Show goes on — thanks to local Miners Days crafters

By Stan Ashbee
Sunny South News

Luckily, Coalhurst Miners Days is a go this year. There was talk of the annual event being cancelled because of volunteer burnout, something happening throughout Lethbridge County with community events. But, some die-hard community members have stepped up to the plate to continue the family-fun event — the official passing of the torch, so to speak.
Coalhurst Miners Days — A Country Carnival is being held Aug. 7-8.
Ruth Guliker, one of the co-chairs of the newly formed Miners Days Committee, said there was always an old committee.
“We’re just a new one this year that we started up. The old committee was just tired out and didn’t want to do it anymore. We decided to take it over,” Guliker noted, adding the new committee is so far five-members strong.
If community members didn’t get involved, Guliker pointed out, that would have been the end of the annual Coalhurst summer festivities — which would have been bad news for the town and for the county.
Noteworthy events, according to Guliker, include the parade and pancake breakfast.
“They’re always the big hit. Everybody comes out for that mainly. It’s a different format this year than what normally they do. We’re trying to get new things happening,” she said.
New this year is the theme of a country carnival which will include pony rides, hula hoops and a greasy pole. “An old fashioned carnival is what we’re trying to bring in.”
Events include:
Friday Aug. 7
4 p.m. Beer gardens with hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and pop.
7 p.m. Night Time Sky Band featuring Ron Deering.
Saturday Aug. 8
8 a.m. Toonie Breakfast (6 and under loonie breakfast) outside at the Coalhurst Community Centre.
11 a.m. Parade (starts at Coalhurst High School, east on 6 Street, west on 51 Avenue, north on 2 Street and ending back at the high school).
At 12 p.m. A Country Carnival at Miners Park, Show and Shine all afternoon, Beer Gardens from noon until 4 p.m., bouncy castles, horse back rides for $2, a dunk tank, tug ‘o’ war, tattoos, a trade show and more.
Coalhurst Emergency Services will also be providing a crowd favourite — the coveted Slip and Slide. “All the kids love that,” she added.
Organizers are also looking for volunteers for leading activities, for set up and tear down, for the dunk tank and for a variety of other duties and events.
“We are in desperate need of volunteers,” said Guliker. Those interested in volunteering or for more information contact Guliker at jrguliker@gmail.com or by calling 403-892-8364.

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