I have to hand it to the Yreka Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director Joan Smith-Freeman. Gold Rush Days in Yreka was a big success on Saturday. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that many people at an event in downtown Yreka.

I ran into one of my friends enjoying the festivities, Matt Wilson, who commented, “There are a lot of people here. It’s like when we were kids.”

“Well, that’s the way it should be,” I thought. There was a lot going on–pony rides, music by the Celtic Cats, the State of Jefferson Vigilance Committee shootout reenactments, a dunk tank, firemen’s breakfast, chili cook off, Cowboy Poets, watermelon eating contest, jalapeno eating contest, arm wrestling tournament, Blue Relish rockin’ the stage, and tons of food and merchandise vendors.

For those who may not remember back to the 70s, or are new to the area, Yreka used to have huge turnouts for what was then called the “Sidewalk Sale.” It was similar, with live music, a street dance, chili cook off, and all kinds of fun stuff. One of the keys to success back then and now was community involvement and support–everything from the media and businesses pitching in to tons of people coming out to have a good time all day and into the evening.

Hopefully, we are starting a new chapter.

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