Locals support Founders Weekend: Bodices, heels, and rain aren’t enough to stop dancing and merriment near the stage during Founders Weekend. PHOTO BY OMAYRA ACEVEDO[/caption]

On Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4, 2023, the cobblestone streets of Black Hawk’s HARD District came to life. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, vendors, food trucks, shops, music, and festival goers decorated the city with history.

The gold strike of 1859 put Black Hawk on the map with decades of economic growth and opportunity. The following year, Mylo Lee, Dr. Frederick Judd, and William Lee established the town of Black Hawk Point.

After Colorado was given statehood in 1876, Black Hawk was incorporated in the third session of the state legislature, making Black Hawk the state’s second city. Today, the city looks much the same as it did in the 19th century, a vision the HARD District wishes to preserve.

The city’s many structures and spirit continue Black Hawk’s rich history. The Founders Weekend is a small part of how the city honors, remembers and respects those that made the West what it is.

The second annual Founders Weekend was a free event featuring several food vendors, seven bands, shopping, a period costume contest, storytelling by the founders themselves, unique arts and crafts, and a special Founders Day Brew from Cabin Creek, to name a few.

Families, couples, children, and local professionals came out to support the HARD District’s weekend-long event. It was loads of fun and entertaining. More importantly, Founders Weekend helps us remember how we got where we are, who we learn from, and why it’s important to keep history alive.

Black Hawk’s HARD District is located on Gregory Street, Black Hawk. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blackhawksharddistrict or you can learn more by visiting https:// blackhawkharddistrict.com/.