(South Pass City, WY) – It sure was a windy one at the opening day of the 2024 Gold Rush Days in South Pass City today, July 6, but that didn’t stop the hundreds of attendees and families from enjoying some old timey fun, and maybe a cold Sarsaparilla or two.
Our first stop at Day 1 of Gold Rush Days was the Vintage Base Ball game (yep, it was two words back then), between South Pass City and Hudson. While Hudson put up a bunch of runs in the last inning, South Pass City’s teams took the win, with a final score of 12-8 (we’re pretty sure on that score, but let us know if we were off by a run or two!).
After that was some live music and an ice cold bottle of Sioux City Sarsaparilla, courtesy of Carol Chidsey in the old Miner’s Exchange Saloon. (Carol reminded us that folks can donate to Friends of South Pass City through WyoGives to help support events like Gold Rush Days; just click here!)
Next up was an anvil blasting demonstration, which Gold Rush Days goers ge to enjoy every hour on the hour. And now we finally know what one looks like in slow motion!
Folks can also enjoy a Pony Express demonstration both days, at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
After all of the demonstrations and Vintage Base Ball action we started to get a bit peckish, so it was time to head over to the Sherlock House to get a chocolate chip cookie baked/served fresh from a wood stove. Our cookie server ended up being none other than Olivia Robeson, the great granddaughter of the owners of the Sherlock House.
Following the chocolate-y refueling session, it was on to check out more of what Gold Rush Days had to offer, including blacksmith and card game demos, a tour of the Carissa Mine, a quick lesson on dinosaur poop, and of course gold panning!
There was a ton more we didn’t get to check out today, but the good news is Gold Rush Days continues tomorrow! Check out the activities list below so you can start planning your day for Sunday!