s y a D r e n i Coal M June 11 to 14, 2015
www.coalminerdays.ca THE FREE PRESS
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Happy to be serving the Valley since 2004, have a safe and happy Coal Miner Days
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Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
Message from the President of Sparwood Coal Miner Days Society Marcia Johnson is the president of the Sparwood Coal Miner Days Society as well as co-owner of Apex Power & Automation, mother of six and co-founder of Peace in OUR Lifetime. She has been behind the bar at the cabaret and helped out with the parade for the past several years. ince January, board members and volunteers have met monthly to ensure that all of the details are taken care of and to ensure that we can provide another great year of Coal Miner Days success. We are dedicated to the success of Coal Miner Days and have spent hundreds of hours planning and working for this weekend to ensure that we highlight all of the best Sparwood has to offer. The board’s intention is to spotlight the entire community during this weekend. With events happening all over town we are most excited to showcase all of the great businesses and activities that Sparwood provides. Not only are we having the exciting happenings that we have come to expect from Coal Miner Days like Light Up the Sky - fireworks, the ball tournaments and the Apex Power & Automation parade, as well as, Napa’s Coal Miners Show & Shine Car Show, with exciting musical entertainment at Elk Valley’s Got Talent, including local artists, dancers, guitar players and even a juggler. We also have laser tag, sack races, the Fire Fit Challenge, reptile shows, disc golf tournament, and a rugby game that are all a part of this year’s lineup. The Knights of Columbus and the Sparwood Chamber have teamed up to bring back the soap box races so get your helmets ready and meet us at the top of the hill. You can find out more
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information about available driving and sponsorship opportunities at the Chamber. BBQ’s, the street market, as well as weekend vendors and so much more. Coal Miner Days will definitely measure up to our goal of showing everyone how much the community of Sparwood has to offer. Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals who have rallied together with donations and countless hours of volunteering to make this one of the best years in Coal Miner Days history. A special thank you to all of the past planners for forging the way, to all of our event organizers, our board members, vice chair: Dawn Weatherbee (Alpine Lumber), secretary: Alex Millar (owner of Intermountain Specialties), treasurer: Ryan Ogden (Overwaitea), board member: Nadine Ogden, board member: Andrea Horton (publisher of The Free Press) and especially to our Coal Miner Days event coordinator, Justine Bowen for your dedicated service and hard work! In true Sparwood tradition this year’s events will once again help raise money to go back into our community as business opportunities and donations. So far this year we have groups fundraising for nonprofit groups like Lilac Terrace, Sparwood Skatepark, Sparwood Early Years, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Fernie Avalanche Girls Roller Derby Club and the Sparwood Food Bank to name a few… so please donate generously when you see donation jars. Hope to see you and your families out to help celebrate our community of Sparwood together. Humbly, Marcia Johnson
Events Coordinator Message Justine Bowen is the coordinator of Sparwood Coal Miner Days, treasurer of Sparwood Minor Ball, coaches T-ball and coach pitch and mom to three! e are all so excited for Coal Miner Days to be here again! New this year we have a climbing wall at Kids’ Fest, and Friday night we have Elk Valley’s Got Talent, a great new event this year where we are celebrating local valley talent. This event works a lot like America’s Got Talent. We had audition nights, in both Fernie and Sparwood, and of the many talents we saw, 12 acts were chosen to show their talent on the main stage at Coal Miner Days on Friday night before the fireworks. We are also happy to have Emergency Preparedness Day happening on Sunday, this is an event put on by the Sparwood Fire Department, which brings local and provincial responders to show the public what
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Committed to Community Teck is proud to be part of Sparwood Coal Miner Days, June 11-14 2015. Don’t miss the Teck Bike Rodeo, in partnership with Elk Valley RCMP and Gear Hub: Friday, June 12, 3-5 p.m. at Sparwood Arena Teck sponsored barbecue - a team fundraiser run by Avalanche City Roller Derby Saturday, June 13, all day at Red Cedar Drive and Pine Avenue
they do, and ways to stay safe. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, RCMP and the kids Fire Fit Challenge… come out and thank some of our local celebrities. Sparwood Napa has taken over the car show this year which is happening in Centennial Square right after the parade on Saturday. Please check out our schedule for times and event locations. Looking forward to another great Coal Miner Days weekend! Fingers crossed for great weather! Each event requires an event organizer and then many people to not only work towards the weekend but then to be there running the events themselves, all in all well over 100 volunteers in total make this weekend happen. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact me to participate, Justine at coalminerdays@hotmail.com Coal Miner Days Event Co-Ordinator –Justine Bowen.
Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
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Come out to the Rec Centre Fields to meet our local heroes!
History W
e are putting together a history of Coal Miner Days, so if anyone out there has photos and info of CMD in days gone by - it would be great if you could share. Please send a copy of your historic Coal Miner Days photos as well as information to Coalminerdays@hotmail.com Thank You for your help!
Photo courtesy of the Coal Miner Days Committee
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Fire Department
he Sparwood Fire Dept. is a big part of Coal Miner Days, a big thanks to the Fire Chief and his crew for their support. As usual they will be doing the Fire in the Sky, amazing fireworks display on Friday night June 12. On Sunday June 14 Coal Miner Days is very excited to share Emergency Preparedness Day at the Recreation field. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, emergency vehicles and more. Also due to its huge success last year, they will be doing a "Fire Fit" challenge for the kids and teens on Sunday at the Rec Centre. Kids will have fun going through a series of fire fit activities - including aiming the fire hose at a target.
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Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
Teck Bike Rodeo T
eck, RCMP and local volunteers have teamed up to bring the Annual Bike Rodeo to Coal Miner Days. On Friday, June 12 children of all ages are encouraged to take part in the FREE bike rodeo inside the arena at the Sparwood Recreation Centre. Bring your bike and helmet and have fun learning about bike safety. Any bike works – even one without pedals! Rodeo stations include: • Bike inspection, • Bike and helmet fit, • Starts and stops, • Scanning, • Rock dodge, and • Demon driveway. It will be at the Arena from 3-5 pm. The kids learn bike safety - so important and fun. Sponsored by Teck in partnership with the RCMP and the Gear Hub. Open to anyone who has a bike, scooter or skateboard.
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he Knights of Columbus and the Sparwood Chamber have teamed up for the running of the 11th annual Soap Box Derby. Together they are seeking sponsors and drivers to participate in this legendary event - yes the stuff legends are
Photo courtesy of the Coal Miner Days Committee
made of. This is always a fun event to watch and cheer for. For more information stop by the chamber. Practice is Friday night with the main event on Saturday after the Apex Power Parade.
Photo from The Free Press files
Cummins Western Canada welcomes
Coal Miner Days
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Enjoy your
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Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
M l a o i n C e d r o D o a y w s 201 r a p S 5 th th 1 1 4 1 e 2015 n u J
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Thursday, June 11, 2015
5:00 pm 5:30 pm
1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Chamber Golf Tourney Reg Golf - Shot Gun Start
Friday, June 12, 2015 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 11:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Teck Bike Rodeo Bounce Houses Face Painting - Sue Hanlon Info Booth@ Main Stage Ball Hockey - Arena Soap Box Practice Slo Pitch - Lions & Rec And Heights Beer Gardens - Tennis Court Reptile Show - Curling Rink SMS Poker Tourney Elk Valleys Got Talent Fire In The Sky
Saturday , June 13, 2015 Rec Centre
9:00 am - 8:00 pm 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm
Playing Fields - Lions, Rec, And Heights 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 3:00 pm
8:00 am - 10:30 am 9:00 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Lions Pancake Breakfast Parade Reg & Forms Parade Judging Apex Parade Soap Box Derby Disc Golf - Heights Course NAPA Show and Shine - Square
Sparwood Golf Course
Mini golf - Free
Sunday, June 14, 2015 11:00 am - 6:00 pm 11:00 am - 3:25 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Beer Gardens- Tennis Court Ball Hockey – Arena Emergency Prepardness Day Rec Kids Duatholon Bouncy Houses - Kids Fest Facepainting - Sue Hanlon Air Brush Tattoos Slo Pitch
HISTORY
Weekend Fun! Ambulance Ball Hockey Tourney Balloon Animals Bounce Houses Bumper Balls Carnival Games Duathlon Face Painting Fire Fit Challenge Food Vendors
Slo Pitch Rugby- Rec Centre
Mall/Chamber/Square/Heights
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ball Hockey - Arena Teck BBQ - Roller Derby Beer Gardens - Tennis Court Street Market Air Brush Tattoos Facepainting - Sue Hanlon Bouncy Houses - Kids Fest Laser Tag and Climbing Wall Reptile Show - Curling Rink
EKCU Classic Reg EKCU 5K and 8K Classic Run Reptile Show - Curling Rink Tug Of War - Rec Cabaret
We are putting together a history of Coal Miner Days for Sparwood’s 50 year celebration, so if anyone out there has any photos and info of CMD in days gone by it would be great if you could share. Please send a copy of your historic Coal Miner Days photos as well as information to: coalminerdays@hotmail.com Thank you for your help!
Lilac Terrece BBQ Pancake Breakfast Soap Box Derby Slo Pitch Street Market Teck BBQ Teck Bike Rodeo Tug of War Parade
Purchase your Coal Miner Days pin for your chance to win
$1000!
Draw Date: Monday, June 15
Sparwood, BC Times, locations and events are subject to change - Check our Facebook Page for updates www.facebook.com/CoalMinerDays **Plan B for poor weather – check inside curling rink and upstairs
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Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
Reptiles make an appearance at Coal Miner Days
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ack again this year in the CURLING RINK with three performances, 7:00 pm Friday and 1:00 and 3:00 pm Saturday. This interactive and educational stage show takes you on a journey around the world to Australia, Africa, South America and North America including our own backyard! Engaging audiences of all ages, the show features dragons, turtles, geckos, pythons, and more! When one of our large boas makes it’s appearance it is always a show stopper! The
• Affidavits
Reptile World Tour focuses on conservation in the wild as well as the care and responsibility of owning reptiles as pets. Kids in Sparwood will soon be able to have a hands on reptile experience with a visit from the Reptile World Tour during this year’s Coal Miner Days. Jason Clevett, Owner and long time reptile enthusiast will make his way down to Sparwood to showcase reptiles from around the world and some that are even found locally. The show will feature great family friendly entertainment
Business: (250) 425-2114
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Sparwood Communications
Fax: (250) 425-2204
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Email: marian@gravellenotary.com
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while combining the unique opportunity to see reptiles up close while focusing on education, including proper care and husbandry as well as information about conservation. Clevett has an intensive history with animals by remaining an important part of The Alberta Reptile & Amphibian Society (TARAS), where he has also formally served as President and Vice-President. Although reptiles are his passion, Clevett has also donated his time to the Calgary Zoo as a volunteer assistant gorilla keeper, working with the gorilla troop as well as Columbus monkeys, dwarf crocodiles and with Pebbles, the zoo’s former resident massive African Rock Python. “For me it is really about promoting education. People really need to do their homework and understand the needs and requirements of some of these reptiles that can be commonly purchased as pets. Unfortunately people don’t really think it through and are unable to properly care for these pets. They aren’t disposable and it is really not fair. Knowledge is really necessary,” he says. Clevett is expecting to bring 12 - 15 different reptiles to the show, and spectators will have the chance to meet and greet some of them after each show. The shows will take place on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at the Sparwood Curling Rink.
Site Prep Pit Run Snow Removal Lawn Maintenance
www.downtoearthexcavating.ca
Happy Coal Miner Days! From the staff at Sparwood Communications
370 Red Cedar Cres, Sparwood 250-425-2242 • www.sparcomm.com
Have a happy and safe Coal Miner Day's weekend. Hope to see you at the Chamber Golf Tournament or the Chamber Soapbox Derby. (co-sponsored with K of C)
250-425-2423 Stop at the visitor center to see what we have to offer!
Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
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Ball Hockey
he Coal Miner Cup Ball Hockey tournament is back for 2015. Barb Anderson & Derek Cimolini organized the tournament - between 6-8 teams will be participating. Contact Barb @ bsmanderson@hotmail.com
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Free Bus Rides
e are excited to once again offer Free Bus rides all over Sparwood for the entire Coal Miner Days weekend. Look for information at the Rec Centre about pick up locations. Friday – Sunday Jim Elliott Sr. has once again volunteered his services to drive our community bus all over town. The bus will pick up at the ball parks, Heights, Rec, campground and all around, rides are free but there is a donation jar to help raise funds for the Sparwood Lions.
Photo courtesy of the Coal Miner Days Committee
Coal Miner Days 2015
Lions Pancake Breakfast R
aising money for the community. The Famous Spar wood Lions Pancake breakfast will be on Saturday June 13 - Overwaitea parking lot. The pancake breakfast charge by donation. Some of the groups that proceeds have gone to are the Girl Guides (over $2000 was raised to contribute to their trip across Canada), A Smile for Janine (a local girl who was in need of surgery to help her smile) and The Water Spray Park. Funds raised go back into our Sparwood community. Thanks to the Lions for all their community support !!!
Photo from The Free Press files
Happy Coal Miner Days 2015 Enjoy all the fun family events June 11 to 14! USW Local 7284 and USW Local 9346 ~ Proud to support community in the Elk Valley!
Coal Miner Days 2015
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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
Apex Power & Automation Parade
ur goal is to create an enjoyable fun / SAFE Parade... that does not STOP on route. In order to remove the congestion at the end of the route... we are going to extend it another block past the rec.... (That way participants have three ways to exit the route.) We will also have the fire trucks spread out throughout the parade to keep the flow of the parade consistent and moving.... as well as having CMD staff spread throughout the route very visible in their hi-vis shirts. Any other ideas that you can think of please let us know. Last year we started at exactly 11:00 am from the Chamber ... they left there in a nice tight formation, hopefully with these changes they will also end the parade the same way. Sign up forms are available on our website or at the Library, Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Esso, Husky, Napa, Overwaitea, and the Rec Centre.
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SMS Poker Tourney
fter a couple of years off, we are so excited to announce that the SMS Poker Tourney is back on the event schedule for Friday evening at 7:00 pm, upstairs at the Rec Centre.
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Fun Run
arina Beran is the organizer of the EKC Sparwood Classic 5 and 8 km run/walk which will be held during CMD on Saturday June 13. Sarina raced in the Classic placing 2nd in 2011 and 1st in 2012 and happily accepted the challenge to organize the event since 2013. She had never organized a community event before but wanted to give back to Sparwood. Sarina "loves this race because we have a great group of volunteers. There are prizes from many generous Sparwood and Fernie businesses, EKCCU is a supportive sponsor and the course winds thru some of the best scenic parts of Sparwood". Thanks Sarina for keeping the Sparwood Classic running! The route is simple (a jaunt around Sparwood) - and family friendly for all ages young and old. There are many prizes - for placing, as well as door prizes. Register at Remedys Rx ahead of time or on the day at 1:30 pm at the Rec Centre Soccer Field. Photo from The Free Press files
Welcome to Coal Miner Days SMS Equipment Charity Poker Tournament Friday, June 12, 2015 7:00 pm • Sparwood Recreation Centre $20.00 BUY IN. Call 250-865-4651 to pre-register.
ALL PROCEEDS TO A LOCAL CHARITY #1 Intata Road, Elkford, BC Phone: 250.865.4651 Fax: 250.865.2644
www.smsequip.com
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Coal Miner Days 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
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Coal Miner Days Donations
verwaitea has provided the opportunity to donate to Coal Miner Days through "Save On Points"... they will match points donated! Ask about it at the tills! Thank you Overwaitea for this great opportunity to let everyone show their support for this great community celebration!
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Duathlon
he Kid’s Duathlon will be back again for Coal Miner Days 2015 - Sunday June 14th. 12-2 pm. This is so much fun for the kids - and the adults watching. Looking for volunteers to help with this event!!
Photo courtesy of the Coal Miner Days Committee
Happy Coal Miner Days!
Cranbrook - 701 Industrial Road 1
250-426-7247
Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir
250-425-6535
Elkford - 1 Front Street
250-865-4622
113 Red Cedar Dr, Sparwood 250-425-6489
Come out and join the fun this Coal Miner Days!
July 4th
For all of your automotive, commercial, industrial parts and service needs.
Stop by our Sparwood location and check out our brand new showroom!
Coal Miner Days 2015
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Street Market
heck out the Coal Miner Days Street Market Vendor for more information please see our Facebook page or our website. The Street Market adds so much to CMD - so if you have something to offer sign up for Saturday June 13, 2015. We are also excited to have vendors throughout the entire weekend.
Photo from The Free Press files
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Disc Golf
arwood is an 18-hole disc golf course located in Sparwood, B.C. The course is rugged and is built on the side of a mountain. It is made up of 18 Innova baskets with yellow metal bands. The course is located at the end of the old ski hill road (Sparwood Heights Drive), behind Sycamore Rd. Last year was the inaugural CMD competition - it’s back this year. Saturday June 13th - 1-3 pm. Contact jameswoodall13@ hotmail.com Thanks James for organizing.
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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
Coal Miner Days Cabaret
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Slow Pitch Tourney
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he Coal Miner Days (CMD) ball tournament starts on Friday night ( June 12) at 6 pm and goes thru the weekend until Sunday evening. Play is at the Lions Park diamond, Rec Centre diamond, Heights diamond and minor ball field. Dawn Weatherbee is the Vice President of the CMD committee. Dawn started organizing the CMD Slo Pitch tournament in 2011 - the first time organizing an event after attending many tourneys herself. So this will be her sixth year; the event has grown from six teams in 2011 - we have a full slate of 16 teams! It is a six guys, four girls format. Thank you Dawn for your volunteer time and the fun ball tournament you organize. Need more info on the ball tournament contact Dawn at weathrb@telus.net Beer gardens are set up in the tennis courts near the Lions Park Diamond.
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Dunk Tank
he Sparwood Skatepark Society is excited to be providing a Dunk Tank on Saturday from 1-4 pm, to raise awareness for the new Sparwood Skatepark. The exciting thing is that the Skatepark can be used by all ages not just by skateboards but scooters as well! You can purchase balls to dunk locals to help raise funds to build a fun new park. Come down to the Rec to learn more and throw a few balls for charity.
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Tug of War
enee Roberts MacCormack is back this year to organize the Tug of War competition. The Tug of War was a huge hit last year. Apparently the "Roberts Girls" are a force to be reckoned with. Tug of War .... Mixed Teams - two guys + two gals. Shine up your business shirts (or teams shirts) - get your grip on! Saturday, June 13 - meet by
the spray park at 3 pm. Registration at 2 pm. We will have the registration table set up at 2 pm on Saturday, June 13. There will be a men's competition, women's competition and one for the kids. There will be four categories for kids 14-18, 11-13, eight-10 and seven and under. Age categories for the kids may change based on interest and the teams we have.
oal Miner Days Cabaret is going to be fantastic this year. The entertainment is Trevor Panczak & the Roughstock band. Reviews for them have been amazing. Join us Saturday June 13 - Curling Rink, 9 pm til 1 am. Trevor Panczak is more than just a singer/songwriter, he is a captivating country entertainer. His laid back humour, smooth voice and charming stage presence will be a great fit for our Coal Miner Cabaret. This gentle giant has been playing country music for more than half his life and for 10 years with his six piece band Roughstock. Trevor accomplished a Canadian first by advancing to the National final of the 26th Annual Colgate Country Music Showdown in Nashville, Tennessee. He has opened for Ian Tyson, Dan Seals, Aaron Lines and Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Walk and The Zac Brown Band. Get your tickets early to save $5. They are available around Sparwood as well as at the door for full price! Please note that Coal Miner Days pins must be worn to get into the cabaret. They are available at the door for $2, and you are automatically entered to the Pin Draw for a chance to win $1000. Photo from The Free Press files
Wishing everyone a Happy Coal Miner Days! The District of Elkford Mayor, Council and Staff wish everyone a safe and fun Coal Miner Days! Join us for Elkford’s Wildcat Days June 26th & 27th. Visit www.elkford.ca for more information.
109 Centennial Sq, Sparwood • 250-425-4401
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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 11, 2015
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lk Valley’s Got Talent! Finals are June 12 before the Fireworks! Twelve performers have been selected to perform at our Main Stage! Join our Facebook page to find out more information. Kristin Hinton, Nicole Pallone and Jessie Southerland narrowed down the list of performers to 12 finalists, who will show off their talents on the main stage at 7 pm on Friday June 12th. We will have performances by Tyrone Glover, Ty Hanlon, Kourtney Holberton -Dacey Patten - Kally Campbell, Kyrsten Johnson - Catrin Merritt, Ethan Reddy, Santiago Ordonez, Parker Keehn Conner Keehn, Shende Barclay, Claire Bernier - Sienna Longo, Keyten Kunst, Maria Landa, Jeff Sutherland. They will be competing for a $1000 prize. The Audience has the opportunity to help select the winning performance.
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Rugby Match
hey're back. They will be facing off with a team from Airdrie. The Bulls are playing rugby again during Coal Miner Days. The rugby was so much fun to watch last year we are excited to have them back on the schedule,
3 pm on Saturday June 13 at the Sparwood Recreation Department field. At half-time there will be some kids activities put on by the team and more. Come out and watch this exciting sport.
Photo from The Free Press files
It’s going to be a blast!
Coal Miner Days 2015 June 11 to 14
Three days of fun....come out and celebrate with us.
125 Industrial Rd No 3 Sparwood 250-425-0060 www.martechelectrical.com