Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) has signed on as a sponsor for this year’s May Day Festival.
The Atlas Coal announced the partnership for the event that runs the first weekend of May. Kelly Eddy, Program Director at the Atlas says May Day speaks to the importance of the history of mining in the valley.
“May Day is a legacy to the men who paid the blood tax of coal, but because we remember them, their lights will shine,” she said.
The annual festival runs Friday, May 1 until Sunday, May 3 and kicks off at noon on Friday with the Miners’ March; a procession of miners, their families, and local residents who carry commemorative placards to the Miners’ Memorial on Center Street, Drumheller.
Placards display the names of miners who braved the “belly of the beast” here in the valley and participants can register for a placard, half-an-hour before the March, at the Badlands Community Facility. A memorial service for the 207 men killed in the Drumheller coalfields will follow at 12:30pm . Reverend Katherine Freeman will officiate.
Other events planned for the weekend include a concert on Friday night at the Atlas, featuring Joe Vickers - tickets will be at the door.
On Saturday morning, the festival will launch its first Annual May Day Miners’ Baseball Tournament. The tournament will run all weekend at the Rosedale and Hoodoo ball diamonds, with field time generously donated by the Town of Drumheller and the Hoodoo RV Resort and Campground.
“Anyone interested in registering a team should contact the Atlas for more details,” said tournament coordinator, Remie DeFoor.
The East Coulee School Museum and Drumheller Humane Society will be selling popcorn, hot dogs, and peanuts all weekend. On Saturday evening everyone is invited to a free screening of the 1952 World Series Game at the School Museum from 5-8 p.m. Following the game, the Last Chance Saloon will be hosting Ginger St. James. The Dinosaur Valley Express will be offering a safe ride service on Saturday evening and anyone interested can call Shelley or Karel at 403.823.8664 for more details.
Jay Russell, Curator at the Atlas encourages everyone to attend the Festival, emphasizing that “these are our miners, this is our heritage”.
According to a press release, ATB Financial is proud to support The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site in their efforts to preserve the rich social history of the Valley and continue connecting people to stories and experience that enrich their lives.
A full schedule of events can be found online at www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca/special.html.
