“Oh God for one more breath, remember me as long as you live,” These were the last words written by Jacob Vowell to his wife Ellen before he died in the Fraterville Mine Disaster of 1902.
To remember him and the many others who lived in Coal Creek, the Lake City Chamber of Commerce is in the process of planning the 3rd Annual Coal Creek Miners Festival to celebrate the bravery and courage of the miners of Coal Creek.
“The sole purpose of this festival and celebration is to remember our heritage and the men and women who lived through three of the most historically significant events of Coal Creek, now known as Lake City, and the communities surrounding Lake City,” said Donna Norris, Director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce. “Our hope is that the community will participate in this celebration of the Coal Creek Miners’ lives.”
Coal Creek Miners Festival will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the George Templin Athletic Field. There will be live entertainment, food, arts, crafts, antiques, collectables, historical books and kids’ activities. The live entertainment will include bluegrass, gospel and classic country music performed by a variety of local bands.
There will also be members of the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation at different historical mining locations throughout Lake City to guide visitors through the coal mining history.
“I would like to encourage residents of Lake City and the surrounding areas to participate by being a festival or food vendor and help celebrate the history of Coal Creek,” said Norris.
If you would like to participate in the celebration by displaying and/or selling your arts, crafts, antiques, books, miscellaneous items or being a food vendor, please contact the Lake City Chamber of Commerce at 865-426-9595.
