About Mariposa Butterfly Festival

Terry and Dave Rozelle, alongside the Butterfly Team, play a pivotal role in enriching our community through education and conservation efforts. Their tireless dedication ensures that butterfly larvae, habitats, and educational resources find their way into classrooms and even Children's Hospital, fostering hands-on learning experiences for thousands of children. In collaboration with teachers, they help develop comprehensive lesson plans that integrate the butterfly experience into various subjects such as Science, Art, Math, and Language Arts. Through their efforts, children gain firsthand knowledge of the butterfly life cycle and learn about the vital role these creatures play in our ecosystem. Moreover, the joy of raising butterflies in classrooms and community spaces culminates in the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival, where these same butterflies are released into the wild. Be sure to extend a warm greeting to Dave and Terry as you collect your butterfly at the event, and join them in celebrating the beauty and wonder of these remarkable creatures.

Bringing the magic to life for our annual Butterfly Festival requires the collective effort of an entire town. At the forefront of this endeavor is Becky Collins and her dedicated team of volunteers, who work tirelessly to orchestrate a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees.

Throughout the weekend event, Becky and her team ensure that vital information is effectively disseminated, donations and auction items are collected and prepared for fundraising events, and merchandise—including the iconic festival t-shirts—is managed with precision. They also oversee the beloved t-shirt contest, which celebrates the theme for the festival each year.

But the volunteers' responsibilities extend far beyond administrative tasks. They play integral roles in decorating the fairgrounds, guiding attendees, embellishing fundraising dinners, and engaging in various other community projects that contribute to the festival's success. Their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit are the backbone of our vibrant celebration, reminding us that it truly takes a village—or in our case, an entire town—to make the Butterfly Festival a magical reality.

The Fundraising Committee plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, providing vital financial support and resources that allow the festival to thrive year after year. One of their most notable contributions is the annual Taste of Mariposa dinner & auction, a highly anticipated event that showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the committee members. Each year, the dinner is themed with exciting and immersive concepts, such as Great Gatsby Night, Murder Most Suspect mystery dinner, America the Patriotic Butterfly, and Mariposaville—an evening paying tribute to Jimmy Buffet and the Island experience. These themed evenings not only offer attendees a unique and entertaining experience but also serve as crucial fundraising opportunities for the festival. Furthermore, the event highlights the culinary and pastry talents of Mariposa County, celebrating the region's rich culture and diverse community. Through their dedication and creativity, the Fundraising Committee continues to play an essential role in ensuring the continued success and growth of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival.

Current Members of this Committee:

Jeanne Casner, Maura Corsini, Bill Lowe, Carol Suggs, Beverly Suggs, Kimberly Vaughan

The Mariposa County Fairgrounds undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, turning into a captivating realm of wonder and delight, as vibrant decorations and family-friendly attractions adorn every corner. Among the highlights is the awe-inspiring "Jurassic Mariposa," an entire building teeming with lifelike dinosaurs and other fascinating creatures. Additionally, there are butterfly distributions, pony rides, petting zoos, captivating animal demonstrations, soulful music, delectable food offerings, and an abundance of enchanting decorations that breathe life into the festivities. The transformation of the fairgrounds into this magical oasis requires the concerted efforts of numerous dedicated individuals, who generously contribute their time and energy in the days leading up to the event. It's a testament to the strong sense of community spirit that pervades Mariposa, as neighbors unite to create an enchanting experience that has been captivating children and families for nearly two decades.

Current Members of this Committee:

Brenda Archibald, Jeanne Casner, Michael Hall, Bill Lowe, Beverly Suggs, Carol Suggs, Dale Vaughan Kimberly Vaughan, Anton Wilms, Sherell Wolk

The Marketing & Social Media Committee for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival serves as the driving force behind community engagement and outreach efforts. With a keen focus on maintaining a vibrant online presence, the committee ensures that the festival's website remains a dynamic hub of information and excitement, continuously updated with engaging content to captivate visitors. Moreover, they skillfully manage the festival's presence across various social media platforms, leveraging these channels to connect with audiences, share updates, and foster interactive dialogue. In addition to digital efforts, the committee orchestrates strategic advertising campaigns across multiple mediums, including radio, television, newspapers, and beyond, to ensure that the festival remains at the forefront of everyone's minds. Through their innovative marketing strategies and tireless dedication, the Marketing & Social Media Committee plays a vital role in driving awareness, excitement, and participation in the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, enriching the community's experience year after year.

Current Members of this Committee:  

Bill Lowe & Kimberly Vaughan

The Mariposa Butterfly Festival Music Committee is dedicated to curating an eclectic and vibrant musical experience across multiple stages throughout the event. With a passion for celebrating the arts and showcasing the diverse talents of both local and visiting musicians and bands, the committee ensures that festival-goers are treated to a rich tapestry of musical genres. From the soulful strains of country and bluegrass to the melodic storytelling of folk and singer-songwriter acts, from the infectious rhythms of top 40 hits to the electrifying energy of rock and classic tunes, our stages come alive with an array of sounds to suit every musical palate. Whether it's the foot-stomping beats or the soulful ballads, the festival's music offerings are designed to inspire movement, joy, and community connection. With lively performances, energetic dancing, and captivating entertainment, the Music Committee's dedication to delivering exceptional musical experiences ensures that the Mariposa Butterfly Festival remains a beloved gathering place that keeps attendees moving and grooving from start to finish.

Current Committee Members:

Gail Dreifus, Dave 

The Vendors and Sponsors Committee plays a pivotal role in the success and vibrancy of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, dedicated to attracting, managing, and nurturing relationships with both event vendors and sponsors. With a keen focus on enhancing the festival experience for attendees, the committee works diligently to curate a diverse and engaging lineup of vendors, as well as securing sponsorships that support the festival's mission. Tasked with attracting more than 100 vendors and sponsors, this committee's efforts are integral to creating a dynamic and enriching environment for festival-goers.

Our vendors offer a wide array of handcrafted items, butterfly-centric merchandise, clothing, woodworking, foods, services, toys, books, and much more, providing attendees with ample opportunities to discover unique treasures and gifts for themselves, their children, or their homes. Additionally, vendors often provide interactive experiences such as face painting, adding an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to the festival atmosphere.

Working closely with the Marketing and Social Media Committee, the Vendors and Sponsors Committee ensures that vendors and sponsors receive effective promotion and visibility, maximizing their exposure and engagement with festival attendees. Through their dedication and strategic planning, this committee plays an indispensable role in shaping the festival's identity and ensuring a memorable experience for all who attend.

Current Committee Members:

Justice Breuer, Jackie Burns, Becca Garcia, Kimberly Vaughan