 

to mainstream success. “Tangerine Sky,” 

“Reefer Madness” and “Audio War” are 

other favorites. Tickets $20-$40. 

SUBLIME TRIBUTE by Cave favorites 

40 OZ. TO FREEDOM is on Dec. 

29. Winners of the 2010 San Diego Best 

Tribute Band award, the group has traveled 

throughout the country and Canada 

since forming in 2007, with a lineup that 

includes drummer Carlos Perez, who also 

beats for Las Vegas hip hot artist Big B. 

Playing top venues with thumping 

bass lines, rad beats, and shredding guitar 

riffs topped off with soul quenching vocals, 

the band duplicates the original Sublime 

sound on songs like “Get Out,” 

“Badfish,” “Right Back” and “40 Oz. to 

Freedom.” Tickets start at only $13. 

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. 

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909) 

878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com. 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

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Charles Dickens may roll over in his 

grave when Big Bear Theatre Project finishes 

with his holiday classic during 7:30 

p.m. shows with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee A 

Christmas Carol... Askew is a seasonal 

spoof of the familiar Dickens’ story presented 

by Steve Cassling, Brian Adams and 

Ty Warren. The show is part mayhem, part 

Monty Python as it loosely tells the story 

of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Cassling, 

and his visits by the ghosts of Christmas 

Past, Present and Future. 

While the storyline is familiar with traditional 

Dickens characters, antics change 

from show to show so no two productions 

are the same. This is the sixth time the trio 

has presented A Christmas Carol...Askew 

to great acclaim, and pretty much anything 

goes in these productions, from ghosts who 

are reminiscent of Elvis to Star Wars tieins. 

The show again features a live band. 

Previous panto presentations of Robin 

Hood and other shows have featured takeoffs 

on The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island 

have been very popular.. Cassling is 

armed with panto plays from his days at 

the Pasadena Playhouse and the shows are 

marked by good jokes, bad jokes, political 

humor, songs, guys in dresses and plenty 

of audience involvement. 

There’s always new surprises and the 

2018 version holds true to form. The role 

of Tiny Tim will be auctioned off prior to 

each show; bid on it for yourself or someone 

else. After the show Scrooge and the 


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Summer! 

Fall! 

Winter! 

Youngsters can tell Santa what they 

want for Christmas when jolly St. Nick 

makes the rounds during several appearances 

in Big Bear before his big night out. 

Every Saturday and Sunday through 

December 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus are in 

their little house at the corner of the Village 

“L”, complete with mood-setting fireplace, 

for photos and Christmas wishes 

from the little ones from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

The bright lights of the season make 

for festive outings and the 60-plus unique 

stores in the newly-remodeled Village, 

decked out for the holidays with decorations 

and caroling groups, create a unique 

shopping experience so different from 

malls, outlets and the internet. Be sure to 

see the towering decorated tree on the corner 

of Pine Knot and Village Drives next 

to Santa’s House and don’t miss the chance 

to warm by gas fire pits in front of 

Amangela’s and Copper Q. 


“A Christmas Carol...Askew” with (L-R) Steve Cassling, Ty Warren, Brian Adams 

Cratchits will pose for holiday photos. 

While A Christmas Carol...Askew is 

crazy, the performers are all multi-talented 

with professional credits and other productions. 

Tickets are $15, $10 students/seniors. 

Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970. 

See Santa at slopes, tubing hills, Village 

Old-fashioned lamp posts with snow 

piled against them and the sound system 

playing Christmas carols create a family 

atmosphere. The brilliant holiday lights 

strung everywhere are so impressive when 

there’s snow. Don’t miss seven carved 

bears and other woodland critters in a variety 

of poses scattered throughout the Village 

perfect for photo ops, with some large 

enough to sit on. 

The American Legion’s annual Santa 

visit is Dec. 8 at the Convention Center. 

Children ages 2-12 are invited for free hot 

dogs and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus 

and each child goes home with a special 

gift. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with Santa 

arriving at 11. Convention Center is on the 

corner of Division and Big Bear Blvd. 

(909) 585-3000. 

Also see Santa at Big Bear Snow Play 

on Dec. 22 and at Alpine Slide one day 

later on Dec. 23. 




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18


Ring in 2019 with family party, torchlight 

Where will you be when the ball 

drops in Times Square to ring 

in 2019? Sing Auld Lang Syne 

during several happenings, from familyfriendly 

at Wyatt’s with the Doo Wah Riders 

to fun at Nottingham’s in the Village. 

Tradition continues with Snow 

Summit’s long-running Torchlight Parade 

celebrating the New Year on December 

31 at 7 p.m. Some 250 torch (they’re 

actually flares but who cares)-bearing skiers 

and snowboarders slowly descend 

down Log Chute in a serpentining sea of 

light best be seen from the lake’s north 

shore—try East Boat Launch and Woodland 

Trail lots. 

Snow Summit parties after the parade 

with winter carnival-theme New Year’s 

Eve party in the base area with fire dancers, 

stilt walkers, ice carvers, kid’s activities 

like face painting, bounce house and 

cosmic tubing. Plus musical performance 

by still-to-be-determined artist. Call (909) 

866-5766 or snowsummit.com for tickets. 

Families will want to check out 

Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon at the Convention 

Center for a New Year’s bash that welcomes 

kids as well as adults. Big Bear’s 

only family celebration features indoor 

bounce house, arts and crafts projects for 

ages 3-12, and arcade games plus headliner 

entertainment with the nationally renowned 

Doo Wah Riders. 

For over 35 years the Doo Wah Riders 

have played “high energy country with 

a Cajun twist” around the country, appear- 

ing in concert with Garth Brooks, George 

Strait, Alabama, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, 

Brooks and Dunn, Willie Nelson among 

others. The list also includes Waylon 

Jennings, Dolly Parton, Lone Star, Randy 

Travis and the Oak Ridge Boys and ranges 

from John Denver to Joan Jett. 

The Doo Wah Riders recorded with 

Bryon Berline on his Grammy-nominated 

CD “Fiddle and a Song” and the band appeared 

in the movie “Basic Instinct,” playing 

their original song “Glowing in the 

Ashes.” The band has been featured entertainment 

at The Grammys, Academy of 

Country Awards and plays regularly at 

Disneyland. A medley of classic western 

songs is a Doo Wah Riders staple and seeing 

a band of this caliber just feet away is 

a real treat. 

The special New Year’s menu features 

a variety of affordable entrees, appetizers, 

desserts and special children’s meals. DJ 

Robert plays a variety of country and Top 

40 tunes and there’s free country dance lessons. 

Midnight features complimentary 

champagne toast and there’s plenty of party 

favors to ring in 2019. Children’s activities 

continue till 11 p.m. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. with dancing 

starting at 7 and Doo Wah Riders taking 

the stage at 8. Wyatt’s is offering complimentary 

door-to-door take home service 

beginning at 9 p.m. 

Wyatt’s, known as one of Big Bear’s 

best dining values with hearty portions at 

wallet-friendly prices, is at the Convention 

Wyatt’s hosts a family-friendly New Year’s starring the renowned Doo Wah Riders 

Center (42900 Big Bear Blvd. at Division). 

Call (909) 585-3000. 

Nottingham’s features a special New 

Year’s dinner menu downstairs from 5-10 

p.m. before the party upstairs. Doors open 

at 7 p.m. with live music at 9 p.m. featuring 

popular Izon Eden’s classic covers. 

There’s cozy fireplaces, big screen 

TVs for football, shuffleboard and darts. 

The evening includes appetizers, desserts, 

champagne toast at midnight and party favors. 

Book in advance; Nottingham’s always 

sells out. Call (909) 866-4644. 

Barnstorm Restaurant has popular 

Robert Parlee playing for guests dining 

pleasure. Parlee recorded albums in the 

1980’s and 90’s with the band Isle of Man 

and Lonesome Rodeo, even appearing in 

an MTV video. Call (909) 585-9339. 

Snow Summit’s torchlight parade 

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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


Zoo animals enjoy real winter 

While at San Diego Zoo Bob Cisneros 

used to pay five thousand bucks a pop to 

create winter-like conditions for alpine 

animals like polar bears accustomed to 

cooler temperatures. Crews would feed 

300 lb. blocks of ice into chippers, much 

like “snow” is made for Bear Mountain’s 

Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails each 

September. 

Now snow falls for free—at least 

theoretically—for the curator of Big Bear 

Alpine Zoo and for sure it gets cold. For 

visitors it allows the unique chance to see 

alpine species in something that represents 

their native habitats, instead of the swaying 

palm trees and balmy temperatures found 

at city zoos. 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of only 

two high altitude parks in the country with 

an alpine climate that’s suitable for Arctic 

fox, Himalayan snow leopards and other 

`Winter Celebration’ 

Join the Visual and Performing Arts 

Department at Big Bear High School for a 

“Winter Celebration” December 8-9. 

Held at the Performing Arts Center at 

7 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, the 

program includes holiday carols performed 

by the high school concert choir and other 

featured performers. There’s also an art 

show and sale with items created by students 

of the visual arts department. 

Wintery dessert selections created by 

Rose Sage Kitchen Creations are included 

in the $5 admission. Children under 5 free. 

Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970. 

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 

alpine species. The zoo doesn’t have any 

polar bears but it does have brown bruins 

and even grizzlies—one of only two in 

California where the state’s symbol can 

actually be seen—and both appreciate Big 

Bear’s colder temperatures and snow. 

Bears in Big Bear don’t hibernate in 

winter, at least not in the true sense of the 

term. “True hibernation is that animals shut 

down, lower their body requirements, and 

come out after an extended period of time,” 

curator Cisneros said. “Our grizzlies stay 

in their den two weeks at a time, come out 

to eat and go back. Black bears slow down. 

Since we can have heavy winters and cold 

temperatures, that dictates behavior. You 

don’t see that at San Diego Zoo. I took care 

of Alaskan brown bears that are 

predisposed to hibernate and they didn’t.” 

All the zoo’s alpine residents enjoyed 

winter two years ago, especially when five 

feet of snow fell in just a few days.The 

marmot for instance, essentially a 

groundhog, sealed up the log it calls home, 

creating a virtual time capsule. The Arctic 

fox meanwhile was busy burrowing into 

the snow. “Basically creating an igloo,” 

Cisneros said. “All the animals were doing 

what they do during winter in the wild. 

“We provide all animals choice and 

control,” he added. “In this case a way out 

of the weather or the chance to be part of 

it. Arctic foxes burrow in the wild. Here 

you see it in its natural environment, or at 

least close to it. That’s what makes our zoo 

unique.” 

Endangered Himalayan snow 

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Zoo animals like the wolves 

(above) and foxes (right) enjoy 

snow; maybe they’ll get some! 

leopards Asha and Shanti also 

love winter. The pair came to 

Big Bear from Woodland Park 

Zoo in Seattle a few years ago 

and relish the zoo’s 7,000 ft. 

elevation. “Snow leopards live 

between 4,000 and 19,000 foot 

elevation,” Cisneros said. “They 

can be harder to see because 

they blend into the snow, natural 

camouflage.” 

“Bobcats go nuts when it 

snows,” Cisneros said. “There is 

a noticeable change in their 

behavior. They’re playful, 

senses become heightened and 

they are easily stimulated..” 

The zoo’s distinct wolf 

packs with several magnificent animals are 

a noble sight in winter. Bald eagles look 

striking against a snowy backdrop. Big 

Bear Alpine Zoo offers a unique 

perspective in winter as guests see how 

each species copes with the elements. 

Village Faire gifts... 

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BigBearTodayMag.com 


The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 

p.m. Admission is $12, $6 ages 3-10/60 

and over, under three free. 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is at 43285 

Goldmine Dr. across from Bear Mountain. 

Call (909) 584-1299. 

Continued from page 5 

bearing butterfly and flower designs 

among others are just waiting to sound off 

in gentle breezes on your porch. 

The large rustic wood American flags 

on the walls lining the stairway are popular 

designs for $39.98 with smaller ones 

still a couple feet long for $19.98. Chalkboard 

art is the latest rage with folksy sayings 

and hand drawn and unique Big Bear 

T-shirts cost just $11.95. Pet lovers delight 

in the Dog Room where there’s bowls, 

treats and gifts for their best friend. Discover 

infant wear like Big Bear onesies and 

tanks tops for just $9.95 in the Baby Room. 

Village Faire has a little something of 

everything: Ladies Room with blouses, 

packs and purses, classic metal signs with 

everything from cars and cowboys to superheroes 

and Route 66. Take home agate 

arrowheads for less than a buck and sample 

Bear Poop (nut surrounded by caramel and 

chocolate). “Snow” feels like the real stuff 

except it’s not cold and doesn’t melt, the 

perfect souvenir for $5.50. 

There’s walls of winter stuff, from tons 

of gloves to hats, mittens and scarves in 

all colors, priced from three bucks to $12. 

Village Faire is also the place to find awardwinning 

Jeff’s Famous Jerky, seen on 

Forbes.com and Men’s Health magazine. 

Made from real steak it’s tender and moist, 

not the dry leather sometimes passed as 

jerky, in intense flavors like jalapeno and 

cranberry jalapeno. Bacon and chicken 

jerky in assorted flavors too! 

Village Faire is at 40794 Village Dr. 

above Leather Depot. (909) 866-8220.


HOMESTYLE 

QUALITY... 

Steaks 

East 

Seafood 

Valley's 

Pasta 

Only 

Chicken 

Bakery! 

Voted Big Bear's 

Best Breakfast! 

DAILY Breakfast Special! 

Every Saturday Night 

All Phone Numbers are area code 

(909) unless otherwise noted 

December 

1 

Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart with 

tribute bands Mirage, Dog N 

Butterfly 7:30 p.m. at The Cave. 

Tickets $20-$40. 878-0204. 

2 

Winter Voice Recital by Diane 

Sloan Kubeja Studio 2 p.m. at 

the PAC. $15, $13 senior, $11 

student. 866-4970. 

7 

Lighthouse Youth Orchestra 

Winter Concert 7:30 p.m. at the 

PAC; treats and pre-show with 

holiday carols at 6:15. $10, 

student $5. 866-4970. 

7 

Logan Mize in concert 7:30 p.m. 

at The Cave. Tickets $15-$25. 

878-0204. 

8 

American Legion’s Santa Visit 

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention 

Center for ages 2-12, 

free admission and hot dogs, 

gifts for all kids. 585-3000. 

8 

Jonny Lang in concert 7:30 p.m. 

at The Cave. Tickets $58-$68. 

878-0204. 

8-9 

`Winter Celebration’ at the PAC 

7 p.m., 2 p.m. Sunday matinee; 

holiday carols with high school 

concert choir, art show, desserts. 

$5. 866-4970. 

14-16 

`The Nutcracker ’ by Moonridge 

School of Dance at the PAC 7 

p.m., 2:30 Sunday matinee. 

$22, senior/child/military $20, 

under 7 free. 866-4970. 

15 

Bald Eagle Count, the first of the 

season held by the Forest Service, 

8-10 a.m. Meet at Discovery 

Center. Bald Eagle Celebra- 

All-You-Can-Eat 

Beef Ribs $20.95! 

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS 

WED—PRIME RIB $17.95 

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $17.95 

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $14.25 

OR SURF & TURF $18.95 

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS 

$20.95...POT PIES $14.25 IF AVAILABLE 

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $18.95 

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! 

To To Los Angeles 

and Orange County 

Captain John’s 

S 

CAPT. Marina 

JOHN’S GROUT BAY 

MARINA 

West Boat Ramp 

WINDY POINT 

W E 

North Shore 

Landing 

Castle Rock 

Trail 

Holcomb 

Valley 

BOULDER 

BAY 

1989 25 YEARS 2014 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

GILNER POINT 

METCALF 

Holloway 

BAY Marina 

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 

tion follows at 11 a.m., free. 

866-3437. 

15 

World Music Event at the library 

(41930 Garstin Dr.) 1-3 p.m. 

with MountainTop Strings concert, 

crafts, stories. Free. 866- 

5571. 

15 

Movies in the Meadow at Snow 

Summit base area courtyard 5 

p.m., “The Muppett Christmas 

Carol.” Free. 866-5766. 

15 

Lit with Alien Ant Farm 7:30 

p.m. at The Cave. Tickets $38- 

$58-$78. 878-0204. 

16 

USASA Rail Jam is at Bear Mountain, 

first event of the season. 

866-5766. 

21 

Ignite in concert 7:30 p.m. at 

The Cave. Tickets $18-$38. 

878-0204. 

21-23 

`A Christmas Carol...Askew’ 

presented in panto form by Big 

Bear Theatre Project at the PAC 

7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. 

$15, seniors/students $10. 

866-4970. 

22 

Movies in the Meadow at Snow 

Summit base area courtyard 5 

p.m., “Polar Express” Free. 866- 

5766. 

22 

Kottonmouth Kings in concert 

7:30 p.m. at The Cave. Tickets 

$29-$40. 878-0204. 

24 

Christmas Eve Service 3 and 5 

p.m. at First Baptist Church 

(41960 Big Bear Blvd., 866- 

3951); St. Joseph’s Catholic 

5:30 and midnight (42242 North 

Shore, 866-3030); United Methodist 

7 p.m. (1001 Holden, 585- 

Walk 

Board 

December 2018—Page 13 

Big Bear City 

Moonridge 

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet! 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

CC 

Club View Drive 

Big Bear Mountain 

4089); Community Church 6 

p.m. (40946 Big Bear Blvd., 866- 

7523); St. Columba’s Episcopal 

7 p.m. (42324 North Shore Dr., 

866-7239; Shepherd in the Pines 

Lutheran midnight (42450 North 

Shore Dr., 866-8718); Calvary 

Chapel 4 and 6 p.m. (713 

Stocker, 866-9328; Presbyterian 

Church (579 Knickerbocker, 

866-5683). 

25 

Christmas Day Mass at 8 a.m. in 

English, 11 a.m. bilingual at Saint 

Joseph’s Catholic Church 

(42242 North Shore Dr., 866- 

3030) Services at United Methodist 

Church 10 a.m. (1001 

Holden, 585-4089). 

29 

40 Oz. to Freedom tribute to 

Sublime at The Cave at 7:30 

p.m. $13-$28. 878-0204. 

30 

Goldsmiths Boardhouse Series 

Race #1 at Snow Summit. 866- 

5766. 

31 

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade 

at Snow Summit at 7 p.m., 

followed by party in the base 

lodge. 866-5766. 

31 

Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Eve 

Party 5 p.m. at the Convention 

Center with live music by Doo 

Wah Riders, family activities. 

585-3000. 

January 

5 

The English Beat in concert at 

The Cave at 7:30 p.m. $25- 

$35. 878-0204. 

12 

Winter Trails Day at Discovery 

Center 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free 

snowshoe tours, activities. 866- 

3437. 

To Victorville, Barstow 

& Las Vegas 

Museum 

Big Bear 

Alpine Zoo 

To Angelus Oaks 

and Redlands 

E 

V 

E 

N 

T 

C 

A 

L 

E 

N 

D 

A 

R


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 a snowplay area with Magic Carpet 

uphill ride, plus miniature golf, Go-Karts, 

family-priced snack bar, video games. Open 

daily. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the 

Village. 866-4626. 

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 

Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000. 

Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop 

has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071 

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728. 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

Live weather! 


PDF Reader! 

THE ALMANAC 

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. 

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. 

Discovery Center 

The Discovery Center on the north shore, 

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. 

Gold Rush Mining Adv. 

The adventures are real and so are the 


Monthly! 


Summer! 

Fall! 

Winter! 


Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More 

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD www.ie511.org 

Celebrate the season with local favorite Art Harriman at Barnstorm Restaurant 

Dec. 24 and 29; see After Dark on page 15 for complete schedule 

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils 

millions of years old in the working sluice 

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal 

prescious stones within, find real pearls in 

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and 

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur 

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge, 

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big 

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678. 

Helicopter Tours 

See Big Bear from above during aerial 

Nikki Sparks, at The Lodge Fridays 

and Saturdays 5-8 p.m. (909) 866-3121 

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. Tours start at $35 

per person based on two passengers. (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 

Continued on page 15 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Baldwin Lake Stables 

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour 

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




Follow Us 

On Facebook! 







& Snowplayers 



All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com 

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


beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 horses for all riding abilities. For little Snowshoeing 

specials and Saturday night entertainment. 

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy— German food a specialty plus steaks, 

the lake side of the road. 

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing 

winter sports. A great way to the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at 

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at 

(each way) hike. As it winds above the Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of 

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd., 

THELMA’S RESTAURANT- 

Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by 

of water and the surrounding mountains. Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482. 

Homestyle cooking at awesome prices 

winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc. 

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two 

make this a family dining favorite. Daily 

Miniature Golf/Go Karts from the shop below or Discovery Center. 

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile 

breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Allyou-can-eat 

beef ribs $19.95 on Saturday 

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide Soaring Eagle 

from the Discovery Center where you can 

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped 

park without an Adventure Pass. 

Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring nights, and homemade pot pies are big 

18-hole miniature golf course complete Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one 

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, 

favorites. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, 

with water hazards and breaking greens. of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to 

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track 

dinner. 337 W. Big Bear Blvd. 585-7005. 

26 mph during the dramatic downhill 

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar with high-banked turns, which nine Can descent—only after riding backwards to Big Bear Lake 

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the Am racers—including four two-seaters— the top! Up to two can ride at one time. 

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and 

BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.— 

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile 

markers along the route noting local an array of safety features zip around. 

Craft micros brewed on premises and 

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

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc. 

Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626. 

gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this 

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic 

Zoo 

new brewery in the Village. Full bars 

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine 

Snow Playing 

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes, upstairs and down with lakeviews and all 

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other sports all the time on big screens. 40827 

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283. 

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic of which are native to the San Bernardino CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic 

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular Carpet to take riders to the top, too. $35 Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10- and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as 

180-degree vistas. 

buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the 5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned 

winter wonderland, which includes tube presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m. by Andy Devine, is a Big Bear favorite 

Holcomb Valley rental and Magic Carpet use. Night tubing “feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan 

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving (5-9 p.m.) each Friday and Saturday plus Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain, King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks. 

gold country. The last remaining signs of holiday periods for $35. The area also has and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages Homemade soup and salad bar, romantic 

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are the Southland’s only Alpine Slide and a over 60 and children 3-10, under two free. seating, and cocktails in the Andy Devine 

featured in a driving tour through what is great outdoor deck, plus the Putt ‘N Around (909) 584-1299. 

Room. Dnner daily from 4:30 p.m. 

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6 go-karts and miniature golf course. 1/4 

Moonridge Rd., just off Big Bear Blvd. 

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops mile west of the Village on Big Bear Blvd. Dining 

(909) 866-3997. 

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s 866-4626. 

DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine 

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and Big Bear Snow Play has Southen 

with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian 

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear California’s longest tubing runs. Two Guide 

BBQ too and great cocktails. 40989 Big 

Discovery Center—call 866-3437. Allow Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have 

Bear Blvd. 866-7887. 

three hours for the drive. 

to walk back to the top and snowmaking Big Bear City 

OLD COUNTRY INN-Family-style home 

lets the area build features to enhance the 

Horseback Riding 

cooking at this favorite with breakfast, 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT— 

experience. Heated base lodge and paved 

lunch and dinner daily. Steaks, German 

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round 

Comfortable dining at the airport. Open 

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the boulevard 

and Italian specialties and much more. 

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour, 

daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner 

mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions daily 

41126 Big Bear Blvd.. Call 866-5600. 

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides 

Thursday through Sunday with nightly 

10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35 all day pass includes 

with longer rides heading along the famous tube rental. Glow Tubing sessions Fridays, 

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A Saturdays, holiday periods 5-9 p.m., $35 

variety of spectacular mountain trails with includes tube rental. (909) 585-0075. 

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 Duke 

Michaels and Peggy Baldwin Dec. 1, 8 and 15, Art Harriman Dec. 24 and 29; 

Robert Parlee Dec. 22 and 31. 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— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy 

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER. 

NOTTINGHAMS—Bob Gulley plays upstairs Dec. 28, 29, 30 7-10 p.m. 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. 

THELODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays and Saturdays see singer Nikki Sparks 

in Stillwells lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. 30650 Village Dr. 

(909) 866-3121. 

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 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with 

DJ Evan, Fridays with live bands. Dec. 7: Street Music Band. Dec. 31 Family 

friendly New Year’s Eve featuring the Doo Wah Riders. Great grub and drinks, 

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


THE BACK PAGE 

Tallies, treks, talks at Center 

B 

ald eagles, nature walks and snowshoe 

tours are all on tap during outdoor 

explorations courtesy of Big 

Bear Discovery Center in December. 

Sometimes the outdoors even comes in, 

like when spotting scopes are trained on 

bald eagle nests across the lake. 

Every Saturday at 1 and 2 p.m. and 

Sundays at 11 a.m. and noon, there’s free 

Nature Walks led by naturalists around 

Discovery Center’s forested grounds. Each 

30-minute adventure teaches local flora 

and fauna along with interesting historical 

Big Bear’s bald eagles 

facts and is fun for the whole family. 

Guided Snowshoe Eco-Tours return 

Dec. 15 if there’s snow as naturalists lead 

outings into the fluffy stuff. Explore Big 

Bear backcountry in search of signs of winter 

wildlife while enjoying winter recreation 

at the same time. It’s amazing how 

quiet the woods are when they’re blanketed 

by snow, which acts like a sound 

absorber...hear each step break through a 

thin layer of crust amidst the peace and 

tranquility. 

Learn how to snowshoe properly; if 

you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoe 

tours are from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 

p.m. each Saturday and Sundays from 9 

a.m.-noon. weekends till March 3, snow 

conditions permitting. Cost is $30, $25 

ages 8-16, which includes snowshoe rental, 

poles, snacks and water. 

Bald Eagles winter in Big Bear each 

year and Discovery Center is a great place 

to learn about America’s national symbol. 

Learn how the Forest Service is monitoring 

the local population. The popular bald 

eagle tours of years past are gone from the 

winter schedule, so to see birds in the wild 

volunteer for monthly bald eagle counts, 

including the season’s first Dec. 15 outing, 

when participants are directed to favored 

eagle hangouts. 

Otherwise visitors who want to spot 

eagles in the wild are on their own, but 

don’t worry: seeing Big Bear’s bald eagles 


Discovery Center snowshoe tours are weekends beginning Dec. 15 

is relatively easy. Look for high dead-top 

trees with a clear vantage point of the lake. 

The birds typically return to the very same 

perch trees each year. 

Standing two to three feet tall, juvenile 

birds are distinguished by brownspeckled 

heads and tail. They don’t develop 

their signature snowy white crowns 

and tail till they become adults, about age 

four or five. While Big Bear’s winters seem 

harsh to some, for eagles they are relatively 

mild compared to that in their summer 

habitats of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, 

even Canada and Alaska. As northern waters 

freeze over ice entombs fish and ducks 

fly south, so the two favorite foods for bald 

eagles become unavailable. 

Wintering here makes perfect sense: 

Big Bear is right along the Pacific Migratory 

Flyaway, a virtual bird freeway, which 

brings lots of ducks and coots. Plus the lake 

rarely freezes over so fish are available. 

As an incentive, intelligence-challenged 

coots freeze right into the water overnight, 

making for easy eagle pickin’s locals term 

“cootsicles.” Subsequent counts are slated 

for January 12, February 9 and March 9. 

By April most eagles return to northern 

homes though Big Bear does have its own 

nesting pair. 

Or just let an eagle come to you. Bald 

Eagle Celebrations follow each count at 

11 a.m. at the Discovery Center and feature 

a bird from Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Seeing 

an eagle from just feet away helps visitors 

really appreciate the piercing eyes and 

razor-sharp talons! Forest Service biologist 

Robin Elliason presents fascinating 

facts on Big Bear’s favorite winter visitor 

and admission is free. 

Call Big Bear Discovery Center at 

(909) 866-3437. 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • 

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! 

Snow Play Area! 

Covered Magic Carpet Uphill Lift 

Your Alpine Slide experience begins with a scenic chairlift ride above beautiful 

Big Bear Lake. You control the speed as your toboggan plummets back down 

the mountain creating a thrill you’ll want to relive again and again! 

• Go-Karts & Miniature Golf 

• Video Games & Snack Bar 

Soaring Eagle Attraction 

NEW!! 

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

Big Bear Today December 2018

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