Welsh Day makes return after absence of one year

A Welsh Heritage Day Celebration has made a comeback, sponsored by the Black Diamond Historical Society following a one-year hiatus.

A Welsh Heritage Day Celebration has made a comeback, sponsored by the Black Diamond Historical Society following a one-year hiatus.

This year’s event is set for noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Black Diamond Museum, 32627 Railroad Ave.

A Welsh Days celebration has been a tradition in the small town, jointly sponsored by the historical society and 4Culture, the cultural services agency for King County. Plans for the 2008 festivities became derailed when the county pushed for an all-inclusive “heritage day” event, according to Don Mason, co-chairman of this year’s event.

Popular demand has resurrected the one-day event, said Mason, who is co-chairing this year’s celebration with Anna Morris.

Saturday’s program will include a 1:30 performance by Dinas O Frain, a regionally-based group that will perform Welsh music. Following the music will be a presentation by Gary Zimmerman, president of the Fiske Genealogical Foundation and an expert on the Welsh immigration movement to the United States.

A pair of large informational panels, also detailing Welsh immigration, will spend the day in Black Diamond. They have been on display throughout the state of Washington.

In addition, the museum has been decorated and guests will be offered refreshments.

The town of Black Diamond was founded primarily by Welsh coal miners in the 1800s.

Mason said the society is encouraging everyone to attend Saturday’s event, but is particularly interested in making contact with more Welsh descendants.

Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.