This Saturday, be a "pioneer" in the coal industry.
The 20th annual Pioneer Day at the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, Ashland, brings history to life in a festival of ethnic and local heritage.
"It celebrates the 50th anniversary as well," said Kathy Lattis, business manager. "There's always a lot going on."
This year's event will be extra-special because of that.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Higher-Ups Park will be filled with music, games and more. The famous tunnel excursions will run more often, as will the Lokie rides, which offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and a glimpse of the smoke from the Centralia mine fire.
This unique event will feature The Breaker Boys - Tom Symons, Tom Symons, Jr. and Stu Richards - who combine entertainment and education. The trio, all historians, attend the fest dressed as miners and bring the era of King Coal to life in story and song.
Other local talent will perform and although the park has plenty of shady seating, visitors may want to bring lawn chairs to sit close to the bandstand area, where Memory Lane, formerly Shama Lama, which performs rock 'n' roll hits of the '50s, '60s and '70s.
A large craft fair will also be held throughout the park, with more than 80 crafters displaying a wide variety of handmade items and new collectibles.
Local organizations will also be there in force, including Ashland Downtown Revitalization, Mummers Club, American Legion, Eastern Star, Ancient Order of the Hibernians Ladies Auxiliary, Girardville PRIDE and others. The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society will offer an historic display.
There will be bingo and activities for children, such as face painting and an assortment of games.
The Pennsylvania Museum of Anthracite Mining, 100 yards from Pioneer Tunnel, will also be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As always, the event features free parking in the Gitman Bros. parking lot, 23rd and Centre streets, and free shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pioneer Tunnel is located at 19th and Oak streets. For more information, call 570-875-3850.