Gold Dust Day in Gold Hill brings the community together under the banner of its rich and long history in the state of Oregon. The town of Gold Hill sprang up just 14 miles north of Medford when prospectors discovered gold near the Rogue River. Soon after, the railroad had made its way north through Gold Hill, allowing easier transport of goods. Gold Hill holds their annual Gold Dust Day on the first Saturday in June to commemorate its rich and quirky history. Activities include a parade, pony rides, dunk tanks, gold panning, butter churning, and more. Visitors can also check out the town’s museum, as well as the numerous food and craft vendors lining the streets of downtown.

If you couldn’t make it for this year’s celebration, be sure to mark your calendars for next year; 2010 will mark the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold near Gold Hill.