Summer Days 2024

Summer Days 2024

Catch the last days of summer fun around the eastern Sierra

By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen

Summertime is always the best of what might be—Charles Bowden

Eastern Sierra, CA—The final days / weeks of summer are upon us, and there are still some great opportunities to get out and about before school starts, about the middle of next month. Whether you like to watch movies, read a great book, do arts and crafts, hike, camp, fish, do gymnastics, climb, ride bikes, or swim, there’s plenty of activities to go around.

South Points of Interest (including Lone Pine, Independence, and Big Pine)

*The Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County will be having Gymnastics with Mandy Keep, July 29-31, at the Lone Pine High School Gym. This program runs Monday-Wednesday: Ages 4-5 go from 8:30-9 AM; ages 6-8 9:15-10 AM; ages 9-12 10:15-11AM. All ages, 4 and up are welcome 13+. The cost is $5 per child / per day. You can register and pay at HCSIC.org / events or by texting Krystal at 661-778-9022.

The Free Summer Movie Nights continue at the Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine, CA. “Ghostbusters Frozen Empire” is the feature on July 27, showing at 6 PM. Reserve your seats, and remember all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

*The Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County is putting on a Volleyball Clinic for middle school boys and girls, with Alicia Brice. For three days, August 5-7, from 9-11 AM, at the Lone Pine High School Gym, at $5 per day / per child. Remember to bring a bottled drink. You can register and pay at HCSIC.org / events or by texting Krystal at 661-778-9022.

*The Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County presents “Fishing with High School Teachers,” Tuesday, August 13, from 9 AM-4 PM, at the Pump Back Station. A hot dog lunch will be provided, and this is open to 5th-12th graders, at $10 per person. Remember: Anyone 16 years of age and older must have their fishing license present to attend the event. Community Service hours are available for high school students. You can register and pay at HCSIC.org / events or by texting Krystal at 661-778-9022. 

*The Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County is putting on a Basketball Clinic, with Coach Matt Kemp, at the Lone Pine High School Gymnasium, on Monday, July 29-Wednesday, July 31, from 1-3 PM. The cost is $5 per child / per day. Remember to bring your bottled water. Register and pay at hcsic.org/events. 

The Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its first annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, Saturday, August 10, at 6 PM, at the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce Courtyard. It’s $10 to participate, and registration ends, July 29. Contact the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce for more information. 760-876-4444.

Bishop and Surrounding Areas

Matinees at the Bishop Twin Theatre

When was the last time you watched a movie, or a matinee? Well, if it’s been a while, you can indulge this summer. The Bishop Twin Theatre (more than 100 years old) serves up enjoyable, cool afternoon matinees, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 1 PM, for only $2.00 for kids (under 13), $5 for adults/ Children (13 and older) / seniors (65 and older). This upcoming treat includes “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,” on Tuesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 25.  Don’t miss, “Trolls,” before school starts, Tuesday, July 30 and August 1. Assisted listening devices are available; wheelchair spaces and transfer chairs are available in both auditoriums, there is closed caption, descriptive audio, digital projectors, and free parking. Enjoy a cool afternoon at the movies, and don’t forget the popcorn, and soda. Call the movie line for more information: 760-873-3575.

North Points of Interest (including Mammoth Lakes, Coleville, Walker, and Lake Topaz)

Visitors to northern Mono County can find a number of very interesting, and historic things to explore in and around Bridgeport, CA. California’s premier ghost town, Bodie, is nearby, and a walking tour of Bridgeport can have you and your family / friends intrigued for hours. There are digital walking tours available, and you can pick up some history at the Mono County Museum, which was the original school house for Bridgeport. Plus, there’s always the soft-serve ice cream in the summertime, on Main Street. The Mono County Courthouse still holds court and county business, since the 1800s, and the old jail is directly behind the courthouse, and open for visits. Take a dip at the Travertine Hot Springs, outside of Bridgeport, or go to Buckeye Hot Springs, outside of Bridgeport too. There are pack outfits nearby at Virginia Lakes, and Leavitt Meadows, for horseback rides in the High Sierra. So, if you feel the need for a little giddy-up in your step, giddy-up and head out during the last few weeks of summer vacation.