Sidney's history will come to life at annual Gold Rush Days

Legion Park will be filled with music, storytelling, cookouts and re-enactments of shootouts and robberies, bringing Sidney's history back to life at the 12th annual Gold Rush Days.

Gold Rush Days takes locals back to the days when Sidney had the reputation of being one of the roughest and toughest towns on the rail line. In 1874, when gold was discovered in the Black Hills, Sidney and its railroad were considered the shortest transportation link to Deadwood, S.D. The gold brought in funds for the city, but also brought in many famous faces who wanted the gold without the hard labor.

Much of Sidney's past can be found at the Boot Hill Graveyard, the Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commanders' Home. Sidney resident and historian Gordy Wilkins will be sharing stories of Sidney's gold rush history and several bands will play, including the City of Sidney Community Band, this weekend.

"We celebrate Gold Rush Days to go back to our history and heritage," Wilkins said. "During the time of the gold rush, Sidney's population increased dramatically. Sidney became the drop-off point on the trail, so it really put Sidney on the map and made its presence known in the United States."

A campfire will kick off the celebration on Friday at 5 p.m. A campfire cookout where locals are encouraged to bring hot dogs and marshmallows will follow the Night Gold Rush 5K Walk/Run.

Saturday's events will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and a chance to win $100. The breakfast is free to anyone who purchases a Gold Rush Days Button from Imagine That, The Cheyenne County Visitor's Center or Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce.

This year, the Gold Rush Days committee selected artwork provided by the Windy Plains Home educators group.

Recently, the group toured the Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander's Home as well as enjoyed stories told by Wilkins. Each of the students drew images of things they saw during the tour that were submitted to the Gold Rush Days committee. Annalyn Smith's drawing best represented Sidney's past, and is being used as this year's button design.

Other Gold Rush Days activities will include such things as gold panning, crafts, kids' games, cannon firings, blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations and giveaways. There will also be a shuttle that provides transportation to the Fort Sidney Museum and historic areas in Sidney.

"This is a way for families to learn about Sidney's heritage while having fun," Wilkins said.