Memorial Day weekend is expected to be a special time at the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford for the 160th anniversary of the opening of the mine in 1855.

Although the mine and museum will be open every day, this Sunday will feature many special activities open to the public, organizers say.The grounds will be filled with the smell of homemade ethnic foods coming from the picnic pavilion, the sound of music in the field, the sights of antique and classic cars gathered on the grounds, and the feel of cool air coming from the coal mine as visitors prepare to board the mine train for the one-hour underground tour of the world's oldest deep mine followed by a trip through the mining museum on the surface.The annual Memorial Day Weekend event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission to the grounds and parking are free.A nominal fee is charged for the mine tours and museum, but all other activities are free.The Anthracite Region Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America will present an antique and classic car show on the grounds. Anyone wishing to display their automobile can still register when they arrive. Music will be provided by DJ Shawn Frederickson.A variety of homemade ethnic foods will be available for sale at the picnic pavilion including favorites such as halupki, halushki, pierogies, turkey barbecue, hamburger barbecue, homemade bean soup, hot dogs with kraut or chili, homemade desserts, and a variety of beverages.This old fashioned picnic is done in the style of the annual coal miners' picnics which were held years ago throughout the coal region.To celebrate the 160th anniversary of the opening of the No. 9 Mine in 1855, the Carbon County Labor Chapter will coordinate the release of 160 balloons in unison by visitors.Mine tours include the mine train ride into the mine where visitors then embark on a walking tour to see fascinating sights underground.Visitors will also enjoy browsing the countless displays and artifacts inside the region's largest coal mining museum and gift shop located on the grounds.For information call 570-645-7074 or on the web at

www.no9mine.com.No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is a nonprofit organization that preserves the legacy of coal mining in the Panther Creek Valley.