FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mono County Celebrates 100 Years of Lee Vining:

Community Invited to Centennial Celebration on August 28–29

LEE VINING, Calif. (July 30, 2026) — Mono County and the Mono Basin Historical Society proudly invite residents and visitors to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Lee Vining during a special two-day Centennial Event on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Established a century ago in 1926, Lee Vining originally grew as a hub for local commerce, resource management, and travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra. Over the past 100 years, the town has developed a rich legacy shaped by local families, Indigenous traditions, agricultural heritage, and pioneering conservation efforts to preserve Mono Lake. Today, Lee Vining is the vibrant heart of the Mono Basin, the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass, and an iconic community along Highway 395. The Lee Vining Centennial honors 100 years of local history, resilience, culture, and community spirit—from its early roots to its role today as a steward of the majestic Eastern Sierra landscape.

“Reaching the 100-year mark is a monumental milestone for Lee Vining and all of Mono County,” said David Carle, President, Mono Basin Historical Society. “This Centennial is not only a look back at the visionaries, families, and stewards who built this historic community, but also a celebration of the bright future ahead. We invite everyone across the Eastern Sierra and beyond to join us at Hess Park to honor our history, share stories, and create new memories.”

Centennial Event Highlights & Schedule

The celebration begins on Friday evening, August 28, with an intimate kickoff dinner at the historic Mono Inn Restaurant, featuring period piano music performed by legendary Yosemite musician Tom Bopp. This event is already sold-out!

Festivities continue all day on Saturday, August 29, at Hess Park in Lee Vining with a full schedule of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and historical showcases:

• Pancake Breakfast (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Hosted by the Lee Vining Women’s League at the Community Center.

• Historic Walking Tours (9:30 AM & 2:30 PM): Led by Janet Carle, exploring downtown Lee Vining’s historic structures.

• Elders’ Conversation (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM): Honoring Lily Mathieu in the Pavilion, featuring local elders sharing oral history and memories of the Mono Basin.

• Live Music & Performances:

  • 9:00 AM: Lee Vining Elementary student music performance

  • 11:30 AM: Tom Bopp (piano and vocals)

  • 1:00 PM: Bishop Jazz Combo & Community Dancing

  • 2:30 PM: Cello performance by Priscilla Hawkins

  • 3:00 PM: Bodie 601 Trio

• Period Fashion Show & Contest (12:30 PM): Period costume showcase in the Pavilion.

• Community BBQ Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Hosted by Lee Vining High School behind the Pavilion.

• Time Capsule Ceremony (4:00 PM – 4:15 PM): Dedicated on the south side of the museum by E Clampus Vitus, the Mono Basin Historical Society, and Mono County.

• All-Day Activities & Displays:

  • Antique & Classic Car Show: Featuring Sonora Model A Club vehicles, an original Lee Vining vintage fire truck, and other old cars that reflect the town’s role as a travelers’ hub.

  • Interactive History: Oral history recording booth with the Lee Vining Library and photo souvenir booth by Lee Vining High School.

  • Arts, Crafts & Exhibitors: Local artisan booths, book signings, Banta honey, native crafts, and informational tables from partners including the Mono Lake Committee, California State Parks, Inyo National Forest, Sierra Club, and Eastern Sierra Land Trust

All community members, visitors, and history enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. Souvenir books, centennial hats, and commemorative items will be available for purchase through the Mono Basin Historical Society to benefit local heritage preservation.

For dinner tickets, schedule details, or general information, please visit the Mono Basin Historical Society website at www.monobasinhistory.org or email [email protected].