Well, here we are at the Arc Store Paradise and looking forward to participating in the Gold Nugget Days celebration. I’ve lived here since 2006, and again will be running down the Parade route with the local Chapter 711 of E Clampus Vitus. I found out shortly after arriving here that the local “Clampers” were involved with the Gold Nugget Days celebration when I went to the Gold Nugget Museum to look at the local history.

While talking with a very nice museum volunteer, I told him of my exploration of the Mohave Desert mines in earlier years. We discovered that we were both Clampers and he told me not to miss the Gold Nugget Parade. Shortly after finding a nice place in the shade to watch the parade, a local chapter representative noting my Clamper attire, asked me if I’d like to take part in the parade. Of course I was flattered and said yes – little did I know what they do in the parade. I haven’t run that much for “photo ops” in years and heaven knows how many times my picture was taken.

Gold Nugget History

Way back in 1859 a local prospector found a 54 pound gold nugget near Whiskey Flat and the local gold rush was on. He hauled the nugget up to the assay office which was located near what is now the Old Magalia Church. There’s a great deal of confusion and mystery surrounding what exactly happened to the nugget after that, and many tales have circulated since, hence this year’s theme, “Tales of Gold.”

The last anyone saw of the nugget it was on the back of a wagon heading for San Francisco. Since 1959, when a local resident named Dick Shaduck wanted to reenact and celebrate this find, a yearly “Donkey Derby” has been held.

Donkey owners from all around bring their four legged legends to take part with hopes of winning the cash prizes made possible by generous local sponsors. The donkey with a symbolic 54 pound load and its owner must race up to the church and then navigate an obstacle course designed to infuriate the donkey. It’s quite a hysterical sight watching the owners try to persuade the beasts through the course.

The Parade

Just after the Donkey Derby the parade kicks off in downtown Paradise. The event is sponsored by the Gold Nugget Museum and others and has become one of Paradise’s biggest yearly events. The streets become lined with local residents to watch the floats, marching bands, and this year’s contestants for Gold Nugget Queen. The local young ladies participating must not only make their own 1800’s era garments, but must also seek out a sponsor, have an escort, and be interviewed by the locally published Dogtown Nugget, a yearly paper celebrating the event and all its history.

One of the other events happening around town is the Whiskerino Contest. Local fellows who grow and groom their beards long and wooly, vie to be this year’s champion. Their beards are rated on many things and quite a bit of pride is at stake. There is also a Deep Pit BBQ held after the parade at The Gold Nugget Museum. For a small price you get a great meal and can explore all the booths showing off old west skills, sweets and gold panning.

You can also go to The Depot Museum just down the street and learn about the history of the local railroad which operated on the ridge up till the time the Diamond Match factory (which operated from 1904 to 1974) closed. It ran from old Chico to Sterling city hauling local residents and freight before the advent of nicer roads and automobiles.

The Arc Store Paradise is proud to be involved with the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce. This year we are taking part in the merchant decoration contest which celebrates the Gold Nugget Days. Come on in and gaze at all the old tools and mining gear on display. You’ll find it entertaining and can also look around a very fun store to shop at in Paradise.