Golden Days Parade facts for kids
The Golden Days Parade is a super fun event that happens every July in Fairbanks, Alaska. It's part of the bigger Golden Days Festival. This festival celebrates Fairbanks' exciting past, especially its "gold rush" days and the brave "Alaskan pioneers" who helped start the city in 1901. The parade is one of the most popular parts of the festival!
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About the Golden Days Festival
The Golden Days Festival started to honor Fairbanks' history. It grew to include the famous Fairbanks gold rush. A man named Felix Pedro found gold on July 22, 1902. He found it in a creek about 12 miles north of E. T. Barnette's trading post.
The Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce organizes this celebration. It always takes place in the July week closest to July 22. The Chamber says Golden Days is "Fairbanks' most co-operatively produced summer event." It's also the biggest summer event for tourists visiting Fairbanks. It marks the busiest time for visitors!
Important Dates in Golden Days History
Fairbanks' 100th Birthday
The year 2001 was very special. It was 100 years since Fairbanks was founded! This marked the 100th anniversary of the paddleboat Lavelle Young landing on the banks of the Chena River. That spot later became the city of Fairbanks.
Golden Days' 50th Anniversary
The year 2001 was also the 50th anniversary of Golden Days itself. A pioneer named Kay Kennedy started the festival in 1951.
Gold Discovery Centennial
In 2002, the festival celebrated 100 years since Felix Pedro discovered gold. The theme that year was "Days of Gold, 100 Years Old."
City Incorporation Centennial
The year 2003 marked 100 years since Fairbanks officially became a city.
The 2020 "Reverse" Parade
In 2020, something unique happened. There was a "reverse" parade! This meant the parade floats stayed still, and people drove by them in their cars.
What Happens at the Golden Days Festival?
The Golden Days Festival lasts for five days in Fairbanks, Alaska. It's all about celebrating Fairbanks' history and its gold rush past.
Dress Up for the Festival!
During the festival, everyone in the city is encouraged to dress up! People wear "wild west" or Victorian style clothes. This shows their support for the festival.
Fun Activities for Everyone
Tourists and locals can enjoy many exciting events during the festival:
- Watch a lively Can-Can show.
- Cheer on the Golden Days Parade.
- Attend special luncheons honoring Alaskan pioneers.
- Watch the exciting Rubber Ducky Race.
- Join the 16.2-mile Golden Discovery Race.
- Visit Pioneer Park, also known as Alaska-Land to locals.
- Take part in fun contests, like the "Hairy Man Contest."
- Explore the downtown street fair.
- Visit one of the old gold dredges.
- Enjoy a stand-up comedy show.
You can find a full list of events for the festival at the Chamber of Commerce.
