June3isopeningforMuseum andGoldTraderFlat

A chili cook-off featuring several cooks, gun fights between Old West miscreants and a working model of equipment from the historic sugar pine shake industry highlight the season’s opening of the Yuba Feather Museum and Gold Trader Flat. Handmade shakes formed the roofs and sidings of the homes and buildings of the early mining communities.

The festivities are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 3 at 19096 New York Flat Road in Forbestown.

Admission is free, with donations accepted.

Opening day at Gold Trader Flat, a replica of an 1880s gold mining town, includes music, the chance for children to pan for gold, smithy Jeb Stuart at the blacksmith shop demonstrating his craftsmanship and costumed docents.

In addition, author Heidi SheehanMarsh will be available to autograph copies of her book, “Sugar Pine WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: ADMISSION: Shakes – Sierra Nevada Mountain Heritage.”

Sheehan-Marsh’s father, the late Forest Sheehan, was the last of the historic shakemakers.

Exhibits at the Yuba Feather Museum include a display of items from the lumber industry; mail order catalogues; early cameras; and displays related to Native Americans and the daily life in the gold era.

The museum also includes a genealogy area available for persons interested in doing research and rooms recreating an 1880s hotel.

The museum’s summer hours are noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 2, with special events planned during the season.

Appeal-Democrat file photos Donna Hankins of Forbestown welcomes guests into the Mercantile Shop in the Yuba Feather Museum’s historic replica Gold Trader Flat in 2015.

Jeb Stewart of Yuba City hammers a rusted old railroad nail into a tomahawk at the blacksmith shop at Gold Trader Flat in 2015.