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From the Republican Herald, July 29, 2009
Surely, it's a cliche to say "time flies."
And just as surely, that's because it's true.
Whether the expression is trite or not, time has indeed flown since the first Independent Coal Miners Picnic was launched in Hegins 2 1/2 decades ago.
Just blink and here it is, 2009, and David A. Lucas is getting ready for the 25th annual event, to be held on Aug. 8 at Hegins Park.
Through the years, the picnic in Hegins has proved a fitting gathering to recognize and honor independent coal miners. Our history, after all, is steeped in anthracite mining.
This year, according to Lucas, a hot meal will be served at 4 p.m., while soups, cold cuts and similar fare will be available throughout the day.
Disc jockey Golddust and the band The Valley Boys will provide entertainment.
The event's commemorative mug will feature the image of miner Paul G. Weinrich. Miners' names and dates of death appearing on the mug will include: Roy Hoffman, 1991; Marlin E. "Jockey" Shade, 2001; Ronald C. "Sunshine" Geist, 1979; Ralph Schannauer, 2008; Walter R. Lindenmuth, 2009; Clair J. Shoop, 2002; Robert H. Herb, 2009; John J. "Jecky" Rissinger, 2008; Raymond W. Conniff, 1997; Harold E. "Butch" Betz Jr., 2008; Charles V. Klinger, 1998 and Eugene J. "Jeepy" Melocheck Sr., 1995.
Lucas has tickets for the outing, which are $20 each. Contact him at 682-9140. The picnic will be held rain or shine.
During the heyday of the mining industry in northeastern Pennsylvania, miners returning home from work would often delight their children by having saved a little something in their lunch pails for them.
Now the lunch pail treats at the annual picnic are for the miners.
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