FAQ'S
May Day Miners’ Festival
Why celebrate May Day?
May Day, or Miner’s Day, was an important holiday in the Drumheller valley and other mine
towns. Although May Day is actually May 1, we are celebrating the first weekend following to
allow families from out of town to participate.
What is the Miners’ March?
This is a procession of miners, miners’ sons and daughter, grandchildren, and other relatives,
each family bearing the name of the miner in their family tree. We will provide the signboard
when you register. The walk is approximately 2 blocks long, down Centre St, in downtown
Drumheller. Unable to manage the walk? Check in anyway, and a volunteer will carry your
family sign for you!
What happens at the Street Festival?
After the procession, the downtown merchants will serve
a barbeque and ice cream on Centre St. Music by the
Wayfarin’ Fiddlers will enliven the
event. Collectors will show off their vintage vehicles.
The first outdoor Fruit Dance
will allow anyone to grab a partner and try to steal
a piece of fruit, while doing the polka. Trust us, this
is a good time! The first Very Prim Outhouse
Games invites participants from the audience
to challenge others in games of wit and speed involving
an iconic piece of architecture from the mining years.
Watch for historic characters and more!
What is the Mine Family Reception?
A chance to meet other mine families, both local and
visiting. Enjoy the historic photo exhibit, Through
the Lens: The Coal Town Years. Tell us
more about who and what you see in the photos, and we
will record that information. Consider bringing your
family photos depicting the mining years to add to the
Atlas Coal Mine Archives. These will be scanned and
returned to you. Refreshments. The Badlands Community
Facility is next to the arena, in downtown Drumheller.
Lawrence Chrismas will in the library, steps away from
the gallery, signing copies of his 2011 book about Drumheller,
Coal in the Valley.
Where do I meet for the Cemetery Tour?
Just inside the front gates of the Drumheller cemetery. Tour admission is by donation; all
proceeds go the Miners’ Memorial.
Where is the Midland Mine Office?
In Midland Provincial Park, just east of the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This historic building will open
its doors for the first time in years! A volunteer historian will be on hand to Tell it Like it Was.
Mining on the Moon???
Homestead Antique Museum is hosting an unusual display: a Lunar Village by the Space
Workers. The display includes an exploration of mining on the moon. Call 403-823-2600 for
more information!
What is Tell It Like it Was?
Volunteer miners, and miners’ sons, will be stationed at points of interest throughout the valley.
They will tell you more about nearby mines, and about life in a mine community.
Tell me more about Family Events at Atlas Coal
Mine!
At the Kid’s Treasure Dump, kids get
to pick through coal in search of coins. Pony
cart rides will allow families a ride down
Century Drive in a replica mine cart pulled by ponies.
Included in site admission, or a toonie per person.
Register at the Visitor Centre when you arrive. Bring
a picnic, or buy a bowl of chili!
Tell me more about the concert!
Maria Dunn and Joe Vickers are well known Alberta musicians!
Maria is touring the province as the Alberta Labour
History Institute celebrates its’ centennial. Her show
is called Troublemakers, and
includes a rich AV program. For this show, she is joined
by Joe Vickers. Joe is a 4th generation Drumheller lad,
who provided the soundtrack to the Drumheller Valley
Mining Centennial with his 2011 album, Valley
Home. An incredible duo! Tickets are available
at the door. Or phone 403-822-3970 for more information
about the concert.
DOWNLOAD POSTER (PDF)
An Evening at Fanny’s
Event Backgrounder
What is this?
An Evening at Fanny’s is an interactive evening of entertainment, set at one of Drumheller’s famous
brothels during the Prohibition years. The event recreates a respectable function to which both men
and women are invited. A fried chicken dinner, honkytonk music, games of chance, and a stage show
create a fun filled evening. Guests will mingle with historic characters, and are encouraged to dress
up for this event in their favourite retro finery. Any flappers out there?
Where will it be held?
The event will be held at the East Coulee School Museum, 15 minutes from downtown Drumheller, in
historic East Coulee.
When?
Saturday, February 11, 6:30-10:00pm
Who’s involved?
Presented by Atlas Coal Mine historical Society on behalf of the Drumheller Valley Mining Centennial.
All guests must be 18 or over.
Why are we staging a fundraiser at a brothel?
The event is a fundraiser for the Miners’ Memorial. In addition, the setting reveals some fascinating
social history from the mining years of Drumheller. Fanny’s and Mary’s were major institutions, and
both women were famous for their compassion to bereaved families. Fanny and Mary, were they still
around, would support the Miners’ Memorial.
How do I get involved?
Tickets must be purchased in advance by phoning the
Atlas Coal Mine at 403-822-2220, Monday- Friday, 8:30-4:30.
Inquiries may be emailed to info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca.
Tickets cost $50 per person, with VIP tickets at $100.
VIP tickets include a tax receipt for $50, an evening
survival kit, and $100 in Fanny Munny. All guests are
asked to arrange for a safe ride home at the end of
the evening.
What is the Miners’ Memorial?
As a legacy to the Drumheller Valley Mining Centennial, a memorial will be unveiled downtown in
2012. This monument will name all of the men killed in the Drumheller coalfield. To date, donations
by Mapleleaf Minerals, EnCana, Century Coals, Royal Purple, Atco Electric, mine families, and
community members lead the campaign.
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