It will be a grand old time today (Sunday May 25, 2014) as the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford celebrates the holiday with their annual Old Fashioned Miners Picnic and activities. The grounds will be filled with the sound of music, the smells of homemade ethnic foods, the sights of vintage and classic cars, and a special photo exhibit.
The annual event is scheduled from 11 AM till 4 PM and is open to the public. Admission to the grounds is free, and there is plenty of free parking. A nominal fee is charged for the mine tours and museum, but all other activities are free and it’s close to home.
The Anthracite Region Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America will present an antique and classic car show. Anyone wishing to display their automobile can register the day of the picnic and car show.  Music will be provided by DJ Shawn Frederickson and family.
Visitors will enjoy touring the mining museum at No. 9 Mine, showcasing one of the largest collections in the Anthracite Region.
A variety of homemade ethnic foods will be available for sale at the picnic pavilion including favorites such as halupki, halushki, pierogies, barbecue, chili and kraut dogs, homemade soup, homemade desserts, and refreshments.  The Old Fashioned Miners Picnic is a great family outing in the tradition of the old fashioned miner’s picnics which were held years ago throughout the coal region.  Many of the original picnics held locally for miners and families of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company were held at Greenwood Dam, near present day Lake Hauto.  Many old timers remember it well! Come early, have a great time and enjoy the great food before it sells out!  Take outs are also available.
Visitors won’t want to miss the fascinating guided underground tours of the No. 9 Coal Mine which first opened in 1855.  No. 9 is the world’s oldest operating deep mine.  Tours are just under one hour in length and include a train ride in and out of the mine.  Visitors will also enjoy browsing the countless displays and artifacts inside the region’s largest coal mining museum and gift shop located on the grounds.
The Old Fashioned Miner’s Picnic and activities is a great way to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend with family and friends.  Have some fun and learn more about our rich coal mining heritage.   For further information, contact No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum at 570-645-7074 or visit us on the web at www.no9mine.com.  No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is a 501 ©3 non-profit organization that preserves the legacy of coal mining in the Panther Valley.