Mammoth Orange to Squeeze Back into the Spotlight

MADERA COUNTY, CA – September 8, 2023 – Many long-time residents of California’s Central Valley will remember The Mammoth Orange as a local landmark. The Mammoth Orange was a refreshment stand located on Highway 99 and was known for its giant hamburgers, excellent fries, and out-of-this-world orange shakes. 

This historic building is set to make a juicy comeback on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM, when The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County invites the public to celebrate a piece of local history with a fundraising dinner and ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The original Mammoth Orange closed in 2007 and was abandoned in a storage yard. Later, the 20-foot orange was brought to the Fossil Discovery Center and painstakingly revived. The structure was carefully restored to its former glory as a concession stand and a San Joaquin Valley attraction, thanks to the generous donation of time and materials by the Rotary clubs of Chowchilla, Madera, and Madera Sunrise.  

“We are thrilled to be reopening the Mammoth Orange at the Fossil Discovery Center,” said Michele Pecina, Director of the Fossil Discovery Center. “This iconic landmark is a beloved part of our community, and we are excited to share it with a new generation of visitors. The Mammoth Orange is a great example of how history creates unique and memorable experiences.”

The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County is a museum that houses a collection of fossils, including ancient Columbian Mammoths. It sits adjacent to one of North America's most extensive middle-Pleistocene fossil excavations, where discoveries continue to this day. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

“The Mammoth Orange is a great addition to the Fossil Discovery Center,” said Pecina. “It will help us attract more visitors to the museum and learn about our region's rich history.”

Tickets for the ribbon-cutting event are $25 for members of the Fossil Discovery Center and $30 for non-members. Tickets include a Smashburger meal served from the Mammoth Orange. 

The Mammoth Orange ribbon-cutting ceremony is an excellent opportunity to celebrate local and ancient history. 

Come one, come all to the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM. For more information and to purchase, please visit www.maderamamoths.org or call (559) 665-7071.