The Pines Resort threw a big party in a stunning lakefront villa Monday and made some announcements calculated to make the locals happy.

One, there will be year-round discounts on rooms and meals for locals. Two, it has acquired what it’s calling the Bass Lake Lodge (former home of Curry Company honcho Ed Hardy) and will rent it out. Three, the Bass Lake Queen is back on the water. Four, renovation of the chalets will get started with the new year.

Addressing the people, seated on sofas or standing next to a sumptuous hors ’d oeuvres table, General Manager Paul Ratchford said, “We’re your hometown resort.” He told the invited crowd that the Pines values the local people and that management wants to help the local community in any way it can by doing such things as hosting fundraisers or contributing in other ways to local events.

“We want to keep the money on the mountain,” he said.

Ratchford came to the Pines earlier this year, but is no stranger to the mountains. He has had a home here for 15 years and knows the community.

In a prepared statement, he wrote, “The Pines Resort is the perfect place to celebrate anniversaries, school and work accomplishments, good news and special events. The restaurants, banquet rooms and accommodations make hosting family reunions and holiday get-togethers a snap. And, as gas prices continue to rise, the resort offers a quick and affordable escape from daily life – right in locals’ own backyards. “

Residents of Madera and Mariposa counties simply show a valid ID listing their local address to take advantage of up to 20 percent off rooms and services at the Pines in the winter.

Fall and spring bring a 15 percent discount and locals can get 10 percent off certain things in the summer. Some restrictions apply to the locals discount program. The Bass Lake Lodge is adjacent to the resort and includes its own dock. Huge windows overlook the lake on three levels and balconies and patios surround it. The lodge has six bedrooms plus a more private two-bedroom suite next door.

Not too many partygoers took advantage of what was supposed to be a sunset cruise on the Queen. They were apparently having more fun oohing and ahhing at the lodge and enjoying the food and drink. Nevertheless, the party boat set off on a twilight cruise with the skipper promising fun and facts about the lake and its history.

The renovation of the chalets is a project long on the books. The resort hopes to turn them into something much farther upscale than they are now. For more information, call the Pines at (559) 642-3121 or go online at www.basslake.com.