GOLD HILL — The 28th annual Gold Hill Founders’ Day will be held Saturday and Sunday Sept. 23-24 at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park. The event celebrates the history and culture of the once famous 19th-century gold mining boom town and is hosted by the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation Inc. Events begin at 9 a.m. with the day officially kicking off with the annual Founders’ Day Parade at 10 a.m.

Saturday’s events include arts, crafts, Heritage Living Exhibits, Civil War Living History Encampment, gold panning, entertainment, food and more.

The 10 a.m. parade line-up begins at the Gold Hill Fire Department. Those entering the parade may call 704-279-7897, or arrive at the Fire Department between 9-9:30 a.m.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the North Carolina Bluegrass Association. Music begins at the amphitheater stage at 11 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. A Bluegrass and Old Time Music Jam will also be held at the Bernhardt Log Barn and will be open to all from noon-4 p.m. The Flash Backs, back by popular demand, will bring a mix of country and beach music to end the day’s entertainment at the amphitheater from 4-5 p.m.

The Log Barn will also be the site of the Civil War Living History Encampment hosted by the 63rd NC Troops, camped onsite at the log barn for the weekend. The group will demonstrate a Civil War Skirmish on the lawn at the rear of the Log Barn at 5 p.m.

Be sure to have your kids to look for “gold nuggets” on the grounds throughout the park. Nineteenth century gold tycoon Walter George Newman was known to have tossed gold nuggets to kids during his time managing the mines at Gold Hill. In keeping with that tradition, there will be more than one hundred ‘gold nuggets’ to be found. The nuggets can be used to purchase small gifts at the Historic Foundation Booth near the Jail in the park.

The Gold Hill Fire Department will host the fire house fire training in the park near the Russell-Rufty Shelter and will also have a first aid station beside the shelter. The Fire Department Auxiliary will also have a booth in the same area.

Other Saturday events include the History Hayrides to the Gold Hill Pond and Powder House which will be available noon-4 p.m. Ride tickets may be purchased at the Assay Office Museum. The shops in the village will also be open Saturday for shopping.

Gold Hill Mines Historic Park is located in eastern Rowan County at 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hil.

For more information call 704-267-9439 or visit www.historicgoldhill.com or Facebook at Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina

Event schedule:

9 a.m. Park opens: All exhibits, arts/crafts etc.

10 a.m. Founders’ Day Parade: Street will be blocked at 9:55 a.m.)

11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Entertainment Amphitheater

Noon-4 p.m.: History Hayrides to Gold Hill Pond and Powder House. Schedule posted at Assay Office/Post Office Museum

5:30 p.m.: Civil War Skirmish- Log Barn

Performance schedule: (includes set-up time)

11:15 a.m.-noon: Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express

Noon-12:45 p.m.: Strings of Victory

12:45-1:30 p.m: Hazy Ridge

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Coddle Creek Bluegrass

2:15-3 p.m.: Grass Strings

3- 4 p.m.: Goldline Bluegrass Band with special guest Jean Luc Leroux from New Caledonia in the South Pacific

4-5 p.m.: The Flash Backs Country Band

Noon-4 p.m.: Music at the Log Barn