CHLORIDE – Chloride, the oldest mining camp in Arizona, always brings out everything green this time of year. This March Chloride celebrates St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, March 16th with a parade, gunfights, bull whip show, vendors, gold panning, and lots of entertainment for the entire family.
The day will be full of fun activities starting with the Bake Sale at 9 a.m. Come early the goodies go fast. At 10 a.m. parade registration begins at the Town Hall on Payroll Avenue. Haven’t signed up for the parade yet, no problem. You have until 11 a.m. for late sign-ups.
At 11 a.m. Craig Elliott, the Bull Whip Master, will crack his whip during a show in Cyanide Springs. Elliott has performed in wild west shows, fairs and rodeos since 1981. His show includes information about the bull whip and safety techniques.
At “High Noon” Chloride’s always outrageous parade marches down Tennessee Avenue. This year’s parade includes the Chloride VFW Post 2190 Color Guard, antique vehicles, floats, equestrian units, cars, marching units, gun fighters, the Kingman Kut-ups, and more surprises.
At 1 p.m. the High Desert Drifters gunfight troupe performs shoot outs in Cyanide Springs. This group reenacts famous “wild west” shoot-outs. There are numerous activities in Cyanide Springs. The Jim Fritz Museum and the Silver Belle Playhouse are a must visit. Each historic building holds pictures and memorabilia from the glory years in Chloride. The Mohave Prospectors Association’s booth offers young and old a chance to pan for real gold and learn about local rocks and minerals. Also check out the retail stores and vendors in the area.
At 2 p.m. parade awards will be given out in the Town Hall on Payroll Street. Immediately after parade awards the raffle drawing tickets will be pulled for a variety of prizes including hotel stays, jewelry, food vouchers, gift certificates, a Roy Purcell print, and many other goodies.
Chloride offers a variety of activities for the entire family. For history buffs check out the historic jail and train depot. Art lovers can travel to the Roy Purcell Murals, about one mile east of town. (Check with the Mineshaft Market for road conditions.) When hunger strikes visit the Prospector Bar and Grill on Tennessee Avenue or Yesterdays Restaurant on Second Street. Shoppers can visit antiques stores, the Christmas shop, general store and thrift store.
Chloride is 23 miles north of Kingman, Arizona and 80 miles south of Las Vegas. Take Highway 93 to State Route 125, turn east four miles. For more information visit chloridechamber.com or call Jeannie at 928-565-9777.
