Sparwood’s biggest event of the year is here again! Coal Miner Days showcases the kind of community spirit that makes all of us so proud to live in the Elk Valley.
From Friday, to Sunday, the schedule of events is packed with entertainment from the always-popular bed races, cabaret, bike rodeo, slo-pitch tournament and parade, to kid-friendly activities and entertainment like face painting, Kootenay Children’s Train, bounce houses and Dan the Balloon Man.
Even though Coal Miner Days is Sparwood’s big festival, that doesn’t mean it is exclusively for Sparwoodians (if that is the correct term). This is a good chance for Sparwood to showcase their town to the rest of the valley, and an opportunity to come together as a valley. Although there are several towns that make up the Elk Valley, they all rely on and need each other in different ways, and joining together to celebrate each other’s towns is a great way to bring communities together. So even if you don’t live in Sparwood, head over this weekend, support Sparwood, and see what a great event they put on!
The number of volunteers that are involved in putting on a weekend like this, and the number of hours each of them devotes to putting on a huge community event, is incredible. Very few people have much free time, everyone has a job to go to, kids to look after, appointments, commitments, or whatever eats up all their time, and yet every year so many people make volunteering a priority. They give their time and effort and ask for nothing in return, other than to see the community enjoying themselves.
Thanks to all volunteers, across the Elk valley, who volunteer at all the events throughout the year! Hopefully this year the weather will be kinder than last, and Coal Miner Days is not fun in the sun, rather than the rain.