Lead’s 100th annual Gold Camp Jubilee is being hailed as a major success, with several local businesses reporting record-breaking sales during the July 2nd through 5th celebration.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jamie Grangaard told city commissioners Monday that the event succeeded in bringing visitors to both the park festivities and downtown businesses.
According to Grangaard, at least five businesses reported record sales during the holiday weekend. Food trucks also sold out as thousands of residents, alumni and visitors gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July tradition.
Carol Oolman, owner of the Miners and Merchants Trading Post, said her Fourth of July sales were among the strongest she’s ever seen. Patriotic-themed clothing and jewelry sold especially well, and she noted heavy foot traffic and positive feedback from visitors.
Despite rainy and chilly weather on Friday, attendance remained strong for the second annual Gold Rush Cruisin’ Classics Car Show. The event returned this year after nearly a seven-year hiatus and drew crowds to the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center parking lot.
Award winners included Jerry and Jonel Geske’s 1955 Chevy Nomad for Best in Show, James Thompson’s 1986 AM General M35A2 for People’s Choice, and Morgan Nelson’s 1956 Dodge Lancer for Judge’s Choice.
The celebration also featured its first-ever cornhole tournament, with Morgan Nelson and her family taking home the championship.
Another popular addition was a trolley service connecting Lead and Deadwood throughout the festivities. Chamber officials say the shuttle carried more than 560 passengers and may return for future events.
Grangaard thanked city crews, emergency responders, volunteers, businesses and performers for helping make the centennial Gold Camp Jubilee a success.
