The silhouette of an unknown miner is an image residents will soon be very familiar with as plans are well underway for the celebration of the Drumheller Valley Mining Centennial this year.
“Thousands of miners toiled in the Drumheller mines, and history does not divulge the names of most,” says Linda Digby of the Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society.
“The hills were alive with industry, and men were the backbone.”
“I was looking for some iconic images to show up – the pick axe, the helmet. It was the obvious choice,” says Williams, 25.
With the logo made, the centennial committee is looking for volunteers to attend the next volunteer meeting on February 2, 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
“The volunteer meeting is really important,” stresses Digby. “Just as miners were the backbone of community building, volunteers are the backbone of celebrating our history.
“There are lots of different ways to be involved, from research, to event planning, to greeting guests, to playing ball... it will be fun, and volunteers will be proud to be part of the centennial.”
The Miners’ Day Celebration will be held on May 1, followed by a Heritage ball tournament in June, a miner-themed Canada Day parade, and the Miner’s Memorial unveiling in September. Special events are planned all across the valley, and “new tales will bubble up from the bedrock itself,” says Digby.