SUNRISE--For many people, the mention of Sunrise brings to mind a place of which they know little about--the remnants of an old, closed mine, the foundations of a company-owned ghost town and the traces of red soil that stains everything it touches due to the high concentrates of ferrous oxide in its content.
But that is beginning to change as more people avail themselves of the opportunities to explore this special place that holds a history dating back to prehistoric times.
John Voight, owner of the property for the past seven years, wants to be sure that the secrets of Sunrise are fully exposed to the public, so they may be wholly appreciated for the unique opportunity they provide as a window to our past.
This Saturday, September 2nd, Voight is hosting one of those opportunities, inviting locals and visitors alike to come and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the community’s YMCA, built as part of the mining community to serve the miners and their families during the years the mine was operating; primarily the 1900s. The YMCA served as a gathering place for recreation and services, including a three-lane bowling alley in its basement.

A day full of events and activities is planned between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. including everything from a $100 dollar bill treasure hunt to free tours of the mine property, including the now all-important Powars II archaeological dig site. Pick up a full schedule at the Y when things get underway at 10 a.m.with open gym for basketball and badminton.
Between 1 and 6 p.m., visit with local award-winning vendors and artists who will share their work, including Karla Robbins (quilting), Millie Roesch and Shawna Reichert (photography), Wes Reyher (saddlemaking) published authors Barb Costopoulos Neil Waring and Patsy Parkin, Wes Shipley (fling-napping), art instructor Lucinda Houtchens and more.
Sink the most free-throws in the Y’s gym (noon) or hit the best golf ball drive on the Glory Hole driving range (1-5 p.m.)--winners for each will take home a $100 prize.
The Western History Center from Lingle will operate the Soda Fountain (opens at 11 a.m.) where you can get a cool drink or get one of just 100 commemorative mugs; barber Shelly McGuire will give inexpensive haircuts from 1-4 p.m..
At 5 p.m., gather across from the Y to sit back and relax while sharing stories of the days of Sunrise with other guests. This has proved to be one of the favorite events at past Sunrise reunions and will be recorded so bring your best Sunrise recollections!
Nobody should go away hungry--at 6 p.m., the Miner’s and Stockmen’s will serve a catered dinner with a cash bar, followed by birthday cake served up at 7 p.m. in front of the YMCA building. Finish the day at the free street dance--it’s time to kick up your heels or just gather to enjoy the steady beat when Sunrise’s son Larry Soto and The Drivin’ Dynamics take the stage at 8 p.m.