The Grand Daddy of Georgia's Mountain Festivals! Image Gold Rush Days are held the third weekend in October (the 21st and 22nd for 2006), when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! Gold Rush Days has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Included in the two day event are a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and last but not least ? some delicious food!