Oakhurst Named Carved Bear Capital of the World

Oakhurst, in Madera County near Bass Lake, has been officially designated the Carved Bear Capital of the World, honoring a tradition dating back to the late 19th century. - The designation was made official by a Madera County Board of Supervisors proclamation and efforts by Visit Yosemite | Madera County.

- The tradition began with the region's lumber industry, using abundant wood and chainsaws to create iconic wooden bears along Highway 41. - The 17th Annual Oakhurst Woodcarvers Rendezvous was held April 19–25, and the annual ARTober event in October includes a Carved Bear Scavenger Hunt.

- A grant program helps local tourism partners purchase carved bears to promote the town's new title. Oakhurst invites visitors to explore this unique Sierra art tradition, part of a broader array of attractions including Bass Lake and Yosemite.