Activity of the Week: The past comes to life with Golden Days in Fairbanks

In 1902, Felix Pedro discovered gold in Fairbanks and there has been reason to celebrate ever since. During the height of summer, we commemorate the glittering history of Fairbanks with the Golden Days celebration. Hosted by the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Golden Days activities range from a rubber ducky race down the Chena River to musical performances, a street fair, antique car display and a grand parade, thought to be the largest parade in Alaska. Particularly quirky is the Grizzly Alaskan Contest for those who can grow abnormal amounts of body hair (only in Alaska!). In true pioneer form, Golden Days attendees are encouraged to dress in turn-of-the-century wear. The 2010 celebration takes place Wednesday, July 21 – Sunday, July 25. Book your reservation at the Princess Fairbanks Hotel soon before space runs out.

Once you’re in the gold mining spirit, take a trip to El Dorado Gold Mine and learn about the Interior’s gold mining history aboard the Tanana Valley Railroad. Once at the mine, enjoy a walking tour of the camp and learn about present-day placer mining methods. You can even try your luck panning for gold.

To see more of Fairbanks, the City of Gold Tour invites you to visit the Museum of the North — the state’s primary repository of natural and cultural history — view the trans-Alaska oil pipeline and tour through historic downtown Fairbanks.

You can make reservations for the El Dorado Gold Mine tour and the City of Gold Tour at the Tour Desk of the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

“Activity of the Week” is a weekly blog series that profiles adventures, destinations and tour operators from across Alaska.