On Oct. 6-8, The Doe Run Company (Doe Run) and the Viburnum community will celebrate the region’s rich mining history at the 31st Annual Old Miners’ Days festival. The area is home to one of the world’s largest lead mining districts, and the festival attracts thousands of visitors to Viburnum each year to enjoy music, food and family-friendly activities.
“Mining continues to be one of the biggest employers in the area,” said Steve Batts, vice president – SEMO Operations of Doe Run. “This is our chance to celebrate how mining has been essential to our region for more than 300 years.”
Doe Run mine tours are one of the festival’s most popular events each year. Visitors will have the opportunity to go roughly 1,250 feet underground to see a working lead mine. Doe Run’s mines are a refreshing 65 degrees, and feature glittering rock faces and dramatic rock pillars. Free tours are offered for guests 12 and older on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can register at Doe Run’s Old Miners’ Days booth, and buses will transport guests to and from the site.
“Old Miners’ Days is a great opportunity to showcase the importance of mining and its deep history in the community,” said Steve Batts. “Doe Run and our predecessors have been mining here since the late 1960s. As we approach 60 years in the Viburnum Trend, we appreciate the support we receive from our community.”
More than 100 Doe Run employees volunteer their time each year to make Old Miners’ Days a success. Mining equipment, such as haul trucks and loaders, will be on display, along with an area where children can see how the equipment works by moving sand with remote-controlled loaders.
Other activities include a parade, car show, children’s games, a talent show, vendor booths, and more. The events will take place next to the Viburnum High School on the Viburnum Center parking lot.
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