Coal Miner Days has risen from the ashes.
There were fears the annual event would be no more as the Sparwood Coal Miner Days Society suffered burnout and struggled to find new volunteers.
However, with the support of the District and community, Coal Miner Days will return to Sparwood this June. It has been expanded to a week-long event.
“It’s actually shaping up quite well,” said president Marcia Johnson. “Despite some changes, I think that it’s going to be a very fun and successful event.
“We’ve got people signing up on our website to volunteer… we’ve got different events happening all around town during the week, so that’s how we were able to make it a week long (event) instead of just on the weekend.”
While the popular street parade has been scrapped from the program, there’s still plenty to see and do over Coal Miner Days.
The festivities will run from June 3-9 at different locations around Sparwood. Events include a street market, fireworks, pancake breakfast, sporting tournaments and family-friendly activities, such as bowling and a free public swim.
Johnson said 16 teams have registered for the slow pitch tournament, while the Causeway Bay Hotel is gearing up to host an open mic night on June 7.
“We try our very best to be able to highlight all the great things that Sparwood has to offer,” she said.
“That’s why I think having it a week-long event this year, it gives the opportunity for businesses outside the rec centre to be able to host events and get people into those businesses, and those locations that maybe up until this point haven’t been there, so that’s kind of a neat thing we’re doing this year.”
The Society is still looking for volunteers to assist with events such as the pancake breakfast on June 8.
Johnson said there are many different volunteer opportunities available depending on the person’s skill level and their interests.
“It’s a great way to be able to get out and meet people that live here if you’re new to town, and give back to your community,” she said.
Johnson thanked the community for continuing to support Coal Miner Days.
“We wouldn’t be able to pull these things off if we didn’t have such a great team and core supporters,” she said.
“When we get closer to the event, it’s all about the businesses and not for profits being showcased, and having as many people as possible come out and lend a hand, and celebrate all the great things that Sparwood has to offer altogether.”
For more information and updates, follow the Society on Facebook at Facebook.com/CoalMinerDays.