As the Mariposa Youth Football organization prepares to host its second Superbowl, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed the weekend of Nov. 5 through 7 as “Superbowl Weekend” and “Mariposa’s Open House.” The proclamation was given at the Sept. 7 board meeting.

Bob Kirchner, the self-proclaimed “professional volunteer” who has taken the reins for the event again, was on hand to accept the proclamation. The MYF Bears will begin festivities on Friday, Nov. 5 and continue with football both Saturday and Sunday at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Saturday’s games will go on from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, games are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Bears will host members of the Trans Valley Youth Football League’s (TVYFL) 26 teams. Many businesses have stepped up to offer special discounts to visitors. Last year, the event was so successful that TVYFL asked Mariposa to host the event again this year.

Kirchner said plans are well under way for this year. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” he told the board Tuesday morning. He noted that the event could draw thousands of people to town. As an example of the potential, Kirchner noted that Modesto Christian’s youth teams came to Mariposa several weeks ago, and stayed the whole weekend, even though their games were only on Saturday.

“It’s a good time to invite people up from the valley,” Kirchner said of the fall shoulder season. “We’ll have a great time in this town.”

Board Chairman Kevin Cann, whose own children traveled all over California to play in volleyball tournaments, said the potential to increase visitation with this kind of event is great.

“I know what these things can become,” he said. “I always thought Mariposa would be perfect for it. It’s exciting.”