Grade to Gate Foundation

08/29/2026

Celebrate fall at the Pumpkin Fest BBQ Dinner with Baked Potato Bar at the Bairds on Saturday, October 3 from 4pm to 7pm. The Bairds you ask? Where is that? It's the grassy park-like area behind where the bench, planter, garbage/recycling receptacles, and cement industrial art are located. Walking access is down the ramp next to the Community Center or from the back.

The BBQ Dinner with Baked Potato Bar is a fundraiser to continue to make it possible for the Grade to Gate Foundation to fund the "Let's Keep Downtown Groveland Clean" program. Did you know, Moore Brothers is unable to collect the garbage on Main Street because it is a CA State Highway? It's literally against the law. As a service to the community and our local businesses, the Foundation pays to have the garbage and recycling emptied on a regular basis ... and, particularly during tourist season, it's quite a job!

The Bairds property owner, Todd Silver, has graciously said yes to the Foundation using the Bairds site for our Fall BBQ Dinner venue. nThere will with a Pumpkin Patch and free pumpkin painting/carving and games for the kids, The BBQ Chicken dinner buffet with a fresh baked potato bar. The decor features white tablecloth seating and twinkling lights around the grounds and in the trees. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available from Cindy Lee, Vicki Smith, and Patricia Epp or by calling or texting 559-285-1100. You can also email [email protected] for tickets or more information. Space is limited.

08/28/2026

Another update and it's pretty cool!

We have one ground planter left for a noon-profit, club, business, classroom or group of friends to claim and decorate for Fall/Halloween. All the others have been claimed.

A planter by the Hotel Charlotte has been claimed by one of our very new Groveland businesses Willow and Vine. The Grade to Gate Foundation is thrilled they have decided to participate and take advance of an opportunity to spread the word about their new business. If you haven't stopped by to meet Bri yet be sure to do so. Check out her shop and wish her well!!

Another ground planter, the planter located on the walking path near the Mountain Leisure Shopping Center sign, has been claimed by Romulus Development. Sparker and Jolenna have something charming ... even romantic ... in mind. Don't want to spoil the surprise but it's definitely one you'll want to check out when it's completed.

Thank you Romulus Development, Willow and Vine, Around the Horn Around The Horn Brewing Company, Conifer Communications, Helping Hands, and the Pine Mountain/Groveland Garden. Club for stepping up to decorate Main Street for FallHalloween.

We can't wait to see what each of you create for us to enjoy!

If you're interested in the last ground planter, it's time to reach out to [email protected]

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08/27/2026

Thank you for all the drive by honks and the waves while we spent time Wednesday giving the Bairds site a deep cleaning.

The gold veins in the ground cement now sparkle again. The bench and ground planter were scrubbed clean, and since the property owner had been wanting us to move the garbage/recycling receptacles to the other side of the planter, well, we got that done, too.

Soon we will be changing the BAIRDS concrete art piece to a horizontal vs vertical position while adding display signage that shares its historical significance.

Progress...as we continue to dedicate our efforts to beautifying our community.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook for all the latest: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942236865

08/24/2026

Exciting update.

Two more Grade to Gate Foundation ground planters have been claimed for Fall/Halloween decorating.

Around The Horn Brewing Company has grabbed one of the planters outside Hotel Charlotte. We're betting that is going to be an absolutely fun design.

Who else? Well, the Pine Mountain/Groveland Garden Club has claimed the ground planter at the Bairds site. And with their history of fabulous scarecrows, we can only surmise what their focus will be.

So that's four ... so far ... with a few more in final conversation so we'll likely be posting another update very soon.

It's gong to be a colorful Fall/Halloween season on Main Street Groveland and, honestly, we can't wait to see what our decorators have in store.

There are a few ground planters left but, if interested, you need to reach out to [email protected] very very soon

And, don't forget, follow us on Facebook for all the latest Foundation news: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942236865

08/21/2026

FRIDAY UPDATE:

HELPING HANDS was the first to claim a ground planter and, yes, they chose to decorate the ground planter right outside their front door! YAY!

Then came an inquiry from CONIFER COMMUNICATIONS and they have claimed the ground planter in front of Trail Less Traveled Bike and Gear. How fun! Can't wait to see how they decorate.

Exciting! Interested? We welcome all clubs, non-profits, businesses, classrooms, students ... you name it. Reach out to [email protected] and find out which Groveland Main Street ground planters are available and stake your claim.

Think pumpkins and other gourds, scarecrows, cornstalks, bales of straw or hay - even witches, ghosts, and spider webs. Be creative and have fun.

You would decorate between September 20 and September 27 and, then, remove your decorations the week of November 1 through November 8.

There is NO fee and you are welcome to add signage that tells everyone who decorated!

Don't forget to join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942236865

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Join the fun, help decorate Main Street Groveland for the fall season. YES! Any local business, non-profits, organizations, groups, families,school classrooms, neighborhoods ... it's endless ... can select one of the Grade to Gate Foundation ground planters.

Email [email protected] to claim your Main Street ground planter (first come, first serve). Choose from ground planters in front of the Hotel Charlotte/Gateway Tapas & Spirits Restaurant , Trail Less Traveled Bike and Geared,Helping Hands Yosemite Basecamp , The Iron Door Saloon Store or the Mountain Leisure Shopping Center. There is no fee … just a chance to work together, have some fun, and help decorate our community for Fall! And, of course, you can brand and identify your ground planter with a sign.

You will receive full decorating guidelines when you claim your ground planter, but basically,nonew planting, no pruning or removing existing plants. No screws or nails or paint in or on the planter. In some instances you could even decorate the ground below (depending upon location). You’ll receive recognition and be a part of our social media campaign.

So think about it ... talk it through ... but don't wait too long. Location choices are on a first come, first serve basis. Planters must be decorated between September 20 and 27 and removed immediately after October 31.

It’s fun!! And you could be the talk of the town.

08/10/2026

MOSAIC STAR INSTALLATION UPDATE

If you purchased a Mosaic Star on America's 250th Birthday Mural during the mural reveal on July 11, be excited. Your star will be installed this week AND the name(s) you requested will be added this coming weekend August 14 and 15.

If you don't have your Certificate of Authenticity yet, please reach out to [email protected] to make arrangements.

And don't forget ... follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942236865

08/07/2026

If you haven't walked downtown Main Street Groveland lately ... well, once it cools down a touch, check out the Zinnias. They're beginning to bloom. Unlike most of us, Zinnias love the heat.

On the other hand, the intense summer heat has taken its toll on some of the petunias in hanging planters located in afternoon sun, but the potato vines are still going strong.

As you walk, notice several ground planters also have geraniums, petunias, and beautiful blue morning glory ground cover.

Enjoy!

08/01/2026

Thank you to the Wycke family for sponsoring a hanging planter in honor of their patriarch. He clearly thought Groveland was "Our Happy Place."

Sponsoring a hanging planter supports the Foundation in its efforts to Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942236865