Mining pride packs Sullivan Street

The first of its kind, the Miami Mining Expo, led by Evelyn Vargas, Melinda Baeza and a team of volunteers, brought one of the biggest turnouts downtown has seen in some time to celebrate the region’s mining culture.

The event was originally planned for October 2025 but was postponed, and it was worth the wait. Festivities began Friday evening, October 2, with Music in the Park at Veteran’s Park and a historic walking tour. Saturday drew crowds to Sullivan Street, where visitors could talk with representatives from all the mines and chat with the contractors who support the operations. Admission was free. Vendors lined the street, and a backhoe competitions opened the mining contest which included sawing, spike driving, mucking and jackleg drilling.

The day wrapped up with bordello bed races and more music in the park. With
pitch-perfect weather for early October, visitors had a lot to enjoy.

Mining Competitions and Keystone Stair Challenge Results

1^st place $300 - 2^nd $200  - 3^rd Plaque

(Bordello Bed Racers won a plaque and certificate)

Backhoe Rodeo

1. Charles B.
2. Buck B.
3. Dustin H.

Sawing

1. Stephen T.
2. Colton C.
3. Marcus G.

Spike Driving

1. Victor A.
2. Ashley R.
3. David N.

Mucking

1. Julian C.
2. Mark A.
3. David D.

Keystone Stairs Challenge

1. Steve T.
2. Alex G.
3. Stephen T.

Bordello Bed Race

1. Atomic Scouts: Alexander, Aiden, Isaac, & Tommy
2. Mighty Power: Sterling, Camila, Bash, John, & Aiden
3. Chicken Eclairs: Trinity, Claire, Rick, Wade, Olive, & Lob   
4. Peoples choice: Might Power