Merced River Fest
APRIL 2027
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Showcase at The Grove House, Mariposa
Dates Coming Soon!
Afternoon Showcase of the Students on the River Film Contest and the award winning films! Recipients will receive their award and be invited on stage to answer questions from the audience.
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Holly Warner was not only the co-founder of our organization, she was a former educator and believer in the power of inspiring young people.
An annual scholarship in her name is awarded to graduating Mariposa County seniors interested in pursuing a path in environmental sciences.
We will be awarding the recipients of the 2027 Scholarship as part of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival evening program.
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We are bringing the Wild and Scenic Film Festival to Mariposa—in partnership with SYRCL, the South Yuba River Citizens League.
Award-winning films, delicious food, and spectacular drinks from the Grove House & a fun-filled silent auction
JOIN US, APRIL 2027
Merced River Fest 2026
We are so proud to present Merced River Fest 2026, hosted at the Grove House. This annual Celebration brings together our community in support of the Upper Merced River watershed through an evening of connection, inspiration, and impact.
Guests will enjoy a lively silent auction featuring original artwork, river rafting excursions, locally donated services, regional produce, and fine wines. The event will also include delicious food and refreshments, fresh popcorn, and an exclusive first look at our new merchandise.
This year, our work to expand the Students on the River Film Fest was matched with an increase of participation and enthusiasm from the students we met in the school classrooms. 14 Student Films were submitted, 7 were recognized through cash prizes for 1st-3d place and honorable mentions. Their creativity and dedication reflect the power of environmental education and the importance of connecting young people to our watershed.
We have even more planned for next year!
What began as a passion project to get students excited about artistic expression in the wild, has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.
The Merced River Fest is our largest annual fundraiser , every donation, ticket, and bid directly supports our organization’s work to protect, restore, and steward the Upper Merced River watershed. We looks forward to building on this momentum and expanding our impact in the years ahead.
Wild and Scenic Showcase Through Film
What to expect…
2026 Holly Warner Scholarship Recipients
Tamzen McCollum(left), Nick Warner(middle), and Juniper Helling(right)
Annie Bryant(left), Owen Arnold(middle), and Nick Warner(right)
2025 Holly Warner Scholarship Recipients
Board Members enjoying the
River Fest!
Hannah Harrison-Director (Left), Molly Stephens-Director (Middle),
and Kristina Rylands-Watershed Director and Vice Chair (Right)
Merced River Fest Underway! Food and Beverages for sale through the Grove House. Seating: First come, first serve.
Silent Auction filled with art, jewelry, outdoor experiences, massages, and amazing steals on local tradesman’s work!
Students on the River Film Contest 2026
Spirit Dewitt
Our 1st Place: Spirit interviews his grandpa and grandma who see the city of lights as “distractions,” that the natural world allows them to feel “lighter,” and that everything in the world has a ripple effect. Through his film, Spirit uses impressive creativity and artistic choices that keep the audience enthralled.
Oscar Patrick
2nd Place: Oscar is an inquisitive young boy who questions “Where the Merced River Comes and Goes".” Join Oscar on his journey through the watershed within Yosemite National Park.
Jade Lust
3d Place: Jade uses her wonderfully edited footage and beautifully captured wonder within Yosemite National Park. The value of knowledge and witnessing the wild, explained and inspired by Dick Ewart and his interview by Cory Geohring to remind us all to see the merit in outdoor exploration.
Page Link To All the 2026 Films:
2025
Join Us APRIL 18TH 2026
at
The Grove House, Mariposa
2025 River Fest Youth Films
Contest Winner Recipients of 2025
Noah Beas “Merced River Adventure” showcased his favorite places to walk along the Merced River Trail. With upbeat music and descriptions of his favorite things about the Wild and Scenic Merced River.
He tied for 3d place!
Students from Mrs. Ouborg’s 2/3/4 grade class from El Portal School, made a film called “What is Special About the Merced River,” where they explained what about the river is important to them and their favorite things to do in nature.
The group tied for 3d place!
Evelyn(1st place) and Canyon Carter’s films (2nd place) were accepted by their grandmother during the award showcase!
Evelyn’s film, “The Merced River” won 1st Place and captivated the audience emotionally through her poem to the river.
Carter’s film, “The Importance of Snow Surveys”was very upbeat and educational, with beautiful snowscape science and recreational fun! He was awarded 2nd Place.
