Sidney Strikes it Rich with 20th Annual Gold Rush Days

The second weekend of June in Sidney kicked off Summer with the 20th Annual Gold Rush Days celebration at the green space in Legion Park. A family-friendly event that's sure to entertain, educate, and impress, the yearly festival serves as a chance to get out of the house and explore the integral history of the area, all for the affordable price of free.

Standing out not only for the inexpensive time out but the true Western feeling as well, Sidney Gold Rush Days offers a glimpse into the late 1800's and what life might have been like back then. From the authentic costume rentals, makeshift old town square, tepees, shooting range, tomahawk throw, gold panning, and even an old fashioned wooden coffin to pose in; the occasion serves as a bridged reminder to days past and to how they have positively affected our own futures.

Without the infamous finding of "Black Gold" in the hills of South Dakota, or the Union Pacific Railroad settling in town, Sidney would not be what it is today. Serving as a key destination in both happenstances, the "Toughest Town on The Tracks," proved to be vital in the makings of Wild West history as we know and tell it today.

Helping keep the passion for our preserved history at the forefront of local legend, the Sidney Gold Rush Days committee works tirelessly year after year to provide a whirlwind weekend of fun to the surrounding area and other guests. A humble collection of vendors, food trucks, entertainers, reenactors, cowboys, Native American culture, and even saloon girls from Deadwood to Denver and Wyoming to Minnesota and just about all over Nebraska too; all call Legion Park home for the second weekend in June.

With a record number in attendance both for spectators and vendors alike, the 20th celebration wrangled in 62 merchants, thousands of attendees, and ten food trucks offering everything from plants, homemade dog treats, knives, jams, and jellies to pickle lemonade, specialty hotdogs, rolled ice cream, Indian tacos, and even fresh pizza.

New to Gold Rush Days was a homemade pie contest sponsored and led by the Oktoberfest committee; whether it be fruit, cream, or praline all types of pies were allowed entry into the first-ever competition. "We were looking for fundraising opportunities, when Gold Rush called we answered," Sally Harris a member of the committee mentions, "In total, we had 21 or so pies entered into this year's contest." Slices of the pies were then divided to sell individually as well as whole pies, "We truly appreciate everyone who entered and donated their pies. We had some first-time bakers and some very accomplished; as this fundraising goes towards our 50th Oktoberfest celebration we value the support."

Judging was based off of a blind test with three judges ranking each pie by taste on a scale from one to ten. This year's Gold Rush Days pie contest winner was Kelsey Arrington with her original recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb; second place was awarded to Heidi Brown for her Strawberry Lemon Pie.

Not the only contest at the celebration, Take Back Health & Fitness also hosted a 5k "Glow for the Goal" run and walk for adults and youth. The activity served as a fundraiser for three local women, Callie Schilz, Aspen Schilz, and Jennifer Holtz who will be participating in the Susan G. Komen 60 mile - 3 day walk which raises money for breast cancer research and survivors. The 5k winners consisted of: Josh Cox, best overall male with a time of 18:35; Brenna Geiger, best overall female with a time of 26:21; and Brayton Schumacher, best overall youth with a time of 7:27 for the youth mile run.

Sidney Gold Rush days would not be possible without the help of volunteers, Chris Gutierrez a local musician and the emcee of the event has been a key part of the celebration for the past seven years. "It's important to remember where our history comes from, Sidney is a wonderful small town with a crazy past. I think people tend to forget the pivotal sport this was during the Gold Rush," Gutierrez had to say, "It's vital we keep things like this alive for generations to come. This is a wonderful tradition that has been handed down from one generation to the next, I'm so proud to be a part of it!"

Without the honest investment of the Gold Rush committee, this annual Sidney festivity may have also been one for the history books. Kathy Schmit, the current president of the chapter, officially became involved with the organization after moving to the area a few years ago, "This is a great way to bring the community together for some fun and education, seeing all of the smiles makes the work worth it." Schmit adds, "When I heard Gold Rush was looking for help, I knew I wanted to get involved. I remember the fun I had at events such as this one as a child, and I wanted to provide that experience to my own grandchildren as well as the other kids in Sidney."

Not only an opportunity for children to immerse themselves in history, but the adults too, "This is a chance for people to learn history not normally taught in schools, this provides more 'behind the scenes' information to all. We should not lose or forget about that part of our American History," Scott Nichols, another key player in the Gold Rush, had to say about its impact on the community.

Catering to the family is a big part of the annual event, "When I first moved to the area four years ago, I attended Gold Rush with my own family," Mary Brumage, the organization networking, and social media specialist said, "We had a wonderful day and we didn't leave entirely broke either. I loved the idea that an entire family could enjoy time together where they didn't have to say 'no' for once." Brumage went on to add, "It is so important to keep this event alive and to recruit more help, that way families can continue to have that fun each year."

Gold Rush is a time of excitement and entertainment, but the foundation of the event is in dire need of support from the community it caters to. "We have about four people fully committed to making Gold Rush a possibility each year, and we desperately need bodies for the manpower," Chad Brumage, the chapter's secretary had to say in regards to the logistics, "Even just helping to set up or tear down, we're not asking you to attend every meeting we just need the help."

Brumage is quick to point out the unique opportunities for families and their children at the weekend getaway, "My son is six years old and always looks forward to the kid's corner." An area reserved for crafts and tinkering, the corner is comprised of a face paint station, panning for gold which is then turned in for special prizes, building tepees, working with XL Lincoln Logs, and creating arrowhead necklaces... all free of charge. "Saturday is the most fun as you start to notice the accomplishments around you," Brumage adds with a chuckle, "It's not all that serious, my six-year-old ate his own weight in beef sticks, we can all have fun in different ways at Gold Rush."

Gold Rush is always seeking to expand, looking to make the next 20 years a possibility as well, the call for help beyond the committee is needed too. "We're always looking for new entertainment, specifically reenactors," Schmit mentions, "It's been an honor being a part of the 20th annual, and I can not wait for the next 20."

As the event continues to grow each and every year, more help is not only needed but necessary in continuing the Sidney tradition.

To join the board for Sidney Gold Rush Days you may contact Kathy Schmit at her email: [email protected] by calling: 970-817-4718; or by emailing Ken Geu, current treasurer, at his email: [email protected] by calling: 308-254-4415

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.