An exhibit on death, mourning and burial customs will explore traditions in the region at the 16th annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum on West Dock Street in Lansford.

The annual festival is a fun and educational celebration of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region history, culture, ethnicity, crafts, food, music, art, customs and traditions.

“The Annual Coal Miners Heritage Festival is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and is our largest annual event” said Dale Freudenberger, secretary at No. 9.

Local and regional history societies and organizations will have booth exhibits.

The Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad Club will display an operating model railroad layout fashioned after part of the coal region.

Another display titled, “Bath Day in the Patch” shows what it was like in days gone by for coal mining families.

There will be displays of vintage coal advertising posters, a restored vintage mine lokie, demonstrations of an operating antique coal screening machine, a display of old time moonshine making equipment, antique coal region beer trays and more.

A large basket raffle will also benefit No. 9 Mine. Tickets for the basket raffle can be purchased that day.

A variety of music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the day. It includes the WMGH Radio Polka Program live broadcast with Polka Joe Manjack.

Acclaimed coal region folk musician, balladeer, and clogger, Jay Smar will perform during the day. His grandfather actually worked as a coal miner at No. 9 Mine for many decades.

Mountain music man, multi-instrumentalist and teacher, Dave Matsinko will perform strolling performances, and DJ Shawn Frederickson will play classic folk, mining, railroad and other heritage music during the day.

The popular and entertaining “Breaker Boys,” Stu Richards and Tommy Symon, are also expected to come.

Sometimes the Victorian Hiwheelers of Tamaqua make an appearance riding their vintage 1890s hi-wheel bicycles.

Coal region historical re-enactors will stroll the grounds in their authentic coal patch town outfits and perform skits.

Also on display will be several early antique vehicles from the early 1900s, and a traditional home delivery hi-lift coal truck.

There is no formal car show at this event.

The coal miner’s competition is always the most popular event. Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in the coal shoveling competition. Handcrafted trophies will be awarded to the winners. The coal shoveling competition will begin at 2 p.m. and is free to enter.

A combination of homemade, coal region ethnic foods as well as other popular summertime festival foods will be offered by local organizations and food vendors.

Regional and ethnic favorites include, halupki (stuffed cabbage), homemade pierogies in butter and onions, halushki made with homemade noodles and cabbage, homemade kielbasa sandwiches, open-pit smoked beef brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, bleenies (potato pancakes), ham and bean soup, hamburger barbecue, funnel cake, ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes, gyros, stuffed grape leaves, chicken tenders, homemade potato chips, fresh squeezed lemonade, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, deep fried pierogies, mozzarella sticks, fresh made mini donuts, tabbouleh salad, baklava and other homemade baked goods. Keg-tapped Ben’s birch beer and cream soda, Zimmerman’s iced tea, soda, fruit drinks and bottles of wine will also be for sale.

Children’s entertainment includes old-time coal sack races with prizes for the winners, a bounce house, kiddie train ride and other amusement rides, children’s games, and the popular “Buster the Clown” making balloon animals for kids.

Anyone who would like to register as a crafter or vendor or has questions about the festival, should contact Freudenberger at dalefreud@gmail.com or by phone at 610-597-6722 and leave a message. Emails are preferred.

Last minute crafter and street vendor registrations are still being accepted.

Admission and parking are free and the event is held rain or shine.