For a hard-charging resort town like Park City, Miners Day (a.k.a. Labor Day to everyone else in the country) delivers a rare opportunity to revel in genuine community. The vibe is downright local, the history deep, and the good times abundant. Event Chair Kristin Wright explains, “Park City Rotary has two goals for Miners Day: community fun and celebrating our history.” Today’s Miners Day events date back to what was first known as “Miners Union Day” in the late 1890s. Here’s the lowdown on Parkites’ signature holiday, happening this year on September 1.       

Miners Day Must-Dos

Kick off the celebrations with the Twilight Rotary’s Bark City 5K, where pups (some costumed for the occasion) accompany two-legged friends for an out-and-back run along the Historic Rail Trail. Roll up to the self-timed event day-of or register online in advance. Donations are encouraged but not required. All proceeds go to nonprofits, such as local rescue Fetch Cares and Days for Girls International.

Fuel up for the day’s festivities at St. Mary’s Catholic Church’s Breakfast in the Park, an al fresco feast of pancakes, eggs, coffee, and more. Then, head up to Main Street to cheer on the Running of the Balls. Look for Rotarians dressed in “Do You Have Balls?” T-shirts to get in on the action. At the top of the street, a mine-inspired tower serves as the launching chute for 15,000 golf balls. Said balls are released on the heels of volunteer high school students racing down the street—Pamplona-style (but without the bulls). Lucky winners score fat prizes, ranging from ski passes to spa days, and then, the street transforms into a parade route.

Stick around on Main Street or stroll down to Park Avenue for extra elbow room as The Miners Day Parade makes its way to City Park. A staple since the holiday’s 19th-century beginnings, the old-fashioned spectacle shows off local color as entrants stroll, dance, sing, and even karate-chop their way through town. Mining-themed floats accompany an array of organizations and individuals.

Finally, soak up après-parade fun in City Park, which buzzes with live music, kids’ sack races, face painting, eats, libations, and more throughout the afternoon. Be sure to catch real miners in action at the long-standing Mucking and Drilling Competition, which pits professionals against each other as judges weigh in on how adeptly each competitor wields heavy drills and ore-mucking machinery.

Quick Tips

Check out parkcityminersday.org for a detailed event schedule, links to register for the 5K, and to purchase balls (starting at $10) for the Running of the Balls. Rotarians also wander the crowd selling balls on site. 

Dive deeper into Park City history with a visit to the interactive Park City Museum. 

For great deals on used books, mosey across the street to the Park City Library for the Friends of the Library annual book sale (running all weekend long).

Bike, walk, e-bike, or ride the bus to Old Town. Parking is limited.

Expect variable weather, and dress in layers.