Get ready to celebrate the wonderful heritage of the Big Coal River. The members of the Big Coal River Branch of the Coal River Group have worked all year to make the second annual event one to remember. Mary A. Browning, chairman of the all-volunteer branch, says, “We are proud of our river heritage and we wanted to offer the communities a way to join together to learn about our past and celebrate our future.” The first Heritage event last year brought over 700 attendees to enjoy. Over 26 exhibitors and food providers provided excitement and variety for the event. Music was everywhere, as were apple butter makers, craftsmen, painters and a host of exhibits for children and adults. “The second annual Big Coal River Heritage Festival will be bigger and better in every way,” Mary says. John Slack Park in Racine, West Virginia provides an ideal location to host such an event. The park is wonderfully maintained and conveniently located to serve visitors from the entire Boone County region. Located on Rte. 3 just a mile from the junction with Rte. 94, the park is easily accessible for visitors from Charleston, Beckley, and all parts of Boone County. The event will kick off with an introduction concert by the Sherman Tide Band. Musicians playing old time country music will be featured throughout the day, along with many of the top banjo, fiddle and guitar players from the region. Painters, wood workers, and other craftsmen will have booths offering their handcrafted products for sale and provide demonstrations to entertain and educate the visitors. Food vendors will offer every form of down home cooking and desert opportunities will titillate the taste buds of visitors. The area’s heritage will be the central theme of the event. Visitors will be able to see how craftsmen create works of art, visit the restored one-room school building located onsite, and listen to the beautiful and inspiring music that has been a central part of the areas heritage for centuries. The event starts at 10am and continues until 6pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012. More information can be obtained by contacting Sherri Sharps at 304-836-5348. Be sure to visit the Big Coal River Heritage Festival site on Facebook. The event is sponsored by the Coal River Group’s Big Coal River Branch and the Boone County Commission. Additional assistance has been provided by the Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission and leading businesses in the region.