OAKHURST, CA – At a meeting held in the mountain community itself, the Madera County Board of Supervisors formally acknowledged Oakhurst as the Carved Bear Capital of the World, recognizing a long-standing cultural tradition that has helped define the town’s identity for decades.

The presentation took place at the Oakhurst Government Center, marking one of the Board’s regular meetings hosted outside the county seat. Holding the meeting in Oakhurst allowed residents, business owners, and community leaders to witness the recognition in the place where the tradition originated and continues to thrive.

The history behind the designation was also highlighted during the meeting. Rhonda Salisbury with Visit Yosemite Madera County addressed the Board, outlining the significance of the carved bear tradition and the years of effort required to achieve formal recognition. Salisbury started by presenting each Supervisor with a desktop-size carved bear, and then spoke to the carved bears’ role in storytelling, placemaking, and destination identity, noting that the carvings have become one of the most photographed and remembered features of Oakhurst for visitors from around the world.

Salisbury also traced the roots of the designation effort. She credited the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce with launching the original project to formally recognize the carved bears as a defining community asset.  The effort gained renewed momentum in recent years through the work of Brook Smith with Visit Yosemite Madera County. Salisbury explained that Smith helped coordinate final documentation, advocacy, and outreach that ultimately brought the designation across the finish line.

The bears represent more than decoration. They reflect generations of craftsmanship, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Over time, artists have transformed fallen trees and salvaged wood into distinctive works that speak to Sierra heritage and individual expression. In doing so, the tradition has helped shape Oakhurst’s sense of place and its reputation as a gateway community to Yosemite National Park.

The Board’s recognition also emphasized the economic and cultural value of the carved bears. Supervisors cited their role in attracting visitors, supporting local artists, and contributing to a recognizable brand that will distinguish Oakhurst from other mountain communities into the future. The bears were described as an example of how locally driven creativity can evolve into a countywide point of pride.

Community members in attendance expressed appreciation for the county’s acknowledgment and for the long-term collaboration that made it possible. For longtime residents, the bears reflect Oakhurst’s roots in woodworking and hands-on trades. For newer residents and visitors, they provide an immediate and memorable connection to the town’s character.

By acknowledging Oakhurst as the Carved Bear Capital of the World, the Board also underscored the importance of preserving local traditions through partnership and persistence. The recognition served not only as a celebration of the past, but as a reminder of what sustained community effort can accomplish when local organizations, tourism leaders, and county officials work toward a shared vision.

The designation stands as a formal affirmation of something many residents have long believed. The carved bears are more than landmarks along the highway. They are enduring expressions of Oakhurst’s history, creativity, and community spirit—now officially recognized and positioned as a point of pride for Madera County and beyond.

Board of Supervisors to Hold Meeting in Oakhurst