SIDNEY - The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another event in the southern Nebraska Panhandle. 

The Sidney Gold Rush Days committee announced Tuesday morning the 2020 event will not happen. Event organizers said they were hoping to hold the festival in September, but after discussions with health officials and organizations, they weren't confident they could host a safe and successful event.

Gold Rush Days are usually held in early June in Sidney's Legion Park and emphasizes the history of the Sidney to Deadwood Gold Rush Trail in the late 1870's. The festival includes free entertainment, quick draw competitions, wagon rides and hands-on gold panning demonstrations. 

The Gold Rush Days Committee also announced Tuesday the dates for the 2021 event. It will be held June 11-13. They are looking for more volunteers to help with next summer's festival. Learn more at sidneygoldrushdays.org.