Discover Historical Family Fun at Grass Valley Gold Rush Days

John LaRosa 06/12/2014

Grass Valley Gold Rush Days Are Back June 21st & 22nd

The Gold Rush is Back, in Grass Valley CA

On June 21^st and 22^nd the Grass Valley Downtown Association and downtown merchants invite you to, “Take a step back in time to the 1850’s where gold was king in Grass Valley and Nevada County.” The city’s annual Gold Rush Days celebration sees beautiful downtown Grass Valley transported to the heyday of the California Gold Rush. The streets of Grass Valley come alive with life in the 1850’s gold mining town. Children and adults alike can learn about the rich history of the California Gold Rush from performers in authentic period costumes, a gold panning experience, and other historical re-enactments. Or they can stop at the True Grit Photo Parlor and step in to the past with their own old-timey photograph. Patrons can enjoy all these attractions amid the shopping and gourmet dining of historic Downtown Grass Valley.

This year’s festivities will feature special guests, stars of Western films and television shows; Clint Walker, Johnny Crawford, Peter Sherayko and Charlie LeSueur. Famous for their work on shows and films such as “Cheyenne,” “The Rifleman,” and HBO’s “Deadwood,” these honored guests will only add to the authenticity of this historical event.

Grass Valley owes its origination to the California Gold Rush as Cornish tin miners settled the area in large numbers to exploit the hardrock gold mining opportunities of the Empire and North Star mines. The nearby Empire Mine State Historic Park is home to the site of the Empire Mine, the oldest, largest, and richest gold mine in California, responsible for producing 5.8 million ounces of gold during its operation from 1850-1956. The park showcases many original mine buildings as well as the elegant and lush gardens, reflecting pools, and residences of mine owner William Bourn Jr.

The event is free for all ages. There’s also plenty of free parking with additional permit parking lots open for free during the event. For more information about Grass Valley’s Gold Rush Days celebration visit the Grass Valley Downtown Association. Or take a look at our Grass Valley Community page to learn more about homes for sale in Grass Valley.

The 2013 Nevada County Fair Kicks Off Tomorrow

Mary Pizzimenti 08/05/2013

Events in Nevada County Family Fun Nevada County Fair

Nevada County is an area that is particularly well-known for hosting a wide variety of community events throughout the year. Well, it’s time again for Nevada County’s piece de resistance, voted the Best Local Event in Nevada County 12 years in row by the Sacramento Union newspaper, The Nevada County Fair.

The Nevada County Fair opens tomorrow August 7, 2013 for five fun-filled days of animals, rides, contests, and food for the whole family to enjoy. The theme this year is “Under the Big Top” so attendees can expect to see many circus themed attractions mixed in with the usual fare.

Be sure to take the kids down to Cirucs Imagination, where children become instant stars by stepping out of the audience, putting on costumes, and stepping on to the stage to perform in a spontaneous circus. The Zip Line is always a crowd favorite as parents and children alike get the chance to fly across the fairgrounds 28 feet up in the air.

Keep an eye out for the members of Boy Scout Troop 232 who will be stationed at the fairgrounds, selling books of 30 ride tickets for $20, a $10 discount. For other ways to save on admission or ride tickets be sure to visit the Nevada County Fair Website (linked below) to get all the details.

For those new to Nevada County, the fair provides an excellent window in to life in the region. People from all walks of life can be seen at the fair enjoying time with their family and friends. It’s also a great way to encourage children to learn more about animals and even local agriculture.

So grab your family and your friends and head on over to the Nevada County Fairgrounds August 7-11 for the 2013 Nevada County Fair.

Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for kids age six and older.

Nothing says family-fun like the County Fair.