Guns blazing, music festival adds a second day in its second year

Not even a few Old West-style shootouts – at high noon, of course – could ruin a good time over the weekend at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. The weather was too perfect – in the mid-80s each day – and the music too good. The shootouts? They just added a spark to the second Gold Rush Country Music Festival, sponsored by the Auburn Journal. Brian Harrison of Stang Productions said during last year's inaugural festival in Auburn he envisioned adding a second day this year, and they pulled it off. "Last year, being a first-year event, we're typically testing the water and trying to see whether or not there's going to be the market for what we're offering," said Johnny Michalk, executive vice president and marketing coordinator for Stang Productions. "And we had an overwhelming response from the community. Everybody seemed to have a great time, and it was enough for us to say yes, let's do this again. Let's push this ahead full steam." Michalk spoke to the Auburn Journal on Saturday as Scott & Sabrina put on a lively and danceable afternoon set. Michalk was dressed for the occasion in a western hat, vest, tie and boots. He was not one of the outlaws being sought by Texas Rangers – notably one Virgil Earp – throughout the weekend, but he looked the part while acting as emcee and host, "directing everybody's attention to all the wonderful things that have come together to create this festival." Stang Productions added a mechanical bull to go with water slides and a foam zone. There were cooling stations with misters and a hydration station so attendees could refill their water for free. Organizers also moved a few things around to give Interactive Entertainment more room to bring their historical characters to life, or as Michalk put it, "We've given them more space to play." Interactive Entertainment performed skits between bands and had an authentic tent and saloon set up. "WANTED" signs were posted throughout the grounds alerting concertgoers to be on the lookout for outlaws. Interactive Entertainment's Kathy Drew, who portrays saloon owner Lottie Deno, sat next to Miss Peaches (portrayed by Tracy Caraway) as Scott & Sabrina played on. "I'm one of her girls," Miss Peaches said. Drew, who has been doing historic reenactments for 29 years, said people simply "love it. They just love it. They flock to hear it. They like the noise." She noted Interactive Entertainment "teaches history through entertainment" and discusses gun safety before every show. Michalk said the actors "hang up their hats" in the evening. Still to come following Scott & Sabrina were Jake Jacobson and Joe Peters. Michalk said the festival has artists "knocking on our door asking to play with us at different events," and seeks artists with local and regional appeal, like the Ariel Jean Band, which headlined Sunday following an appearance at last year's inaugural festival.