Lincoln exhibit opens to crowds

Tiffany Tuell

(Updated: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 12:50 PM)

There was no parking to be found at the King Vintage Museum and Highway 41 was lined with cars Friday night for the opening-night celebration for Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America.

The glass-cased exhibits that feature memorabilia from Lincoln's life will visit only 40 locations in the United States and only four locations in California.

"The entire weekend has been fantastic with both local visitors and many out-of-town visitors," said Mary Ann Hutcherson of Wild Wonderful Women, managers of the event.

"Some people saw it in the Madera County Visitors Guide and couldn't believe we had something like this in our town. It's achieving my expectations. There were easily more than 100 at the museum on Friday and also on Saturday."

Sierra Telephone has purchased 1,000 $3 tickets that will be distributed to area elementary schools.

Jean Smith will give a tatting -- hand-made lace -- demonstration at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 11 at the museum and also at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 13. There will also be a wood-carving demonstration at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 17.

The exhibit will be in Oakhurst through April 1. Museum hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The museum is located at 40680 Highway 41. Admission costs $3.

Details: (559) 658-6999 or kingvintagemuseum.org.