Another great Gold Discovery Days

Is it just us, or does Gold Discovery Days seem to get bigger and better each year? If the size of the crowds that converged on Custer over the weekend are any indication, Gold Discovery Days was another huge success. Kudos to the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce staff, board and army of volunteers who make it all happen each year. It is such a well done event.
The Friday night events were as entertaining as always, as the Gold Panner’s Race (even though it was cancelled this year) appears to have permanently replaced the annual bed races, and honestly probably evens the field as to who can win the event, as it’s not automatically the (usually) youngest and fastest who win the event. This one takes a little more luck (skill?). If you missed the Ivory concert Friday evening, boy did you miss out. It was a great night of music by some very talented musicians who seemingly can cover every classic hit you can replay in your mind.
We have said it before, but we believe it’s worth reiterating, we love the all-Washington Street setup that was implemented for the weekend a few years ago. The setup creates a one-stop feel to the weekend. You can move from the carnival to the car show to the craft fair and even the gold panning races all within a straight and short distance to each other. It’s a convenient and smart setup. And, if you so choose, you can walk most of it with a cold beer in your hand, as the open container rules were introduced for that area (and Mt. Rushmore Road to the north side of the street) a couple of years ago to rave reviews. As far as we know, nothing bad has happened because of this new rule, and that’s a good thing. As long as everyone is behaving, it’s not hurting a thing.
It was great to see the return of the carnival a few years ago. The carnival used to be a staple of the weekend, but it went away for several years and was replaced by a bunch of bouncy houses. That was fine and fun for the little kids, but an actual carnival is fun that every age can enjoy. As long as you are able to get yourself into the cart, you can enjoy the carnival. We hope the carnival is here to stay as a part of the weekend. Plus, the carnival is what lets you know Gold Discovery Days weekend is upon us. When the carnival rides start showing up on Washington Street, you know it’s about game time!
Gold Discovery Days is now in the rear view mirror, but we hope you can relive it a little through the picture pages found in this issue of the Chronicle. We have no doubt that planning is already underway for next year’s celebration, which will be the 100th anniversary of Gold Discovery Days. What a celebration that will be.