History of Lost Dutchman Days
A small 3-inch announcement in the November 27, 1964 issue of the Apache Sentinel, the Chamber of Commerce announced to the citizens of Apache Junction that the very first Lost Dutchman Days was coming, and will be held on January 23.
That is how it started and the first Lost Dutchman Days was just that, a one-day event. C A Rodgers was in charge of the pancake breakfast. Lloyd Larsen was in charge of the art show. Jack Weaver headed up the carnival committee, and Ken Miller was the honcho of the “Horse Picnic”. The Jaycees pitched in and had a barbeque, and Jeanette Lake was in charge of the dance that finished that first Lost Dutchman Day.
A lot of people have a mistaken idea that Lost Dutchman Days is the evolved form of Burro Derby, an event that was started back in 1958 by the Apache Junction Lions Club. But today’s Lost Dutchman Days celebration is a combination of many fabulous events including aspects of the annual Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo and Parade. The Rodeo, Parade and a Queen contest were held in February and sometimes March.
It wasn’t until 1971 that the three things came together and Lost Dutchman Days, as most people know it today, came together and was actually born.
From that one day celebration in 1965, Lost Dutchman Days has grown into a major-premier event with a core three-day schedule of associated events that attract 30,000 spectators.
Over the years, many evolvements have taken place, various Arenas utilized for the Rodeo, different streets became the Parade route, and various locations for the Rodeo Dance were always moving. The main stable factor remained, promoting our great City and providing quality entertainment and fun for all ages. With the assistance of so many volunteers, Organizations and our City, Lost Dutchman Days have grown over the years, far surpassing the founder's dreams back in 1964.
Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine
What strange secrets lie hidden near Superstition Mountain in Arizona? Did a lone miner really discover a fortune in lost gold here? And what strange force has caused a number of adventurers to die brutal deaths and vanish without a trace in this rugged region?
Located just east of Phoenix, Arizona is a rough, mountainous region where people sometimes go... only to never be seen again. It is a place of mystery, of legend and lore and it is called Superstition Mountain. According to history, both hidden and recorded, there exists a fantastic gold mine here like no other that has ever been seen. It has been dubbed the “Lost Dutchman Mine” over the years and thanks to its mysterious location, it has been the quest of many an adventurer... and a place of doom to luckless others.
What strange energy lingers here? What has caused dozens of people who seek the mine to vanish without a trace? Is the answer really as the Apache Indians say? Does the “Thunder God” protect this mine... bringing death to those who attempt to pillage it? Or can the deaths be linked to other causes? Are they caused, as some have claimed, by the spirits of those who have died seeking the mine before?
Let’s explore all of these questions and journey back into the haunted history of the Lost Dutchman Mine... and uncover the numerous deaths and the violence that surrounds it.