COLUMBIA — Columbia State Historic Park will present “Diggins Tent Town 1852”, their annual living history event May 16-19.

Sponsored by the non-profit organization Friends of Columbia and Columbia State Historic Park and depicted by over 150 costumed volunteers, visitors can experience the events and environment of an 1850’s mining camp that is re-created in detail with period-accurate clothing, food and entertainment.

This event leads visitors through life in 1852 Columbia. This includes the powerful stories of early miners, women in the mines, and their politics and daily events. Meet the merchants, artisans and entertainers who have come to the Diggins to “mine the miners’ pockets.” Interact with and observe the lifestyles of the early miners as they prepare their meals, launder their clothing, and care for gardens and livestock. Learn about their crafts, how their children played, their music and other forms of entertainment – including gambling. A variety of foods, drinks and other items are available for purchase inside the event.

Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, admission to Columbia “Diggins 1852” is $10 per adult, $2 per child ages 4 through 12, and children 3 and under are free. There is no charge for parking or admission to the park. For more information contact Columbia Visitor Services at www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia or call (209) 588-9128.

Columbia State Historic Park annually hosts over 400,000 visitors and is a major tourist destination in Tuolumne County. Its many historic-style stores and restaurants are run by over 20 Concessionaires whose businesses, along with park staff and volunteers, help recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush for visitors from around the world.