SIDNEY -- The 20th Gold Rush Days was held Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon commemorating Sidney's role in the journey to and from the gold fields north.

The weekend event included staged shootouts, numerous craft and vendor booths, food vendors, special speakers on the Lakota history and the development of the Panhandle area, as well as  corn hole tournament in support of school bus passes and musical entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Sidney Gold Rush Days committee estimates about 2,000 children took part in the kids tent over the Friday through Sunday event. Activities at the tent included gold panning, face painting and making tepee/arrowhead necklaces. Activities were designed to encourage an interest in local history.

Rain dampened activities Saturday for a period. However, vendors were reported to be happy with the weekend results, according to a statement from the Gold Rush Days board. 

In addition to 2024 being the 20th Gold Rush Days anniversary, it is also 150 years since the start of the Black Hills Gold Rush in 1874.
 
Gold Rush Days is possible because of the volunteers who commit time and energy to the event. The Gold Rush Days committee is constantly seeking volunteers to keep the event attractive.