b'ABOUT GOLD RUSH DAYS Gold Rush Days is Wickenburgs biggest event of the year, celebrating the towns long history as a ranching and mining hub in Arizona. Founded 73 years ago, Gold Rush Days continues to honor that heritage. Today, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors during several days of family-friendly activities. Gold Rush Days received its most significant recognition from the Library of Congress, which classifies the event as one of Americas Local Legacies. The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce is the proud producerof the celebration each year, along with partners and sponsors.WEEKEND-LONG ACTIVITIESCARNIVAL One of the most popular features of Gold Rush Days is Browns Amusements Family Fun Carnival. The carnival opens at 4:00pm on Thursday in the downtown district and runs through Sunday, February 13. Rides and mini-games for all ages will be on site.A limited number of discount tickets will be available for carnival patrons at the Visitor Center, 216 N. Frontier Street. Tickets will also be sold at the carnival.ARTISAN FAIR The main festival area is on Valentine Street in the vicinity of the Wickenburg Community Center and the Wickenburg Public Library. Here in the historic district youll find more than 150 exhibitors at the Wickenburg Art Club artisan fair and juried art show. In addition, the fair will feature more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, a family-fun carnival, gold panning, and much more. The main festival grounds will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 OPENING CEREMONIES On Friday at 10:00am, Gold Rush officials will be on Frontier Street for the opening ceremonies, which will feature an appearance by western stuntman Will Roberts. CLASSIC CAR SHOW The Classy Classics Car Club gets bigger and better each year. These classic and vintage car enthusiasts will display their beautiful automobiles from 9:00am to 2:00pm.SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13GOLD RUSH DAYS PARADE The parade is on Saturday at 10:00am. The Gold Rush parade is one of the largest in Arizona, with more than 100 entries (and hundreds of horses!). Classic automobiles, marching bands, and youth groups will also be participating. Arizona Edventures named The Gold Rush Days parade one of the top ten parades in Arizona!SENIOR PRO RODEO Cowboys and cowgirls will take to the arena to compete in categories such as bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and more. The National Senior Pro Rodeo and Open Rough Stock will take place on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. Gates open at 12:00 noon. Limited grandstand seating is available. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.Purchase rodeo tickets at the Wickenburg Visitor Center, 216 N. Frontier Street, or at the arena on event day.Plan to arrive early! Parking is limited, especially downtown beforeImage by Craig W. Cutlerthe parade on Saturday. We look forward to seeing you!INFORMATION (928) 684-0977OUTWICKENBURGWAY.COMFACEBOOK.COM/WICKENBURGAZArizonaRealCountry.com February 2022 37Wickenburg Chamber-AZ Real Country Feb 2pp-2022-interior pages with bleeds.indd 2 1/14/22 1:40 PM'