Coming up this weekend, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy panning for gold in neighboring Sonora.

The Delta Gold Diggers are hosting the Gold and Outdoor Festival, sponsored by the Gold Prospectors Association of America at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Dates for the upcoming event are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21.

The festival will include a metal detecting hunt for all ages with buried treasure up for grabs. Participants will also receive training in the use of metal detectors.

There will be live demonstrations by manufacturers and dealers conducting equipment and product demonstrations and a gold panning area where attendees can learn from experienced miners how to pan for real gold. Prospecting and geology seminars will also be held.

Multiple buildings and outside areas at the fairgrounds will be packed full with prospecting equipment, live demonstrations, jewelry, arts and crafts along with other activities.

For more information, email DeltaGoldDiggers@gmail.com, or go to DeltaGoldDiggers.com.