Gold Rush Days 2023 draws large crowd
History met community festival this weekend as Gold Rush Days 2023 took over much of Legion Park. At least 50 vendors set up shop at this year's event.
By News Channel Nebraska
Event draws more booths, vendors
SIDNEY -- History met community festival this weekend as Gold Rush Days 2023 took over much of Legion Park.
The Friday evening through Sunday afternoon event celebrates Sidney's history with the gold rush. The event included demonstrations in wool, woodworking, blacksmithing and Lakota history and lifestyles.
There was also gunfight melodramas, ax throwing, a quick draw booth, a chuck wagon with "cowboy coffee" brewing and numerous booths from varied foods to handmade jewelry and decorations.
Ken Geu, who is on the Gold Rush Days board and has been involved in the festivities for six to seven years, said the excitement of children learning of the past is what keeps him coming back.
"I I did woodworking myself out here a couple times before I joined the committee. Kids' faces just light up and they have a great time out here. That's why we try to keep it a kids oriented activity; the craft activities, try to keep everything free. They just have a great time out here," Geu said.
One corner of the festivities was like an old-time forgers gathering. Ben Carey was among the blacksmiths showing their crafts.
"So what I've got here is a selection of stuff that I've hand-forged. I've got hand-forged puzzles, I've got some bottle openers, I've got a few tomahawks, and flowers, and handrails and stuff like that. Some of the stuff I've made in the past," Carey said.
He said everything was made at the festival or in town. Carey is a resident of the Sidney community.
"I think it's a good thing for the community; fun activities for the kids and lots of learning activities," he said.
One of the new events this year is the Dirty Face Gang club with the Cowboy Fast Draw Association in Colorado. Lucas Driver said the association is about having fun. He said they came to Gold Rush Days after being contacted by Ken Geu.
"Oh, it's been crazy, the first time. It's been really busy. A lot of people are having a lot of fun. A lot of kids come back bringing other people," he said.