A watermelon-eating contest is one of several eclectic events at the annual Minetown Day celebration in Lantzville. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Minetown Day

Uniquely Lantzville event still has room for growth

Sep 12, 2025 | 11:24 AM

LANTZVILLE — An increasingly popular Lantzville tradition is expanding, but organizers say its small-town charm remains intact.

Minetown Day happens Saturday, Sept. 13, with most events staged at Huddlestone Park on Lantzville Rd. from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.

Robyn Hewer of the Seaside Community Society and Minetown Day planning committee, said this year’s event includes their highest number of community vendors yet.

“We’ve got six food trucks this year, which is again more than we’ve ever done before, so the day is growing, but we’re still trying to keep it with that small community feel,” Hewer told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Bouncy castles for kids will line Huddlestone Park for Minetown Day. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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A family-friendly, low-barrier event with many free offerings, Minetown Day also features food, live music, games, unique contests and bouncy castles.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #257 in Lantzville hosts its annual Minetown Day breakfast (pancakes/scrambled eggs/sausage) from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ($6 per child/$10 per adult).

New this year to Minetown Day is the reintroduction of Lantzville’s Got Talent on the main entertainment stage.

The winners of a logo competition to rebrand Minetown Day and bike parade will be announced by Mayor Mark Swain during opening remarks at 10:45 a.m.

Minetown Day 2025 itinerary (Seaside community Society)

After historically being held in mid-September, Minetown Day shifted to an August event for the previous three years to take advantage of better weather.

Ironically, Hewer noted searing heat hampered their vendors, which also provided challenges in recruiting much-needed volunteers.

She adds people away on summer vacation for the August time slot wasn’t ideal for others.

“We hope the return to September will allow as much of the community to come out and enjoy the day as possible,” Hewer said.

Lantzville Rd. will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between Ware Rd. and Huddlestone Rd. from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. to accomodate a bike parade.

Parking is not permitted on Lantzville Rd. In front of Huddlestone Park, or on Huddlestone Rd., according to the District.

Lantzville’s public transit route will be offered free of charge by the Regional District of Nanaimo during Minetown Day.

Minetown Day draws large crowds to Lantzville’s quant village core. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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