Frisco Celebrates 39th Salomon Gold Rush Weekend.

FRISCO, Colo. -- Colorado has a rich mining history, and Frisco, Colorado's Main Street to the Rockies, found itself at the center of the 1870's boom. A stagecoach and two railroads converged in the mountain hamlet, putting Frisco at the top of pioneers' "choice places to live" list. Fast forward more than 130 years - Frisco has come up with a unique way to celebrate its gold-mining past and its snow-loving present.

Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, the Town of Frisco will celebrate the 39th annual Salomon Gold Rush weekend, commemorating Frisco's rich gold mining history. The weekend includes fun for the whole family, including dog sled rides, fireworks, a community bonfire and Nordic races.

Saturday, Jan. 31(st) activities - corner of Marina Rd. and Hwy. 9

* 2:00 p.m. - $5 guided dogsled rides

* Dusk - Spontaneous Combustion - lighting of bonfire

* Dusk - marshmallow roast in tepee

* 7 p.m. - fireworks display at east end of Marina Rd.

Sunday, Feb. 1(st) activities - Frisco Nordic Center

* 9 a.m. - Nordic races, including a 5/10K Classic, 5/10/20K Skate and the 7K Tubbs snowshoe race

* 12 p.m. - Kids' 1K race

* 1 p.m. - Foster's Treasure Hunt for kids - $5 registration fee to benefit the Summit Ski Club

Frisco's weekend of activities focus on the celebration of the town's mining history but give a nod to its modern mountain town flare. Saturday's events are all about commemoration and celebration, while Sunday is centered on Nordic racing.

Saturday's dog sled rides are a unique opportunity to try out a sport that requires tremendous skill and patience in a safe, controlled environment. Spontaneous Combustion, the fifth annual lighting of the community bonfire, is a place for citizens to gather and recognize Frisco's unique atmosphere. The Gold Rush Fireworks display tops off the day's festivities.

Sunday's Nordic races are Colorado's oldest citizens' cross-country races and are expected to bring more than 300 participants, including some of the country's top Nordic and snowshoe competitors. Anyone can register and participate in the Nordic races. Pre-registration is at Boulder Running Company through January 29 and at the Frisco Nordic Center through January 30 at 2:00 p.m. Racers can also register online at www.active.com or pick up registration forms at the Nordic Center or Frisco Town Hall. For last-minute entrants, day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Nordic Center, but will cost you an extra $5 entry. Entry fees are $25 for competitors 15 to 59 and $18 for competitors 14 and under and 60 and older.

Registration fees from the Nordic races and the Foster Treasure Hunt benefit the Summit Ski Club.

For additional information about the Gold Rush races, call the Frisco Nordic Center at [phone] or contact the Event Marketing Group at [phone], [e-mail], or visit the website at www.emgcolorado.com.

The Salomon Gold Rush Weekend is sponsored by the Town of Frisco, BackCountry Brewery, Alpine Dogsledding, Frisco Nordic Center, The Summit Daily News, NRC Broadcasting - KSMT, Lake Dillon Fire Department, Western Enterprises, Salomon, Tubbs Snowshoes, InMotion 365 and Stinger Honey.

For more information about Frisco's Salomon Gold Rush Weekend visit www.townoffrisco.com.