We are preparing for our 10th Annual Hero Appreciation Months, a unique local program in which we honor our military along with our firefighters and all of our first responders, every January through March. You will see many 2016 events related to Heroes Months in the list below. They are free and open to the public — but that is not all we are doing! Below you will also find a sample of other 2016 concerts, festivals and events which we have already prepared for our community, and for all of our visitors.
Ranger-Led Programs
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
For continually updated information on the popular Ranger-led Park Programs, call 559-565-3341 or visitwww.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit
January through March, 2016
10th Annual Hero
Appreciation Months
Three Rivers
Our 10th Annual Hero Appreciation Months program begins in January, sponsored by the Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce in Three Rivers. By way of this 3-month program, which runs annually from January 1 through March 31, our participating businesses honor our military and our first responders with discounts, individual celebrations and special family-friendly events.
January 1, 2016
Polar Dip at the Gateway
Three Rivers
To start the New Year out right, we jump in the river at the Gateway Restaurant & Lodge! For more details about this year’s jump, contact the Gateway or go to https://threerivers.com/
January 16, 2016
Snowman Contest
Sequoia National Park
A part of Hero Appreciation Months, this Free Family-Friendly annual event is held at Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park, weather permitting, from 11 am to 4 pm. Free hot spiced cider is provided for the participants, and a free loan of snowshoes to reach the meadow where we build the snowmen. The Park’s entrance fee is required.
January 29, 2016
Firefighters/EMS Celebration
Three Rivers
With the Firefighters Celebration, we have the opportunity to honor local heroes. Those being honored tell us stories, and each goes home with a unique piece of art from a local artist. To that we add beer, wine, soup, homemade bread, desserts and we have quite a party! Free. Open to the public. Part of the Sequoia Foothills Chamber’s 10th Annual Hero Appreciation Months program.
February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2016
Learn to Square Dance Parties
Three Rivers
Every Thursday night in February, as part of Hero Appreciation Months, our professional caller provides FREE Learn to Square Dance Parties, so anyone can learn to dance, with a variety of music and lots of laughter! Light refreshments are provided, and there is a pie social to celebrate what we’ve learned on February 25. All dances are 7-9 pm at the Three Rivers Arts Center.
February 26, 2016
Law Enforcement/Peace Officers Celebration
Three Rivers
With the Law Enforcement Celebration, we once again have the opportunity to honor local heroes. The honorees tell us stories, and each goes home with a unique piece of art from a local artist. To that we add beer, wine, soup, homemade bread, desserts and we have a party! Free. Open to the public. Part of the Sequoia Foothills Chamber’s 10th Annual Hero Appreciation Months program.
March 25, 2016
Armed Forces Celebration
Three Rivers
With the Armed Forces Celebration, we honor local heroes who have served in the military. They tell us stories, and once again each goes home with a unique piece of art from a local artist. To that we add beer, wine, soup, homemade bread, desserts and have our party! Free. Open to the public. Part of the Sequoia Foothills Chamber’s 10th Annual Hero Appreciation Months program.
March 26, 2016
Bathtub Race for Charity
Lake Kaweah
A part of Hero Appreciation Months, this Free Family-Friendly annual event is always held on the last Saturday in March at Lake Kaweah’s “Kaweah Recreation Area”. Teams build boats with only the materials provided, and race across the Lake for their favorite charity. The entire event, including the boat-building, runs from 11 am to 4 pm. Parking is waived for both participants and attendees, for the duration.