Death Valley celebration of 49er's sponsored craft show, art show and parades

ITaking a look at all the tents in the Death Valley Museum grounds, sharing space with mining equipment of long ago

The craft show at the Death Valley Museum grounds is a great place to see old mining equipment and purchase some great jewelry and clothing, gifts or photos. 

The show runs throughout the week, some vendors coming in early and setting up, others coming by Wednesday for the official opening day for the festival on Thursday.  The festival is sponsored by the Death Valley 49ers, dedicated to preserving the 1849 gold rush and its part in the settling of Death Valley and surrounding area. 

Another art show takes place at the visitors center at Furnace Creek, which is by invitation only.  This art show is very popular and the artists are of first quality.  The first celebration was held in 1949, and has grown since to an organization of almost 3,000 members.   The various activities have added entertainment of music, gold panning, horseshoe contest and other popular activities including parades and the famous wagon train joined by the horseback riders at Furnace Creek.  

The crafts show is new to the celebration, having been absent since the early 80's. The decision to restart the show has been a popular addition.  Giving some of the artists two places to show their talents.  The Death Valley 49ers have a website that makes becoming a member easy,  adding to the growing number willing to preserve the past, and also sponsoring students with scholarships to college.   There is still time to get to the website and get a membership for this years celebration in Nov. or you can buy it when you arrive.  The membership is $35.00 and entitles you to a year membership, the DVNewsletter, use of the resort pool, and recreation areas during the festival.  The crafts show has space available if you are interested in spending a week or less in the Wilderness of Death Valley, but want to have some comfort while doing so.   Tents, motorhomes, trailers, all good.  Booking hotel and resort space needs to be done very early in the year.   

A trip here for one day is an experience to remember, and there are towns within a hundred miles with more availability for staying over.  The resturants will be in full swing,  the heat on the run for the season,  but it is a good idea to be prepared for wind, rain or sun.  Death Valley is a tricky and wonderful place, a great vacation spot for the entire family.

The festival starts Nov.2-8, 2009 and the crowd is gathering now for the fun.  Music starts on Wednesday as well as other daily activities.  Come join the fun.