Gold was discovered near Dahlonega, Georgia, in 1828. Since 1956, Dahloneganians have mined for gold in the purses and wallets of visitors over the third full weekend of October during what we call Gold Rush Days. Works pretty well too.
Please Note: Do not ask a writer to help you understand what “third full weekend” means. We cannot tell you because that requires math and we cannot do math. That’s why so many stories on Gold Rush Days 2014 refer to the 60th anniversary of this festival which began 58 years ago.
More than 200,000 people from all over the region come to visit one of the South’s most favorite festivals.
They’re just as happy as can be to leave their gold behind in return for delicious food, arts & crafts that they cannot find anywhere else, sensational music and a chance to be among the most beautiful women and most handsome men in the coolest town anywhere.
Gold Rushers only have two days to scamper from booth to booth and from food vendor to food vendor. No one can take it all in, especially if you sit in the shade and listen to the most glorious music this side of Nashville for an hour or two.
If you get tired of the crowds (you won’t) and you hope you never eat another cheese pretzel or see another art and/or craft, you’re a mile or two from one of the most scenic spots in the most beautiful state in America: the North Georgia Mountains.
Head north and hike Blood Mountain or relax for a while at Vogel State Park.
Then head back for more at Dahlonega’s Gold Rush Days!
Gold Rush Days Schedule
Saturday, October 18, 2014
9 AM – 6 PM: Craft and Food Booths will be open
2 PM: King & Queen Coronation
3 PM: the Gold Rush Parade begins!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
9 AM – 6 PM: Craft and Food Booths will be open
Music is performed on the Main Stage throughout Gold Rush Days.
Other Fun Gold Rush Days Activities
- Arm Wrestling (also known as “wrass-lin”)
- Clogging
- Live Music
- Hog Calling
- Buck Dancing Competition
- K.I.S.S. Club Performance
- Cross Cut Saw Competition
- Old Fashion Day Fashion Show
- Treasure Hunt and Games for the Kids
Click Here for Gold Rush Days
