The Center of the World Festival takes its inspiration from the Chumash legends, and the spiritual significance of Mt. Pinos to the Chumash people. The Festival is held in Pine Mountain Club, which is a small hamlet nestled in the Los Padres National Forest at the base of Mt. Pinos. The Festival is a playwright competition, with plays reflecting a theme of peaceful conflict resolution. The theme itself is based upon the Chumash concept of maintaining balance with the universe and mankind; ancient ceremonies were conducted at Mt. Pinos for that purpose. The Festival is a fundraiser for Kern County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Our websites provide information about the playwright competition requirements, about the Festival event itself, and about the historical aspects of the area, including the Chumash heritage. You can view a virtual hike to summit of Mt. Pinos and views from west, east, south, and north at http://www.centeroftheworldfestival.org/biography.html
Links to Chumash websites and information are found at http://www.centeroftheworldfestival.org/Chumash-Resources.html
Links to articles about Pine Mountain Club and surrounding forest area, including significance of Mt. Pinos and Condor at URL http://www.cowfestival.org/ArticlesOfInterest.html
Explanation of play theme rules on peaceful conflict resolution: http://www.centeroftheworldfestival.org/Theme-Rules.html
A beautiful video about Pine Mountain Club: http://www.pinemountainclub.net/association/about.html
And directions to Pine Mountain Club: http://www.cowfestival.org/Directions.html
The Festival schedule can be viewed at: http://www.cowfestival.org/PlayPerformanceSchedule.html
We hope to see you in August! Come to the mountains for a peaceful and fun experience.
