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The History of Gold Rush Days 1895 -2007 Victor, Colorado Gold Rush Days actually started in 1895 as the “World Celebration” and honored Victor C. Adams, one of Victor’s original settlers, and the man Victor was named after. Because mining moved into the area and changed the face of the town, the celebration was next billed as the “Annual Miners Reunion” and consisted of a carnival and street parade. The miners Reunion continued until 1899 when a fire destroyed most of downtown Victor and some of the surrounding residential areas. Following the fire, the next celebration was in 1904. Ringling Brothers was the featured attraction. They set up their “big top” at the corner of Fourth Street and Victor Avenue. The famous picture of the tight-wire walker balancing on the wire above a street full of people is said to have been taken during this celebration. The population of Victor was approximately 8,000 people at that time. The celebration continued uninterrupted until WWI when the celebration was stopped for two years. After the war, it started up again in 1918. The main attractions at that time were the hard rock drilling contests and the timed races of all the fire departments in the district. After WWII the name changed to Gold Rush Days. During this period, Lowell Thomas, Governor Ralph Carr and other dignitaries came to ride in the parade and enjoy the fun with the Victor residents. Gold Rush Days has continued uninterrupted since it claimed that name after WWII. The size of the festival has fluctuated from year-to-year. Some years, rain has been a factor in keeping the crowd small. Other years, Victor citizens just didn’t feel much like celebrating as they anxiously awaited news from men who was fighting in yet another war. |
Gold Rush Days Gold Rush Days Schedule July 18, 19, 20, 2008 Schedule still being planned - check back for a complete list of fun
Friday 1-5 pm Vendors check in at Alta Vista Station – East Victor Ave. Vendors open as they are able after set up 5-7 pm Chili Feed at the Victor Elks Lodge 7:30 pm Bingo at the Victor Elks Lodge
Saturday
7-9 am Small Vendor check-in at the Alta Vista Station 7-11 am Pancake breakfast at the Fire station, next to City Hall 8:30 am Registration for Mining Games Gold Bowl parking lot 9 am Mining games begin (Over $2,500 in prizes) 9 am-6 pm Vendors open in the Gold Bowl 10-4 Gold Panning at the Victor Museum Kids games begin at Gold Bowl (lots of prizes) Turquoise Mountain dig & pony rides for kids. Petting area with miniature donkeys 11-3 Victorian Homes Tour- Tickets available at the Victor Hotel, Nana’s Attic, The Fortune Club, & Lowell Thomas Museum 6:00 pm Street Dance in front of Elks Lodge (inside in case of rain)
Sunday 9-4 Vendor’s open at the Gold Bowl 9 am Monarch Gallery open with quilters and artists 12:30 Gold Rush Days Parade 4-5 pm Vendors & other displays shut down.
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