Publicist, WV Coal Festival

The entertainment lineup is all set for the 14th annual West Virginia Coal Festival, to be held June 19 through June 23 in downtown Madison.

Highlighting this year’s festival will be country singer and Elvis tribute king Ronnie McDowell, along with The Legends, billed as “America’s Favorite Rock & Roll Comedy Show.” Also appearing will be the Subway Shot Band, and Larry & The Cruisers.

To kick off the major entertainment on Thursday, June 21, the Subway Show Band, members of the Beach Music Hall of Fame, will perform two shows, including a tribute to the Beach Boys at 8:00 p.m., followed by Blues Brothers tribute at 9:30.

Ronnie McDowell, whose first hit was the tribute to Elvis Presley, “The King is Gone,” will perform at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22. Over his long and prestigious career, McDowell has been compared to many of the most renown legendary performers as Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, due to his great showmanship and unique manner of truly relating to his audiences. His hits include “Older Women,” “Wandering Eyes,” “Personally,” and the entrancing ballad “Unchained Melody.” Festival goers are reminded to come early for the Ronnie McDowell show on June 22 as his fans travel literally thousands of miles to attend his concerts. It was McDowell’s vocals that were used in ABC-TV’s movie “Elvis” starring Kurt Russell as Elvis: “The Early Years.”

In addition to the headliners, there will be local entertainers, both country and gospel groups, along with the popular mine machinery displays, arts and crafts, miners memorial service, food vendors, a children’s pageant, parade, carnival and a gala fireworks display. Thousands of people have flocked to Madison over the last 13 years for the festival, which provides a big boost to the local economy during its five-day run. In 2005, the WV Coal Festival was named one of the “Best Kept Local Secrets” by Travelocity.com.

There will be a children’s pageant on Saturday, June 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Madison Civic Center. Age groups for girls include 0-11 months; 12-23 months; 2-3 years; 4-5 years; 6-7 years; 8-9 years and 10-12 years. For boys, the age groups are 0-18 months; 19-35 months; 3-4 years and 5 and up.

Pageant Director Maxine Tinnel said each contestant will receive a trophy. For more information, contact her at 369-6140 or 304-208-1455, or maxpageants@charter.net.

On Tuesday, June 19, the Coal Heritage Museum in downtown Madison will begin observing extended hours for the festival. The museum will be open from noon through nine Tuesday through Saturday, June 23rd. Festival Vice President Delores Cook will be the coordinator. Many new items and displays have been added to the museum in the past several months.

Festival President Joy Underwood announced that the opening ceremonies will be held at 6:00 p.m Wednesday, June 20, which is West Virginia’s 144th birthday. The Miner’s Memorial Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Both activities will be held on the front steps of the Boone County Courthouse.

The popular mine machinery displays, will be available for the public to view from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday until the festival closes, again will be held on the large lot across from the courthouse.

James Clendenen, coordinator, said he expects another good turnout of vendors. Last year, over 22 companies from seven states showed off the latest technology in the coal mining industry. Clendenen said the vendors continue to rave about last year’s special appearance from West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin.

Gospel music coordinator Tony Ball announced that the popular Gospel Music Event will begin at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, on the main stage, with performances continuing until about 10:30 p.m.

Arts & Crafts coordinator Marcy Cook said the Coal Heritage Foundation Board of Directors has allowed her to set up Arts & Crafts displays in the building adjacent to the Coal Museum this year. She may be contacted at 369-7362.

The Grand Parade will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23rd. Interested groups and individuals are urged to contact Carolyn Kuhn at 369-3975. Gambill Amusements will be providing the carnival again this year and Hobet Mining, a subsidiary of Magnum Coal, will again sponsor the fireworks display, which will wrap up the festival at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23rd. A special American Flag display will be featured.

At 8:00 a.m. June 23rd, the Bobby Hampton Memorial, Running in Coal Country event will be held. Proceeds from the 5K walk/run 11 mile run and kid’s races will go toward cancer research. The events will begin at Scott High in West Madison and will be sponsored by Chad Pennington’s “First and Ten Foundation.” Stephanie LaFauci of Julian is the chairperson. She can be reached at 304-824-5806, extension 227.