August 18, 2012 marks the thirteenth annual land auction in lightly populated Esmeralda County. This land sale always coincides with the rowdy Goldfield Days Festival held the third weekend of each August.
The land auction always takes place after the parade. This display of town pride shuts down Nevada State Highway 95 and baffles truckers by making them drive over bumpy dirt roads. The parade is usually a collection of town yokels riding in old vehicles. If it is an election year, the parade is a little longer. Most people watching the parade look like they could be in the parade.
The auction usually starts about 10:00 AM behind the courthouse, in the presence of the venerable Goldfield High School. This is where the real action is. Auction attendees come in all types and pay a small fee for a bidding number. The out of towners are pretty easy to pick out. They are usually looking to make a quick buck buying the parcels at very economical prices and then flipping them on the internet. The locals are there too, and they are smart enough to know about the political workings of the town, the property tax structure, and changing geography. While the parcels are offered for very aggressive prices, frequently there will be no utilities or the property is a wash and subject to floods.
While it is true there are no building permits required, getting anything useful built in Goldfield is very challenging. There is no True Value anywhere close. If you need water, power, or sewer you may be in trouble as the utility departments may or may not be able to assist you.
If you are just looking to visit, this is a great time to come. You will most likely need to stay in Tonopah which is about twenty five short minutes to the north.
The Tonopah Station is an interesting casino hotel to visit. Also stop by and check out the Clown Motel. The McDonalds is the true crossroads of Nevada, but don’t expect any wifi with your Big Mac.
This area is the core of Nevada, but it is very remote. Keep that in mind as you plan your trip on Highway 95. This is a very unpopulated highway. Allow time to travel to and from Goldfield and don’t forget to watch your gas gauge.
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