Yosemite Fire Cancels Strawberry Music Festival

CAMP MATHER, CA — The fire that charred 348 square miles in and around Yosemite National Park also forced the cancellation of the Strawberry Music Festival that had been set for Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Known as the Rim Fire, due to its proximity to Yosemite’s north rim, the blaze ranks as the fourth largest in California. Thousands of firefighters managed to get it 70 percent contained by Sept. 3.

Now in its 32nd year, the Strawberry event, which focuses on acoustic genres including Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk, swing, rock, Cajun, Celtic and gospel, normally takes place twice each year, over Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

“The County of Tuolumne cannot allow the Strawberry Music Festival to occur at the site as originally permitted,” noted county officials.

At press time, there was no word regarding whether the Strawberry Festival would be rescheduled for a later date or simply cancelled. For more details and updates, go to http://www.strawberrymusic.com