The Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins have collaborated with researchers and local Francophiles to plan a new event honoring the French mining pioneers responsible for much of the early technological and cultural developments around Malakoff Diggins. We will celebrate the early French emigrants in the gold mining era of the Sierra. Envisioned is a festive, lively gathering September 8, 2018. We will unveil newly installed interpretive panels, welcome dignitaries from near and far, premier an original marionette show explaining the origin of the name “Malakoff”, and tip our berets to those early pioneers. The day will be accompanied by Beaucoup Chapeaux, providing their special brand of jubilant and lively Western, Southern, and South Eastern European music on accordion, fiddle, guitar, and clarinet. We plan to dance, play games, consume french-inspired food and beverages and explore the beauty of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park and the historic buildings of North Bloomfield.