The gold rush may have been 140 years ago, but this weekend Gold Rush Days returns to Buena Vista August 13-14 in McPhelemy Park. This two-day festival celebration of Buena Vista and Chaffee County history and heritage includes a full schedule of arts, music, and entertainment.
The festivities began Saturday morning with the opening of Vendor Alley in McPhelemy Park and continue through Sunday with history-themed events for all ages including arts and crafts, gold panning for kids, face painting, goats, and shows by the Heritage Museum.
Pandora and Louise Kuehster about to cross the finish line in first place at the Buena Vista pack burro race. The pair are the winners of 2019 Triple Crown race.
Live music will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with a special Saturday night performance by David Lawrence and the Spoonful from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday will kick off with an 8:30 a.m. “Cowboy Church” service that welcomes all denominations and creeds.
Shortly after Cowboy Church, the famed Triple Crown Pack Burro Race will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the fastest pack burros this side of the Rockies. The race
Organizers encourage everyone to participate and learn more about the colorful and wild history of Buena Vista and Chaffee County.
The Triple Crown Burro Race will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce)
Learning history is made easy during Goldrush Days, because throughout the weekend, historical reenactments including period costumes, chases, and musket demonstrations will be held.
A beer and wine garden will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday with special extended hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for David Lawrence and the Spoonful.
Gold Rush Days is a free event open to all ages.
The town of Buena Vista encourages residents and visitors to experience this year’s Gold Rush Days “where history meets heritage”, to learn about the pioneers and frontiersmen who settled this Valley over 140 years ago.
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