THE WIRE RANCH OFF DARRAH ROAD IS ONCE AGAIN PART OF THE “WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY” EVENT SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 24 AND 25. Spring brings so many good things like sunshine, regrowth, and the Mariposa Agri-Nature Trail’s Weekend in the Country event. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25.

Visitors can stop by Wire Ranch where registered St. Croix hair sheep from the Caribbean live and play. On Saturday and Sunday morning at 9 to 10:30 a.m. they can take a beginner’s bird walk with the Yosemite Area Audubon Society’s Len McKenzie.

There will be numerous activities with the local 4-H club. Participants can stay for lunch and support the club by buying a filling lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, potato chips and a drink all for only $7.

L-Arrow Ranch is a diverse more than 50-acre ranch where four varieties of certified organic mandarin trees and 140 pomegranate trees grow. Watercolor paintings will be available from artist Joan Gladwin, as will the intricate hand-coiled fabric baskets and custom made purses from local artist Nancy Pingleton.

Visitors can brush-up on their gardening skills by visiting the Mariposa Creek Parkway and checking out the California Native Plant Demonstration Garden. Tour the pristine grounds maintained by local Master Gardeners and discover some of the native beauties of the area. There will also be a short video presentation and display of helpful equipment for trapping gophers and ridding a home of the destructive pests.

The furry and fun-loving alpacas at Yosemite Valley Alpacas are on the tour again this year. During the show, visitors can inquire about the raised bed gardening using organic practices on the farm. Kay and Kim Price will be there on location with their photographs. Diane Silguero’s tent will have some aroma therapy products and pesticide-free and handharvested lavender sachets and heat wraps available from the Heritage Lavender Farm.

Tickets are on sale now at the Mariposa Visitors Center, participating wineries and the Mariposa County Arts Council Gallery for $10 per person or $25 per family. Tickets can also be purchased at the first location on the day of the event. For any additional information about the event contact Kris Casto at 377-8450 or email JJ Gillispie at jimandjoce@gmail. com or visit www.MariposaAgTour. com.