100 Year Anniversary Commemoration Crowsnest Pass June 19, 2014

On June 19, men lose their life 130 women widowed About 400 children fatherless, most under 10 The men were aged 17 – 54, average age 30 Imagine the effect this would have on a close community, on towns and families near and far Nine days later the world turned their attention to the outbreak of The Great War 250 miners go to work, 235 underground 46 underground survive

150 of the victims are buried in three mass graves in Hillcrest Cemetery The remainder are buried back in their home towns

With the closure of the Hillcrest Mine in 1939, the town of Hillcrest began to decline and the cemetery fell into neglect. Major cleanups and improvements were made by concerned citizens in 1954, 1985 and Hillcrest Cemetery was declared a Provincial Historic Resource in 1985.

Oblique to Hillcrest Mine Disaster Surrounded by engraved markers Chronologically detail all Canadian Mining Disasters

Fencing around mass graves and bronze plaques Perimeter fence, constructed from salvaged mine materials including hoist cable, and two gauges of rails.

Seating area with interpretive panels

The previous commemorative events have been attended by people In 2007 the Men of the Deeps concert was attended by 750 people

Current Restoration project for Cemetery Improvements to the entry way planned for completion by June 2014 $ 350,000 needed by mid 2013 Applying for a number of grants Matching grants with capital

Commemoration Events – June 19th  Funeral Procession Re-enactment  Graveside Service  Reception  Concert – Men of the Deeps

Commemoration Events – June 20th  Daytime - Explore Crowsnest Pass;  Frank Slide Interpretive Centre  Bellevue Underground Mine  Crowsnest Museum  Crowsnest Pass Art Gallery  Evening – Miners Picnic and outdoor Dance  Live music, beer gardens, bbq

Commemoration Events – June 21st  Bellecrest Days events – Hillcrest  Pancake breakfast, parade, wagon rides, heavy horse pull, guided hikes to hillcrest mine site  Evening event – Hillcrest Miners Club - live music

Company’s coming!  Spring Cleaning & Community Pride  Landscaping around cemetery site  Spruce up Main street Hillcrest  Business participation & promotion

Belle Kovach Book  Brochure  Book

We Want You! How can you get involved  Volunteer  Donate  Gifts in kind  Corporate Engagement  Sponsorship of events  Sponsorship of capital project