See Gold Rush Days

Get ready to turn back the clock to the 1850s. Free to the public and a wildly favorite Sacramento heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days 2012 returns to Old Sacramento over Labor Day weekend, running Friday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 3.

Nearly 200 tons of dirt will transform the streets of Sacramento’s 27-acre historic district into a scene straight out of the Gold Rush era.

The unique four-day event features crowd-favorite K Street shoot-outs, entertaining live music and dancing, Old West theatrics, history re-enactments, horse-drawn carriages, pony, wagon and train rides, gold panning, hands-on children’s games and the popular Tent City that depicts daily life during the Gold Rush.

The annual heritage celebration is produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Sacramento and California State Parks.

To set the tone and get the crowd in a festive spirit, an impressive and varied line-up of free, live entertainment will be available on various stages throughout Old Sacramento, including a variety of bands playing many different genres in the popular Save Mart Barbecue Patio and Farmers’ Market.

As a musical highlight, the local favorite Johnny Cash Tribute Band is scheduled to perform on Sunday at 2 p.m. on the Save Mart Stage.

Along with a variety of other street dramas playing out throughout Old Sacramento during Gold Rush Days, the “Burning of the Brothel” outdoor theatrical shows are back by popular demand. As part of the fun and elaborate productions, the Hook and Ladder Fire Brigade dramatically rushes to the scene of a burning building on K Street to rescue damsels in distress in a daring yet hilarious fashion.

And, Gold Rush Days visitors won’t want to miss the signature Tent City in Old Sacramento State Historic Park that offers a mercantile, boarding house, millinery, hardware store, bank, various saloons, and even an old time doctor and pharmacist. In addition, visitors can sample real sarsaparilla, discover lace making, hat making, embroidery and even pan for gold.

Presented by Save Mart Supermarkets, admission to Gold Rush Days 2012 is free and event hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m;. and  Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a complete listing of activities or more information about Gold Rush Days visit sacramentogoldrushdays.com or call 916-808-7777.