THOUSANDS OF YOUTH FOOTBALL FANS FROM ALL OVER THE CENTRAL VALLEY WILL INVADE MARIPOSA THIS WEEKEND. Mariposa will be one big welcome wagon this weekend, as the Mariposa Youth Football League welcomes the entire Trans Valley Youth Football League and its fans to town. The Bears will host the league’s Superbowl games on Saturday.

Organizer Bob Kirchner is busy with the finishing touches this week. “It’s turning out great,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a win-win situation. I’m really excited.”

Kirchner said local youth football officials have decided to make an entire weekend of it. The festivities kick-off on Friday night with opening ceremonies and a bonfire at the old Frost Shop lot in downtown Mariposa. There will be hot chocolate, cider and s’- mores. It takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. and is sponsored by the Mariposa Public Utility District Fire Department, Goldman and Cole and Teichert Construction.

Doors open early on Saturday morning. The Red Bud Cafe opens for breakfast at 6 a.m. and stays open until 10 a.m. The first game of the day is at 9 a.m. The other games follow at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.

The “Red Zone” at the fairgrounds opens at 10 a.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. There will be 55 exhibitors, vendors, food booths, games, activities, tourist information and more. Smokey Bear will make an appearance and there will be a magic show in the afternoon. Kids can have their faces painted or enjoy free games provided by Parks and Recreation.

All day long, shuttle buses will run from the fairgrounds into various locations in town so that Mariposa’s visitors can experience downtown. There will be three bus routes. The red route will make six stops in town, and the blue route makes up to 20 stops in and around Mariposa. The green route focuses on Mariposa’s historical sites, like the Courthouse which will be open for tours.

Information about the superbowl and the many activities planned for this weekend are available on the MYF Web site at www.mari posabears.com.