Sonora Christmas Festival makes Mother Lode merry

There was merriment and music at the annual Sonora Christmas Festival on Friday – with plenty more of the same planned for Saturday and Sunday in the Mother Lode.

The 41st holiday celebration in Sonora features more than 150 artists and vendors, entertainment, festival kitchens and bake shops, all set up at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds.

Among the musical performers planned are foothills favorites such as Joe Craven, Golden Bough and Sourdough Slim & the Saddle Pals. A host of other musicians, comic troupes and jugglers also are performing, with elves and carolers roaming the grounds.

The holly jolly fun continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Mother Lode Fairgrounds are at 220 Southgate Drive in Sonora. Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for ages 13-18; $2 ages 6-12; and free for children under age 6. For more information, go to www.fireonthemountain.com.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 7:26 PM with the headline "Sonora Christmas Festival makes Mother Lode merry."