The Gold Prospectors of Colorado are coming back to Breckenridge June 15 - 17 for the annual Gold Panning Championships at the Blue River Plaza. This event will take you back to Breckenridge’s prosperous gold prospecting roots. The professional gold panners share their knowledge and 'tricks of the trade' for people of all ages to test their luck at striking rich.
The Gold Prospectors will also show proper technique to pan for gold, explore new tools and equipment, and take part in the 2018 Championships. All necessary tools will be provided to attendees. This FREE event is located at the Blue River Plaza in Breckenridge and is open to all ages.
Event Schedule:
-Friday, June 15th—10:00am-5:00pm
-Saturday, June 16th—10:00am-5:00pm
-Sunday, June 17th—10:00am-5:00pm
Colorado Gold Rush History:
The Colorado Gold Rush was the boom in the prospecting and mining of gold in present day Colorado in 1859. The land was still in Kansas territory at that time. In 1882, a depot site for the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad was secured, which brought rail service to Breckenridge. The town grew to about 2,000 residents and had half dozen rival mining camps in the process, including Swan City, Preston, and Lincoln City. By 1882, the town added three newspapers and a cemetery and became one of the most notable mining towns in Summit County. Breckenridge also managed to organize three fire companies to protect the vulnerable wooden structures, but unfortunately, a major fire in 1884 destroyed a number of buildings along Main Street and Ridge Street. Despite the fire danger, local carpenters continued to build with wood because of the availability of materials and the reduced time, effort, and cost of construction. As a result, few masonry buildings ever appeared in Breckenridge after the fire.
