in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 19, 2023
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — 20 years ago, a small group of Eugenia residents got together to create an annual summer festival in honour of a historic moment in the community's history — the fool's gold rush of 1853. The event was conceived as a way of raising money for community projects.
On Saturday, June 24, the Eugenia District Community Improvement Association (EDCIA) will hold it's 18th Gold Rush event, having missed two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year's carnival marks a fulsome return to pre-pandemic fun, including vendors village, kids' games and amusements, horseshoe tournament, belt sander races, silent auction, food, beer tent and live music from noon to midnight.
New to this summer's itinerary is a guided, all-ages, historic train ride through the streets of Eugenia. The trackless multi-car vehicle will trace a route from the community park to the dam and back to Garage 13 with several interesting stops in between.
A classic car show will occupy the ball field and the very popular panning-for-gold game will be in full operation, providing kids with a fun experience, gem stones and a chance to win prizes.
Richard Henderson will perform in the afternoon while RNR takes over the stage at 7 pm. A $5 cover charge is in effect starting at 6 pm. Visitors can grab a delicious pulled pork on-a-bun with homemade coleslaw at a modest price. All proceeds go towards community improvements.
From then until now, the group has used funds raised to help bring the Grey Bruce Dragonboat Club to Lake Eugenia with the purchase of a boat. They have worked with the local OPP to improve safety, trimming trees and clearing sightlines into the playground, replaced fencing at the community park, purchasing and installing bleachers and in a project co-funded by the Municipality of Grey Highlands, they replaced the old wooden dock at the public boat launch with a new state-of-the-art modular floating dock.
The group also manages the public boat launch, supervising and maintaining the public beach property and swimming area, installing a gazebo, paths, dog park and other amenities.
Gold Rush is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to see and do. The fun starts at 11 am in the Eugenia Community Park at 222 Inkerman Street in Eugenia.
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