16th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival

Sunday, July 9th

largest collections of Anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs, and memorabilia.

Many unique attractions and exhibits are offered as part of this year’s Heritage Festival. In keeping with tradition, the Coal Miner’s Shoveling Competition is always a favorite event. Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in this competition where the goal is to shovel a half-ton of coal in the shortest time. In past years this event has been very competitive drawing participants from throughout the coal region. This event begins at 2 PM with trophies being awarded to the winners.

Interesting and fun exhibits will highlight coal region heritage and culture such as an old time “Wash Day” exhibit, antique vehicles, coal advertising signs, coal region beer trays, a display of old-fashioned moonshine making equipment, and mine safety and rescue displays. A Basket Raffle offering a variety of items will be held to benefit the Panther Creek Valley Foundation. A variety of great coal region music will be featured throughout the Heritage Festival. Entertainment will be provided by WMGH Polka Program, live with “Polka Joe” Manjack, DJ Shawn Frederickson with classic coal region music, folk music by Jay Smar, and Dave Matsinko as they stroll the grounds. Throughout the day re-enactors will walk the grounds in authentic “patch town” outfits performing skits and telling stories of the mines. A wide variety of vendors, ethnic foods, and festival favorites will also be available.

The Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is put on every year by the Panther Creek Valley Foundation, a registered 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the region’s Anthracite coal mining heritage. To register as a participant or a vendor please contact Dale Freudenberger at dalefreud@gmail. com or 610-597-6722. Tour information can be found at https://no9minemuseum. wixsite.com/museum or by calling 570-645-7074. See No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum on Facebook for the latest information.