Coalhurst’s summer celebration full of action

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Joe Manio
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coalhurst’s Miners Days 2025 celebration coincided with the town’s 30th anniversary as an incorporated town, making this year’s annual summer celebration more meaningful. Coalhurst’s history is a story of resilience. Since its early days as a mining town it has seen periods of growth, decline and finally rebirth.

Miner Days took place July 25-26. The festivities included a Fire Department Open House on Friday evening, followed by the annual Town Council pancake breakfast Saturday morning; and immediately afterwards the parade led by honorary marshal Barbara Edgecombe-Green, former Coalhurst mayor and councillor; who was the town’s first female mayor.

The parade featured participants from nearby communities including Lethbridge and Coaldale. 

“Our community’s identity is rooted in coal mining—a history of hard work, grit, and resilience. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of incorporation during Miner Days makes it even more special,” said Deputy Mayor Deb Florence, who was born and raised in Coalhurst. 

“As a resident and Deputy Mayor, I see this moment as both a reflection and a challenge. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and it reaffirms what I’ve always believed: Coalhurst is a community of choice,” she said.

Coalhurst Miner Days is a long-standing annual community celebration that honours the town’s coal mining heritage. The event has grown over the decades into a multi-day summer festival featuring a parade, live music, family activities, food vendors, and fireworks. It typically takes place in August and is organized with the help of local volunteers and community groups.

Miner Days began as a way to celebrate the town’s roots, bring the community together, and recognize the contributions of the coal miners who built the town. Miner Days continues to be a highlight of the year in Coalhurst, blending historical pride with modern community spirit.

“Miner Days is a full community effort. It doesn’t happen without people stepping up. This year we’ve had tremendous support from groups like the Town of Coalhurst, South Country Co-op, the 55+ Club Society, the Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department, and the Coalhurst Legion Branch No. 273,” said Florence. 

“These organizations, along with countless volunteers, put their time and energy into making this event something our entire town can enjoy. That said a lot about who we are as a community—we show up, we pitch in, and we take pride in what we do together,” she said.

Founded in 1913 on the coal mining industry, Coalhurst  thrived until a devastating mine explosion in 1935 claimed the lives of 16 miners and forced the mine to close. This event significantly impacted the town, leading to a period of decline and a reversion to hamlet status.

After decades as a veritable ghost town, Coalhurst eventually saw a resurgence as a residential community, particularly in the 1970s; as a quiet, family-friendly community near Lethbridge. Coalhurst reincorporated in 1979 and was redesignated as a town on June 1, 1995. Today offers a peaceful environment with a focus on community development and strategic partnerships.

“Miner Days is my all-time favourite event. It’s a celebration of our rich history, but it’s also about right now—it’s about gathering as neighbours, seeing familiar faces, and welcoming new ones. For years, it was run entirely by community volunteers. After COVID, the Town took on a bigger role to help bring it back, and now it’s bigger and better than ever,” said Florence.