Visitors from a wide area, and as many as a few thousand, packed the Number 9 Mine grounds over seven hours on Sunday to honor the rich heritage and culture of anthracite coal mining.

The 15th Annual Coal Miners Heritage Festival in Lansford hosted a range of family-oriented activities that centered on mining.

There were underground mine tours, children’s burlap sack races, exhibits, displays focusing on life in typical patch towns of the region and a chance to take part in Pennsylvania’s only coal shoveling competition.

Many commented on the upbeat tempo of the event.

“I’m here for the sense of community and the energy,” said Jamie Barton, Orwigsburg.

Jerry Kufrovich, Park Crest, said he’s drawn to the unique attractions.

“I took the mine tour. And I’m here to see Polka Joe. Plus I have friends working the concession stand.”

Visitor Dennis Vavra of Coaldale sees the event as an opportunity to honor heritage and renew friendships of many years.

“I came for the tradition and to see Jay Smarr.”

Acoustic musician Smarr plays folk songs that honor local heritage. He and Vavra are longtime friends and former schoolmates with the Panther Valley High School Class of 1972.

Ethnic and traditional foods are an important part of the festival and a big draw.

“I enjoy pork barbecue,” said Bill Solomon of Jim Thorpe, on hand with wife Jamie.

The couple said they also look forward to seeing members of the Frederickson family who work at the festival.

Visitor Russell Yallas of Hometown said he enjoys a day of meeting people and treating himself to tasty food.

“I enjoyed a hot dog, and those bleenies are very good.”

Yallas was referring to a deep-fried, potato pancake-type food prepared on-site by volunteers of Lansford Fire Company.

In fact, visitors Ron and Lorraine Blickley of Hometown said they showed up particularly to enjoy the bleenies.

“I would say they’re the best bleenies we’ve had anywhere, including at all of the festivals and events in the area,” said Ron.

The fire company uses the event to raise funds and typically sells out of the goodies.

Carolyn Cochrane of Fogelsville also said she enjoyed the hot food.

“The beef barbecue is excellent.”

Entertainment also included strolling musician Dave Matsinko, DJ Shawn Frederickson, and a live WMGH radio remote broadcast with Polka Joe Manjack.

The mine and museum complex is one of the largest of its type in the state.

Visitors take railcar shuttles which transport them to the 52-degree interior of the world’s oldest operating deep mine, dating to 1855, then operated by Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company.

It was last mined in 1972 by the Lanscoal Company.

The adjacent brick museum is housed in the original 1912 miners’ wash shanty.

Volunteer event planner Dale Freudenberger said the festival puts an important focus on education, not only about mining, but about life and culture of the coal regions.