Rossland is traveling to the gold rush days and “bringing the boom back.”
The city is gearing up for its 38th edition of Golden City Days, a family weekend festival that celebrates pioneer heritage.
“Golden City Days is a way of looking back at that sort of heritage time,” said Hilary Wehrle, who is one of the few volunteers who helps coordinate the annual event.
“It was because of Rossland and the mining claims in Rossland that Consolidated Mining was born, which is now Teck,” she said. “The reason most of us are here still is because of Teck and it comes back to the discoveries that were made in Rossland.”
Though considered the mountain bike capital of Canada, Rossland’s story starts with its rich mining history. Back in 1897, Rossland was one of B.C.’s largest cities and was even considered for the province’s capital.
The city reminisces with this festival that not only encourages residents to pull out their heritage wear but offers an array of activities for every age group.
The festival kicks off Thursday with the Rossland Mountain Market from 3-6:30 p.m. on Queen Street, before diving into jam-packed days to follow.
With a statue of Olaus Jeldness in mind, Spirit of Red is raising funds with a performance by the Tuques at the Miner’s Hall at 8 p.m. Friday.
The Rossland Firefighters will have a strong presence this weekend, starting with their Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive downtown Friday and later feeding an army full of hungry customers at Saturday’s pancake breakfast at the fire hall.
Following breakfast, Nancy Greene Raine will lead the parade down Columbia Avenue at 11 a.m. The Olympic gold medalist originally from Rossland will be back in town for Rossland Secondary School’s class of ‘61’s 50-year graduation reunion.
For those already thinking about Christmas gifts, the fall fair is back at the Rossland Arena from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday touting baking, canning, crafts, photography and much more.
The fair will also feature a petting zoo and a SPCA display, in addition to information booths, live music and entertainment.
The Rossland Skate Park Association will have all hands on deck with a temporary park at the Emcon lot from noon until 5:30 p.m. KSS Miner Threat Jam is a way to push for the future park planned to be built in that location.
The athletically inclined will also enjoy the Golden City Grind, a race that starts at 10 a.m. (registration at 9 a.m.) at the Centennial trailhead.
New to the schedule of events, Rossland resident Darcee O’Hearn will be promoting her first story in a children’s book series, “Leonard the Larch,” with a book signing from noon until 2 p.m., followed by a reading at 2:30 p.m. at the Miner’s Hall.
Then the popcorn will come out shortly after in the heritage building for a children’s free matinee.
The weekend’s festivities will be capped off with the West Kootenay Women’s Roller Derby League’s second annual Mountain Mayhem.
The first whistle at 5 p.m. will put Slocan’s Valley Vendettas on the oval track against Trail’s Bloodshed Betties. The second much-anticipated bout features Salmo’s Babes of Brutality versus Rossland’s Gnarlie’s Angels.
For more information on Golden City Days, pick up a flyer around town or check out the event listing on Facebook.