Ken Ackley has been spearheading Ye Olde Mining Days for five years in hopes of establishing the event as Aurora’s spring festival and marking the city’s mining history.
While the first day of the festival dawned sunny, windy and mild of temperature, the second day saw much cooler temperatures and a bit of moisture. Early forecasts had predicted more rain for tha time frame.
Ackley, who has suffered some health problems this year, noted on May 15, as the event opened, that this would be his last year. If it is to continue, it will be up to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce or another group.
Early this week, Shannon Walker, executive director of the Chamber, said the board of directors will have to discuss the possibility of sponsoring the event.
Ackley reported 23 vendors had registered, but 15 turned out. He recalled that 54 vendors were here for the first event.
“On Friday, there was not a really big attendance, but Saturday was alright,” he said. “Most vendors made a little money.”
The Aurora Rural Fire Department almost sold out of chicken, he noted, and the Aurora Lions Club “did pretty well” with its food booth.
Ackley noted that fees for booth spaces just cover printing, postage and portable toilet expenses. He did have some help in setting up the event and taking it down, along with some offers of help for next year.
Asked again on May 18 if this was truly his last year to head the event, he said he will have to see what his health brings.
“I could do the paperwork. I just hate to see it fold up,” said the active, community-minded man who has served as “the committee” for Ye Olde Mining Days.
