Since the year 1962, the town of Valdez, Alaska, has been home to the Gold Rush Days. This event was created to add some excitement to the town, and both locals and tourists have enjoyed it every year since.
Located about five and a half hours east of Anchorage is the town of Valdez. Valdez is a city holding one of the most important ports in Alaska. Named after a Spanish naval officer, this town is home to about 4,000.
At the Festival:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Valdez Gold Rush Days and the celebrations and events are sure to be even more special. A variety of events are held each August; these begin on a Wednesday and conclude on a Sunday.
Just what specific events may you find after you arrive in your Alaska RV rental? For starters you can enjoy a movie (most likely on the theme of gold) presented in the evening at the local Civic Theater. Car washes and talk shows are present at the festival as is a BBQ celebration at the beginning of the days of the gold rush festival.
Just introduced last year in 2011 was the popular Gold Rush Days Fun Night at Ruth Pond. Gold Rush Days included rock climbing, face painting, sidewalk chalk art, riders, and concessions. Food you can find at the concessions include the traditional hot dogs, chips, pop, and root beer floats. Canoe races and activities provide lots of entertainment.
Also at the Gold Rush Days Fun Night is the “Build a Boat and Hope it Floats” event. You’ll be tasked to build a boat solely out of cardboard and duct tape. This cardboard boat must be able to hold 2 people and paddle up the set course. You are allowed to use a real paddle to steer your boat.
Your kids may enjoy the diving for gold events where they can come up rich in findings. Other fun activities for kids include scavenger hunts, a horseshoe tournament, kid games, the Gold Rush Days Parade, a pet show, and more. And for adults, be sure to try to make it to town with your Anchorage RV sale for the gold rush music and skits, international food fair, historic homes tour, pet show, pancake breakfast, open air market, and geocaching event.
We hope you have a wonderful trip to Alaska. For more information on cities to explore, roads to take, and places to dine we’d be happy to give you some helpful advice.
