Miners Day 2016 celebrates museum’s 40th anniversary

Black Diamond residents will celebrate the city's 12th annual Miners Day festival on Saturday, July 16.

Black Diamond residents will celebrate the city’s 12th annual Miners Day festival on Saturday, July 16.

On top of recognizing the city’s history of coal mines and hard working miners, the city’s museum is also celebrating its 40th anniversary.

“Miners Day has evolved over the years, but it’s essentially celebrated the history, commerce and culture of Black Diamond,” said Mira Hoke, who handles outreach for the event. “We want to bring back the flavor of what Black Diamond was before.”

To start the festival, artists of all ages can participate in the chalk art contest beginning at 6 p.m. Friday on Railroad Avenue.

Saturday morning is reserved for early risers who want to participate in the 5K run and walk. Sign up begins at 7:30 a.m. and starts at 9 a.m. in front of the gym across the street from the police department. Proceeds from the event will fund the Bronze Miner Memorial in front of the Black Diamond Museum.

The festival opens on Railroad Avenue at 10 a.m. with vendors and family activities. The Black Diamond Museum is open all day and free of charge.

At 10:30 a.m. most 5K runners and walkers will have crossed the finish line and awards will be presented.

The Train Robbery skit is in its third year at the Miners Day Festival. This year the stars of the skit include Garren Moss, Shawn Ogelsbee, Tony Moss, Suzy Thompson, Steve Israel and David Luke. Act I begins at 11 a.m. in front of the antique store on Railroad Avenue.

At 11:30 a.m. will be the doughnut eating contest. Participants and observers will be entertained by Steve Israel, who will be on stage at the same time.

At noon, chalk art entries judging will begin with awards announced at 12:30 p.m. The winners of the doughnut contest and vintage fashion show models will be walking down the runway at the same time.

New this year to the festival will be the Cheers! Quartet, singing barbershop style at 12:30.

Act II of The Great Train Robbery will be performed at 2 p.m. on the railroad tracks in front of the museum.

The third and final act of The Great Train Robbery is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the south end of the festival.

The festival ends that afternoon at 4 p.m.