Thousands of people and rubber duckies flooded downtown Fairbanks on Saturday for the annual celebration of the discovery of gold known as Golden Days. Hosted by the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Golden Days commemorates Felix Pedro’s 1902 discovery of gold in the hills north of Fairbanks. The event concludes a week-long celebration with activities such as old tyme games, a comedy show, a Felix Pedro themed bar crawl, a parade, street fair, and rubber duckie race. This year’s theme was “A Tale as Gold as Time,” with dozens of floats and costumes inspired by the “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale.
Celebrating Local Heritage
The Vernon Nash Antique Auto Club of Fairbanks kicked off the grand parade with a display of more than two dozen antique vehicles. The parade featured a mix of mining and industrial trucks, motorcycles, military vehicles from Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, tractors, horses, and emergency vehicles from various departments in the area. Mary Jo Skaggs, president of the Filipino-American Society of Fairbanks, noted that the theme of this year’s Golden Days resonated with the Filipino community and their journey from the golden islands to the Golden heart city of Fairbanks.
Community Participation
Numerous community organizations and families participated in the parade, showcasing their creativity and spirit. The Fairbanks Children’s Museum’s float featured a “Beauty and the Beast” theme with a unique interpretation of the characters. The Howard family came together from different parts of the country to join the festivities, dressing up as Star Wars characters. Local businesses and institutions like the University of Alaska Fairbanks also took part in the celebration, highlighting their contributions to the community.
Unique Attractions
Aside from the parade, the event also included a Rubber Duckie Race and Street Fair. Thousands of rubber duckies were released into the Chena River, creating a fun and exciting race for spectators. The street fair filled the area with food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and informational booths, offering a diverse range of activities for attendees. Additionally, the Kids Korner provided inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and human foosball for the younger participants to enjoy.
Overall, Golden Days in Fairbanks not only celebrates the historical significance of the gold discovery but also serves as a vibrant community event that brings people together to enjoy a day filled with entertainment, creativity, and local pride.
