Before Park City's world-class ski resorts solidified its place as one of the world's recreational capitals, this quaint town was the rough-and-tumble silver mining frontier. During that time, Park City was home to some of the most prolific silver mines in the U.S. and prospectors came in droves, creating a true melting pot of cultures and laying the foundation for the town we know and love today. In celebration of our mining history, the Park City Rotary Club is sponsoring the 119^th edition of Miners' Day on Monday, September 5th with a jam-packed schedule. If you’re making plans for how to spend the Labor Day weekend, don’t forget to include these fun family activities. 

Breakfast at City Park

Start your day off right at City Park with a breakfast (served from 7:30 to 9 a.m.) that would keep a miner on their feet all day long. For only $5 (kids four and under are free) you can enjoy a hearty meal of pancakes, eggs, ham, hash browns, and more. The breakfast is put on by St. Mary’s Catholic Church and all profits will benefit their educational programs. 

Miners’ Day 5k Run

The Miners’ Day festivities kick off with the traditional Miners’ Day 5K run. Bring the whole family out for a quick loop around Park City’s trail network and dress up in your best funky costume for a chance to win some great prizes. Entry fees are $25 for adults, $15 for anyone 18 and under, and you can register online. All the proceed go straight back into the community, benefiting local charities and non-profits. The race finishes at City Park, so you’ll have time to grab a bit of breakfast.

Running of the Balls and Miner’s Day Parade 

You’ve probably heard of the Running of the Bulls in Spain. Well, here in Park City we’ve created our own way of carrying out this tradition in a slightly safer yet quirkier way. Instead of thousands of bulls raging downtown, 10,000 yellow golf balls are let loose from the top of Main Street. The first balls to the bottom are crowned the winners. You can “adopt” a ball for $5 (or 5 for $20) for a chance to win some great prizes, including hotel stays, season ski passes, dinners, and more. Balls will be available for sale on Main Street before the race (starts 10:45 a.m.) as well as at the Park Silly Sunday Market and from Rotary Club members.

Stick around Main Street after the Running of the Balls for the 11 a.m. Miners’ Day parade, featuring marching bands and community floats celebrating the area's mining past. Anyone is welcome to enter, even your dog, just make sure you register by September 1^st.

Barbeque Lunch + Live Music in the Park 

Between noon and 3 p.m., head back to City Park for a fabulous cookout sponsored by Kumbayah Kitchen. They’ve got a new menu of BBQ favorites ready for the event and there will be something for every taste. Entertainment will, of course, also be provided with live music kicking off at 11:45 a.m. with bands taking to the City Park band stand as well. The line-up this year includes rock band Parlour Hounds and R&B/Motown/Soul group, Soulistics, and more.

Kids’ Races

No Miners’ Day would be complete without the Olympic-style competition for kids. Children of all ages can get in on the series of events, including running, wheel barrow, and sack races (gunny sacks will be provided). The games begin at 12:30 p.m. in front of the band stand and there’s prizes for everyone who participate.

Mucking and Drilling Competition 

Well before the 2 p.m.start time, spectators will start to fill the bleachers at City Park for the Miner's Day main event: mucking and drilling. In the mucking event, participants operate heavy equipment to load as much broken up ore, a.k.a. “muck,” as they can in a predetermined amount of time. Originally this was done by shovel, but over the years it was replaced with a mucking machine. The drilling event is intense and high energy, testing the strength of each competitor as they handle large compressed-air hammer drills. This event attracts competitors from around the Mountain West, showcasing the demanding work miners were charged with during the heyday of Park City’s silver mines. 

Skateboard Bowl Jam

The day's final event is for all of Park City’s shredders to send it. From 3-6 p.m. at the City Park skate bowl, the contest to crown the best skaters is on. DJ Cosmos will be spinning during the event so get ready for good tunes and sick tricks. There’s divisions and prizes for both amateurs and professionals, but anyone interested in competing should register with Park City Recreation early as spaces are limited.

It's going to be an exciting day, see you out there for all the fun!