by Dale Freudenberger:

 The 7th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is set for Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 10 AM to 5 PM, on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford (Carbon County). This unique, fun and educational annual event celebrates northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region history, culture, art, crafts, food, and music. The event is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and draws throngs of people each year to the popular event. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free.
Underground tours of the No. 9 Coal Mine will be available throughout the day.  No. 9 is the world’s oldest deep mine having been opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and closed in 1972.  The guided underground mine tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available throughout the day Visitors will ride into the mine in the safety of mine cars pulled by an original mine locomotive.  The nearby No. 9 Coal Mining Museum, housed in the original 1920’s era miner’s wash shanty, houses one of the largest collections of anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs and memorabilia in the coal region.  Admission is charged for the coal mine tour.
Many unique attractions and exhibits are offered as part of this year’s Coal Miners Heritage Festival.  In keeping with the theme, the coal miner’s competition is always a favorite event.  Anyone over the age of sixteen is invited to participate in the coal shoveling competition where competitors shovel a pile of coal in the shortest time. In past years, this had been a very competitive event drawing numerous competitors.  Trophies will be awarded to the winners.
Coal region art and photography will be featured as part of the festival including a display of works by Frank Wyso, Jack Savitsky, Joe Evanousky, Scott Herring, Nicholas Bervinchak, Renie Novak, Louise Soloman, Louise Keich, Joe Mataconis and others.  Some artists will offer original and prints for sale.
Exhibitors and vendors will fill the grounds surrounding the museum offering a variety of homemade and traditional crafts and sale items including coal region T-shirts, hats, coal souvenirs, coal region artwork, handcrafts, regional history books, handmade jewelry, nature photographs, glass creations, wood crafts, wreaths, knitted, crocheted and sewn items, antiques and collectibles, and more.
A large variety of interesting and fun exhibits will highlight coal region heritage and culture. The old-time ‘Wash House” display features one man’s unique collection and exhibit highlighting the evolution of washing clothes from early had washing techniques to the early electric washing machines made of copper. Other exhibits include local historical society exhibits, coal region beer trays advertising small town breweries in eastern PA, and original WWI and WWII coal advertising posters and an operating antique steam-powered winch.  Other exhibits include antique vehicles, Mine Safety and Rescue displays, a restored vintage mine lokie, an operating antique coal screen, operating antique steam winch, an antique moonshine still exhibit,  the miners ‘bath day’ and ‘wash day in the patch’ exhibits.
A variety of great music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the Coal Miners Heritage Festival.  Featured is award-winning and nationally acclaimed performer Ray Owen who will present three of his popular heritage themed musical programs featuring music from the coal mines, railroads, and Civil War. The WMGH Polka Program with Polka Joe Manjack will be live on the air. DJ Shawn Frederickson will play other classic coal region folk music by a variety of artist. Other guest musicians and vocalists may make appearances during the day.  Check the entertainment schedule when you arrive for times for each.
Re-enactors from the Eckley and Patchtown Players will stroll the grounds in their authentic ‘patch town’ outfits, performing skits, telling stories, and sharing tales throughout the day.  Dr. Kelly’s Old time Traveling Medicine Show will also entertain the crowd throughout the day with his interesting elixers that cure any ailment for human or beast.
A variety of homemade, coal region ethnic foods and festival favorites will be featured  including halupki, bleenies, halushki, pierogies, pulled pork, fresh tapped kegs of birch beer and cream soda, sausage sandwiches, hand cut french fries, cheese steaks, meatball subs, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, hot wings, sno-cones, shaved ice, fresh fruit cups, and more.
A variety of free children’s entertainment will be offered including the popular old-time coal sack races with prizes for the winners.  Buster the Clown will be making balloon animals for the children. Other offerings include face painting, art, rock painting, spray paint art and sand art.
Numerous local and regional organizations will be represented at the festival with exhibits or sale booths including the National Canal Museum, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, DEP Mine Safety and Rescue Unit, Holmes Mine Safety Association, Eckley Miners Village, Lansford Historical Society, Lansford Fire Department, and other groups.
The Coal Miners Heritage Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Carbon County Commissioners and the County Room Tax Fund.  Staff support is provided by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.  To register as a participant, contact Dale Freudenberger at dale@delawareandlehigh.org or by phone at (610) 597-6722.