Once a year Nederland celebrates its humble beginnings and history with its Miners’ Days Celebration. For two days Nederland comes alive again as real miners, men and women, with amazing skills compete in wood splitting, spike driving, jackleg drilling, bow sawing, mucking, and single and double jack drilling. This year’s event will be dedicated in honor of Dave Felkley, who has been an invaluable volunteer and master of ceremonies for past events. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Felkley Assistance Fund. Events are open to all, and cash prizes are awarded to the top three finishers. There are also competitions and activities for kids including panning for gold.

Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith

Events take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21 at the Guercio Memorial Ball Field in Nederland. Events will run from 9 a.m. until they finish in the late afternoon or evening. Stop by and watch the events while perusing the fall colors on the scenic Peak to Peak Highway.

Saturday:
8 a.m. registration
Events start at 9 a.m. with:
• Spike Drive
• Mucking
• Single Jackleg Drilling
• Single Jack Hand Drilling

Sunday:
8 a.m. registration
Events start at 9 a.m with:
• Team Jackleg
• Bow Saw
• Wheelbarrow Race
• Wood Splitting
• Double Jack Hand Drilling

Other weekend events include:
• Nederland Seniors Community Pancake Breakfast Saturday at the Community Center 9am-11am
• Vendors both Saturday and Sunday
• Museums open both Saturday and Sunday

Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith

Founded in 1975, the NAHS serves to rescue, preserve and exhibit records and artifacts about Nederland area history and the Front Range mining heritage. It sponsors exhibits, school programs, and the annual Nederland Miners’ Days festival and competition. Run entirely by volunteers, NAHS is a non-profit corporation registered as a 501(c)(3) tax charity in the State of Colorado.

Contact Emmit Hoyl by phone at 303-506-1928 or e-mail at emmithoyl (at) gmail.com or Shivaun Hoyl by phone at 303-818-3304 or e-mail at shivaun.hoyl (at) gmail.com