HEGINS - Glassware commemorating the area's rich anthracite history can be yours.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Bootleggers' Independent Coal Miners Picnic this year, event organizer David A. Lucas is offering a special beverage mug.
This year's annual mug will feature a photo in memory of Kenny "Simmy" Wolfgang and in honor of Bob "Duffy" Wolfgang.
Other names on the mug are in memory of Russ Horoshak, Sr., 1983; Willard L. Clark, 2011; Allan R. "Red" Kramer, 2011; Monroe Lucas, 2012; Wallace E. "Wally" Knorr, 2012; Alvin "Chap" Shade, 2012; Earl S. Deeter, 2013; Richard R. "Tippy" Klouser, 2013; Terry L. "Hershey" Reightler, 2013; James L. Bender, 2013; Charles L. Kimmel, 2013; George E. Mervine, 2013, and Raymond E. "Ramie" Deeter, 2014.
Lucas has a collection of all but four of the mugs from the annual event.
"I've been keeping some mugs to put away for the grandkids," said Lucas.
A close look of his collection includes the first mug - with black lettering blaring "Independent Coal Miners Picnic" and the date "August 17, 1985, Hegins Park."
Many of the mugs have a photo of loved ones, or dear friends who toiled below ground for a living. The 17th annual mug holds a special place for Lucas, featuring a photo of his late father, Ray A. "Checky" Lucas and a list of area coal companies -many that no longer exist.
In 1998, the mug had a photo of his daughter, Christine, as the "Coal Miner's Daughter" for the 14th annual event; the following year, it was a picture of his son, "Junior."
The 16th annual shows David A. Lucas himself. Lucas remembered his late brother, Robin E. Lucas, with the 2010 glass for the 26th annual picnic. That mug has a photo of Robin, as well as 13 names of others who had passed away.
For the last 20 years, Walter Boyer, Berrysburg, has been designing the commemorative mugs, according to Lucas.
This year's picnic will begin at noon Aug. 9 at Hegins Park and is held rain or shine. A hot meal will be served at 4 p.m., includes soups and cold cuts. DJ Gold Dust, Old Gold, The Breaker Boys and Red Halo will provide the entertainment.
A $20 donation will obtain a picnic ticket, while an $8 donation will secure this year's mug. Deadline to order mugs is July 7. Glasses can be picked up at Lucas's home at 320 E. Main St., Hegins.
To place a mug order, or request a ticket, call Lucas at 570-682-9140. Advanced requests are appreciated.