There is a full schedule of events for the area’s May Day Miners’ Festival to honour those who went underground to mine the area’s coal.
The 4th Annual event remembering the valley’s mining history is a group effort between a number of different organizations in town.
Events for the weekend start off Friday night with East Coulee Springfest at three East Coulee locations - the Hotel, School Museum, and Community Hall.
“May Day historically was something that was very important to the coal mining families, especially back in the coal mining boom in the 20s and 30s,” explains Atlas Coal Mine Interim Manager Jay Russell.
He said the traditional May Day was more serious, with thousands of people marching in the parade to support the miners.
“We wanted to bring May Day back, but in Drumheller style. It is a family friendly event and an opportunity for our mine families to take part.”
The Atlas is hosting a reception at the Miners’ Memorial this year on Sunday afternoon at 1:30, with light refreshments.
The Rosebud Men’s Choir will be performing at the memorial.
Jen Balderston, Visitor Services Manager of Atlas Coal Mine said it’s important Drumheller celebrates its coal mining heritage.
“...We’re carrying the history forward to say that not only is the history not dead in the valley, but that we remember their cause and we are just as excited about it as they are.”
“I think it’s just important to remind the mine families as well as the local families that that’s an important part of our past.”
“We want to keep that alive in the future.”
Balderston said there was a great turnout to the memorial last year, and they’ve had quite a few mining families, involving all generations, confirm their attendance.
The event wraps up with Kjel Erickson in concert at the Badlands Community Facility.
Five young ladies will be guest performers at the concert, practicing their musical numbers for the provincial competition in Edmonton in May.
A full schedule of May Day Miners’ Festival events is available at www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca, and click on the underlined text “Download a complete schedule here” beneath the black and white Miners’ Parade photo.
