n Ashland: The 22nd annual Pioneer Day is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16 hosted by Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train in celebration of its 52nd anniversary. In addition to regular coal mine tours and steam train rides, there will be a variety of special events at nearby Higher-Ups Park, where there are plenty of picnic tables and an enclosed pavilion that is used by reservation for family reunions, parties and school groups. There will be musical entertainment, a craft fair, a variety of activities for children, a historic display by the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society, a large variety of food in the pavilion plus community organizations offering chicken barbecue dinners, Mrs. T’s pierogies, bleenies, pizza, hamburgers, funnel cakes, bake sales and several food concessions. Free parking and continuous free shuttle service will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 23rd and Centre streets at the Gitman Bros. parking lot to Pioneer Tunnel, which is located at 19th and Oak streets. For more information, call 570-875-3850.
n Frackville: In a statement, Elaine M. Mykolayko, director of the Frackville Free Public Library, said the library “thanks the citizens of Frackville for their support during our recent fund drive. The staff and board of trustees are dedicated to improving our collection, our program offerings and our technology resources in order to give our patrons the services they need and want. The funds raised will be used to continue this objective.” Those still wishing to contribute may forward their tax-exempt donation to the library at 56 N. Lehigh Ave., Frackville, PA 17931.
n Hegins: The sixth annual Schuylkill County Wine Festival will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at Hegins Park. The cost is $15 per person and $5 for designated drivers. Advance tickets at $12 each will be available until Aug. 28. Admission and music will begin at noon and wineries will begin serving at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Vine, Wine and Dine.” In addition to wine tasting and cuisine, there will be entertainment and a table decorating contest. People may also call for group rates. More information about the festival is available online at www.schuylkillwine or on Facebook at festival.com. For more information, call Mary or Bob Tobash at 570-682-9660.
n Orwigsburg: A Family Fun Fest-Carnival will go from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 and will include food, games, music, balloon animals and a bike parade/decorating contest. The “Jock-ular Juggler” will be on hand. He has been featured on the “David Letterman Show,” “America’s Funniest People” and the ABC and CBS morning shows. Kids will be able to play in the bounce house and enjoy a cotton candy, snow cone or candy apple. More information is available on the Orwigsburg Business & Professional Association’s Facebook page. People may also call Pat Falco at 610-462-9167 for more information.
n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main St., will sponsor a free “Movie Madness” event at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 14 that should be of interest to baseball fans. The feature will be the film “The Sandlot.” The public is invited to attend. Refreshments and snacks will be available. “Don’t forget to wear a clothing item in support of your favorite baseball team,” Kelly Preneta, center manager, said in a published report. The center is operated by Diakon Community Services under contract with the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services.
n Shenandoah: A Padre Pio Healing Mass with a relic will be held in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish, St. Casimir worship site, North Jardin Street, on Sept. 19. For more information, call Father Jose Kochuparambil at the parish office at 570-462-1916, ext. 26.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., hosts an Open Mic Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month, providing opportunities for local talent of all ages and genres to perform. There are no fees. For more information, call 570-668-1192 or visit www.tamaquaarts.org.