Fairbanks Golden Days 2013

by Nancy DeWitt
© Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

This beautiful hack is made from
birch and cherry wood.

"The bulb is out on your
arm turn signal, sir."

Golden Days is an annual celebration commemorating the early history of Fairbanks and our Gold Rush heritage. It kicks off with a party at Pioneer Park that includes a Show and Shine. We take a museum car to the show each year, although we were a bit delayed on the way there with our 1911 Ford Model T depot hack.



As always, the Show and Shine organized by the Vernon L Nash Antique Car Club was a hit.

For some reason, the traditional wear for many women at Golden Days is a dance hall costume, which to my knowledge was not seen on the streets of early Fairbanks. The "Good Girls" felt the need to show our disdain for the "Good Time Girls," but the men seemed to approve of the latter.

Photo by Kristie Dickerson

The event also featured live music, free food and olde-fashioned games for children...

...and about $40,000 worth of gigantic gold nuggets to admire.

Of course, the highlight of Golden Days is the annual parade. This year Willy drove our 1919 Pierce-Arrow Series 31 touring car, which had the honor of carrying the winners of the Miss WEIO (World Eskimo-Indian Olympics) pageant. A great end to a fine week!

Coming to Fairbanks to see the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and other area attractions? Support the museum by staying at one of the Fountainhead Hotels.  All guests receive half-price admission to the museum!