Get ready for a week of fun, entertainment, and community celebration at Trail’s Silver City Days 2024, happening May 8th to 12th! This annual event is a beloved Trail tradition, celebrating the city’s rich history and the vibrant culture it has today.

There’s SO MANY activities going on all week: food, performances, games, dances and competitions. Here’s what you need to know:

Food Fair

After visiting the carnival, it’s time for some food! The riverfront is lined with incredible vendors all week long!

Fireworks

Don’t miss the evening fireworks display Saturday May 11th, which takes place at sunset.

From Fiesta Days to Silver City Days: Trail’s Enduring Festival Tradition

Spring festivals have been a part of the fabric Kootenay culture for over 125 years (Kaslo’s May Days started in 1892!). Silver City Days began as a way for Trail to celebrate their heritage and connect with their community, with a little friendly competition along the way. This heritage is proudly celebrated through the city’s annual Silver City Days festival. But did you know this beloved Trail festival has had an interesting evolution?

Fiesta Days: A Galloping Good Time (1964)

Trail’s week-long spring celebration actually began in 1964 with a different name – Silver City Fiesta. This inaugural event had a strong focus on rodeo activities and was put on by the local horseman’s society. The event was a nod to the region’s equine past. Horses played an important part in the mountainous terrain of the Kootenays during the fur trade, the construction of the railroad, and the region’s mining boom. The Trail Horseman’s Society is still thriving today, and puts on a packed calendar of shows, clinics, charity rides, community events at their grounds down by the Trail Airport throughout the Summer. 🏇

A Shift Towards Silver: Silver City Days Emerge

Over time, the festival’s focus broadened to encompass a more complete focus on Trail’s heritage and diverse culture. The name “Silver City Days” emerged, paying homage to the city’s founding as a silver mining town in the late 19th century, and continues to be a vital part of Trail’s economy. Some of the events from the 1964 original are still a part of the festival today (such as the parade, dance, music, and Spagettata!), and a few might need to make a comeback! Let us know on social media what you’d like to see next year. We’re pulling for the Chariot Race!😂

A Celebration for All

Today, Silver City Days continues to be a cornerstone of Trail’s community spirit. The festival offers a range of activities for all ages (and we do mean ALL ages), as you can see in the 2024 schedule. They have carnival rides, competitions and bubble shows for kids. For adults there’s ping pong and bocce tournaments, a 19+ dance, traditional Italian dinners, and plenty to eat and drink. There’s even a Silver City Senior’s Dance! No matter your age or interests, you’re guaranteed to have a good time at Silver City Days.💃

A Legacy of Fun

So, next time you join the festivities at Silver City Days, remember the galloping good times of the original Fiesta Days. The festival may have transformed over the years, but its core purpose remains the same: celebrating Trail’s unique identity building a strong sense of community, and having FUN! 🥳🎡

Silver City Days is one of the Kootenay’s biggest event all year! Adults, kids, trivia lovers, seniors – this festival is a great time for the whole community.

Join the celebration and create some memories at Trail’s Silver City Days!

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