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California Gold Rush History Comes To Life

COLUMBIA — Columbia State Historic Park will present the annual living history event, “Diggins Tent Town 1852,” starting on May 29 and continuing through June 1.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Columbia and Columbia State Historic Park, and the era is brought to life by over 150 costumed volunteers.

Visitors to the quaint town will experience the events and environment of an 1850s mining camp that has been recreated in detail from the clothing, food and entertainment, to the powerful stories of early miners as they struggled to “strike it rich.”

Meet the merchants, artisans and entertainers who have all come to Diggins to “mine the miners’ pockets.” Kids of all ages can interact and observe the lifestyles of the early miners as they prepare meals, launder clothing, and care for gardens and livestock. Interested visitors may learn about old-time crafts, music, how children played, and other forms of entertainment including games and gambling.

Open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, admission to Columbia “Diggins 1852” is $5 per adult and $1 per child 12 and under. There is no charge for parking or admission to the park.

Live music photo from parks.ca.govColumbia State Historic Park, located in Tuolumne County, is designated as a National Historic Landmark District and has been preserved to tell the story of the towns which arose during the California Gold Rush to serve the needs of miners. The park hosts over 400,000 visitors annually and is a major tourist destination in Tuolumne County.

California State Parks has restored and continues to preserve over 30 of the original brick buildings along the town’s Main Street. The many scenic historic-style stores and restaurants are run by over 20 concessionaires whose businesses, along with park staff and volunteers, help recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush for visitors from around the world.

For more information contact Columbia Visitor Services or call (209) 588-9128.

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online