On August 27, 1961, more than 150,000 people converged on a patch of land just south of Highway 14 for the Dakota Territory Centennial Goldrush. The event recalled the stampede caused by General George Custer when he announced in 1874 that gold had been found in the Black Hills. Hundreds of contestants, armed with gold shovels, dug for prizes worth up to $10,000. Manchester drew people from all over the country. Bandleader Lawrence Welk, a Dakotan who had traveled its roads many times, served as emcee, joined by young television cowboy actor Clint Eastwood. A carnival and fireworks lit up the sky, and festivities included an Amateur Talent Show, a Square Dance Festival, and a Boy Scout Camporee. Sponsored by KELOLand Television to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Dakota Territory, the Manchester Goldrush became a historic event.