Catch the Gold Rush in Wickenburg

The town of Wickenburg, less than an hour away from Phoenix is hosting their 62nd annual Gold Rush Days. Known for its western ambience, Wickenburg is committed to preserving the traditions of the Wild West.

Named as “One of the Best of the West 101 Top Western Events for 2010” by the publishers of American Cowboy Magazine, the festivities begin with an old fashioned gunslinger shootout. Cowboys from all over the country gather on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to participate in the Senior Pro rodeo and the grounds around the Community Center families can enjoy a carnival, food booths, and arts and crafts.

On Saturday, February 13 the Gold Rush parade starts at 10:00 a.m. on West Wickenburg Way, the main drag of the town.  The 4th largest parade in the state, over 100 floats and more than 1,000 horses pass by spectators lined up and down the streets.

Some of the other highlights include:

Thursday and Friday, February 11 and 12:
7:30 P.M. – DEL E. WEBB CENTER Presents: “Marty Stuart & Fabulous Superlatives”
$45 adults, $5 children
Purchase tickets online.

Friday, February 12:
9:00 A.M. –3 P.M.  Classic Car Show on Frontier Street
10:00 A.M.    Opening Ceremonies – Gun Fights on historic Frontier Street in front of the Historic Santa Fe Depot

Saturday, February 13:
9:00 A.M.  Arizona Gunslingers – Gun Fight on Frontier Street
10:00 A.M.  Gold Rush Parade
2:00 P.M.  Senior Pro Rodeo – Everett Bowman Arena
Admission: $10 adults; $8 Seniors (60+) $6 Student (13-18)
Child $3 (5-12) Under 5 – FREE (Gates open at 12 Noon)

Sunday, February 14:
2:00 P.M.  Senior Pro Rodeo – Everett Bowman Arena

For more details of all the events refer to this schedule.

The town has some great places for good grub.  The Pony Espresso is an internet café with flavored coffees, pastries and sandwiches.  Across the street on Wickenburg Way is the Mecca Cantina where you can enjoy a margarita and a variety of Mexican dishes and burgers.  A nice outdoor patio is located on the side of the restaurant which is part of a courtyard filled with clothing boutiques and other shops to buy souvenirs and jewelry.

Tegner Street is home to unique boutiques that are the reason I go back as often as I can.  The Old Livery Mercantile looks like the typical old Western all-purpose store that now carries, western wear, souvenirs and Southwest inspired items.  The Refried Bean has a fantastic selection of Mexican pottery, kitchen accessories and other Mexican decorative pieces for your home.  For beautiful turquoise pieces and rare gem stones stop by Danny’s Jewelry to pick up a trinket or two.

At the corner of Wickenburg Way and Tegner Street is the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. This museum is a must-see that stays true to the cowboy theme of the town.  Current exhibitions include Early Twentieth Century Arizona, a Postcard Legacy and the 5th annual Cowgirl Up! Exhibit with more than 200 drawings, paintings and sculptures done by females artists of the West.

Sharpen your spurs, don your cowboy hat and mosey on down Wickenburg Way for a weekend full of good ole’ cowboy fun.

Gold Rush Days
February 11-14, 2010
Tickets to the rodeo can be purchased in advance online.

Directions from Phoenix:

Take Interstate 10 W to Loop 303 North
Take Loop 303 N to US 60-93 West to downtown Wickenburg
At the intersection of Wickenburg Way (Hwy 60-93) in downtown turn right onto Tegner Street (Hwy 93), go two blocks and turn left to Yavapai Street
See Wickenburg Chamber Visitor’s Center at 216 N. Frontier Street

or

Take Interstate 17 North to Carefree Highway (Exit 17)
Turn left onto Carefree Highway, traveling past Lake Pleasant to US 60-93 West into downtown Wickenburg.