Sidney Gold Rush Days Bringing New Attractions

Legion Park will be the location of crafters, spinners, reenacted history and gun fights. It will also be the site free food and a hot air balloon ride opportunity.

This the 16th year of the Sidney Gold Rush Days, according to Ken Geu, president of the Sidney Gold Rush Days committee. The event will be held next weekend, June 7-9.

"It is a lot of fun, learn about the Old West," said Geu.

He said the weekend will be a combination of entertainment and education.

New this year the size of the meeting area. Geu says the event will have a bigger tent with entertainers meeting in the tent. Last year, entertainment were on a stage and viewers enjoyed the shade of the tent. This year, the larger tent affords a more intimate environment with performers closer to their viewers.

Also new this year is the hot air balloon. Geu said Wheat Belt Power Touch Stone Energy and Tri-State are combining efforts to bring a hot air balloon to the event. The plan is for a "glow night" Friday, followed by a tethered ride Saturday morning. Both are weather permitting. Wheat Belt Power District is also sponsoring a free hot dog feed Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There are also a lot of children's activities throughout the weekend.

Prior to the hot dog feed, the Gold Canyon Gun Fighters will be entertaining crowds at 5:15 p.m., and Native American Dancers at 5:45 p.m.

As the hot dogs are being served, David Seay of Humanities Nebraska will be sharing "Nebraska Territory Stories" at 6:45 p.m.

Friday night will also be the 5K Glow Run with proceeds supporting the Sidney Park Project. Register at http://www.sidneygoldrushdays.org, or contact Madi Malzahn at 308-249-1345.

At 7:55 p.m., Peter Gibbs will be hosting an interactive question and answer session on Lakota life.

Saturday events begin with the tethered hot air balloon rides at 7 a.m. Breakfast will be served beginning at 8 a.m. For attendees who are also wearing a 2019 Sidney Gold Rush Days button.

The Gold Canyon Gun Fighters will be back on stage at 8:15 a.m., with Peter Gibbs returning at 8:50 a.m. For an interactive question and answer session about Lakota life.

The Apen County Band will be onstage at 10:35 a.m., and Native American dancers at 12:15 p.m.

Paul Siebert of Humanities Nebraska will be presenting "Echoes of an Era" Part No. 1 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Gold Canyon Gun Fighters will return at 2:35 p.m. at 3 p.m., Bob and Sheila Everhart of the Smithsonian Institute will talk on "How Western Music Won the West," followed by Paul Seibert of Humanities Nebraska speaking on "Echoes of an Era" Part 2.

Native American dancers are scheduled to perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by Chris Gutierrez.

Sunday will be an abbreviated schedule with a pancake and eggs breakfast available for $4 at 8:30 a.m. Church services will be provided by Justin Brown of The Well Church.

The Gold Canyon Gun Fighters return at 10 a.m., followed by Peter Gibbs and his question and answer session on Lakota life at 10:25 a.m. Native American dancers are scheduled to be onstage at 10:50 a.m., followed by Paul Siebert with Part 3 of "Echoes of an Era" at 12 p.m. and Christ Gutierrez on stage at 1:10 p.m.

Geu said there will also be numerous vendors and displays. New this year, there will also be vendors in the Shelter House.