History

In late 1989, JP Tangen, John Sandor, and Roger Griffin set out to create an event that would help educate the public about two of Juneau’s most important industries—mining and logging. They were soon joined by Jerry Harmon, Jim Wilcox, and David Stone, and together they founded Juneau Gold Rush Days, a registered nonprofit with a mission to connect Juneau’s past to its present and future.

Each year, the organization hosts the two-day Juneau Gold Rush Days celebration, honoring Alaska’s resource development industries. The event highlights the past, present, and future of mining and logging and is made possible through donations, volunteers, and extensive community support. It remains free and open to all.

The first Juneau Gold Rush Days was held at Vintage Park, where Safeway now stands. The Juneau Gold Rush Commission later negotiated a lease with the City and Borough of Juneau for space at Dimond Park, where the group contributed approximately $1.5 million in in-kind services to develop the area—including construction of the first soccer field and two ballfields. Materials used to fill and build the park were even hauled from the Safeway construction site. When the Dimond Park Field House was planned, the City asked the Commission to relocate the event to Savikko Park, where it continues today.

Savikko Park holds a special connection to Juneau’s mining heritage. It sits on the site of the historic Treadwell Mine, which operated from 1882 to 1922 and, at its peak, was the largest underground hard rock gold mine in the world. The mine attracted more than 2,000 workers from around the world to Douglas Island, fostering not just industry, but a vibrant community.

Today, Savikko Park continues that legacy as a gathering place for the community. Each year, Juneau Gold Rush Days brings people together to celebrate the industries that helped shape Alaska and continue to support its economy and way of life.