PARK CITY, Utah – The sounds of jack hammers will echo through the the hills of the mountain town of Park City, Utah as the 19th century mining town turned ski resort celebrates its past on the 124th edition of Miners’ Day on Monday, September 2.
Miners’ Day had its origins in 1896, as silver miners took a break and created a large parade down the city’s Main Street, with games following in City Park – much like it is today!
New this year will be Food Trucks in City Park, providing a unique selection for lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.
The day long festival features a parade down historic Main Street at 11:00 a.m., an afternoon of fun in City Park for kids and families, plus a celebration of the community’s mining heritage at 2:00 p.m. with miners from around the west competing in mucking and drilling competition.
The 10:30 a.m. Running of the Balls on Main Street has grown to become the most popular event in Miners’ Day. Nearly 10,000 yellow golf balls will rocket down Main Street to raise money for community nonprofits. Spectators are welcome to ‘adopt a ball’ to win prizes and support important causes. Tickets are available at Park Silly Sunday Market and on Main Street Miners’ Day morning.
The annual Miners’ Day Parade will begin around 11:00 a.m., after the conclusion of Running of the Balls. This year’s theme is “Make FUN in Park City.” Miners’ Day parade entries tend to be wide and varied, but all centered on the common theme of having fun – including the politicians!
Miners’ Day is produced annually by the Park City Rotary Club, with proceeds benefitting community nonprofits. The club was named Utah Rotary Club of the Year in 2014. As a result of Miners’ Day, the Rotary Club has increased its contributions to local nonprofits, including a new impact grant, that will be announced in September.
Known as Labor Day elsewhere, Miners’ Day has its origins during the 19th century mining boom in the now world renowned ski resort town of Park City. In its heyday, Park City was one of the world’s leading producers of silver. The mining heritage is center stage each year at Miners’ Day with the popular mucking and drilling competition where modern day miners keep alive the traditions of their predecessors.
Miners’ Day features all day fun in the resort town of Park City. It kicks off with breakfast in City Park at 7:30 a.m., just in time for the start of the Miners’ Day Bark City 5k run at 8:00 a.m. This year the newly formed Park City Twilight Rotary Club is taking on organization of the 5k. St. Mary’s Catholic Church will be offering breakfast for free (donations accepted)!
The Minerss Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. takes pride in being just a little bit different than your typical parade with community organizations having a little fun with their funky floats.
Food, fun and music are on tap all afternoon in City Park, with live music courtesy of Mountain Town Music. The fun kicks off with Jake & the Heist at noon with The Electric Moose Band at 3:00 p.m. The popular Kids Games will be held at 12:30 p.m. in City Park. A Skateboard Bowl Jam wraps up the afternoon beginning at 3:00 p.m.
One of the highlights of Miners’ Day is the Mucking and Drilling Competition at 2:00 p.m. Bleachers fill early in the parking lot across from the library. Miners’ from around the intermountain west challenge each other drilling target holes in a rock, then put their skills to test running a mucking machine, loading mine tailings into a rail bucket as quickly as possible. It’s high energy and sweat, watching old and new miners strut their stuff.
The Park City Rotary Club, formed in 1980, is a community service organization comprised of community and business leaders who engage in activities to give back to Park City and the global community. It was named Utah’s Rotary Club of the Year in 2014. It is a part of Rotary International, with over a million neighbors, community leaders and global citizens uniting for the common good.. Rotary International clubs around the world are
To get the latest update on Miners’ Day, visit www.parkcityminersday.org.
2019 Miners’ Day Schedule
7:30-9:30 a.m. – Miners’ Day Breakfast, City Park (free – donations accepted)
8:00 a.m. – Miners’ Day Bark City 5k Run, City Park (bring your dog)
10:30 a.m. – Running of the Balls, Main Street (get there early to buy balls)
11:00 a.m. – Miners’ Day Parade, Main Street – Making FUN in Park City
11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Food Trucks, City Park
11:45 a.m. – Jake & the Heist
12:30-1:00 p.m. – Kids Games, City Park
2:00-3:30 p.m. – Mucking and Drilling Competition, City Park (across from library on Park Ave.)
3:00 p.m. – The Electric Moose Band
3:00-6:00 p.m. – Skateboard Bowl Jam, Skateboard Park
About Park City Rotary Club
The Park City Rotary Club is a community service organization comprised of community and business leaders who engage in activities to give back to Park City and the global community. Founded in 1980, the club has around 100 members and is a part of Rotary International. Among its many activities is the management of Park City’s annual Miners’ Day festival every Labor Day. The club organizes a wide range of annual fundraisers benefiting local causes and international outreach programs, granting over $1 million since its inception. Long known as one of the most innovative and fun clubs in Utah, Park City Rotary Club was named Utah Rotary Club of the Year in 2014.
