Gold Nugget Days

Gold Nugget Days celebrate finding a 54-pound gold nugget in 1859. The celebration began in 1959 and has continued every year since. The celebration of the discovery of the Dogtown nugget runs from April 28th through May1st.

Find on this page:

Badge
Tent City
Merchant Decorating Contest
Miss Gold Nugget Pageant
Gold Nugget Revue
Donkey Derby
Parade
Children's Costume Contest
Sunday at the Museum

Gold Nugget Days Badge,

Gold Nugget Days badges sell for $2.00 each and can win you a pure gold nugget! Badges are on sale at the Gold Nugget Museum and from merchants all over the Ridge. Register your badge at the Museum to be eligible for the beautiful gold nugget. There is no charge to register.

Tent City

Take a walk back in time to life during the Gold Rush at Tent City, April 30th through May 1st on the Museum grounds. See miners living and working as they once did along the West Branch of the Feather River. See demonstrations of techniques such as panning, rockers with sluice boxes, hard rock, and dry mining. Visit Mrs. Bassett’s cabin, the trading post, and the undertaker. Don't miss the reenactments of lawbreakers' misdeeds -- and the consequences! There will be food, games, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

If you’re over 21, stop at the saloon for a game of cards, a look at the dance hall girls, and a glass of beer or wine. Deputies will check IDs.

The Gold Nugget Days High Sheriff and his deputies will jail anyone breaking the law, including those not wearing a Gold Nugget Days badge.

Because the gold strike clearly is a good one, some permanent buildings have been erected. Be sure to visit the blacksmith’s shop, the schoolhouse, and the Wells Fargo Assay Office with its replica of the Dogtown Nugget.

Merchant Decorating Contest

Paradise Ridge businesses paint windows, put up decorations and displays and encourage their employees to dress according to the theme. Merchants support the festivites and compete to win awards such as cash prizes, gift baskets, gift certificates, a homemade quilt, advertising, and more. The event is sponsored by the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Miss Gold Nugget Pageant

Ridge high school juniors compete for the title of Gold Nugget Queen. Each girl must find a sponsor and escort, submit a portfolio and create a dress of the 1850-1899 period. The candidates are judged on the historical accuracy of their costumes, the quality of the portfolios, their poise and demeanor and their appearance. The dress is the most important factor. The 2011 Gold Nugget Days Queen will be crowned at the Opening Ceremonies on Thursday April 28th at 7:00pm at the Paradise Performing Arts Center.

Gold Nugget Revue

The variety show features music, dancing, comedy, and skits -- all showcasing the range of talent we have on the Ridge. The Revue plays Friday and Saturday, April 29th and 30th at 7:00pm at the Paradise Senior Center. Tickets are $15.00

Donkey Derby

The annual Donkey Derby staged by E Clampus Vitus 7-11 commemorates the race up the hill to Dogtown to show off their good fortune when miners found the 54-pound gold nugget at Whiskey Flat in April 1859. During today's race, donkey and drover teams compete to get up the hill to Magalia community center and through an obstacle course-while carrying 54-pound weights. First, second and third place cash prizes are awarded the winners. Come root for your favorite donkey on Saturday, April 30th, from 9:00-10:00am at the Old Magalia Community Church.

Parade

The Gold Nugget Days parade sweepstakes award of $200 and a trophy go to the entry judged best in the parade. To be eligible for the award, the entry must reflect the Gold Nugget Days theme Gold Rush. The parade begins at noon on Saturday April 30th..

The Children’s Costume Contest

The Children’s Costume Contest is a popular event and is sure to please young and old alike. The contest is open to children preschool age and younger, second through fourth grades, and fifth through eighth grades. The contest will be held at the Museum on Saturday, April 30th, 2011at 2:00pm

Sunday at the Museum

The Museum offers food, music and a time to relax after all the big events of Gold Nugget Saturday. From Noon to 4 p.m. there will be hoagie lunches for sale, lots of music, gold panning, blacksmithing and friendly faces. Live music performances as well as the Law Dawgs & Pistoleros of the Olde West will keep you entertained. Admission is free for this event.