Despite the slight downturn in the coal industry, the 2009 edition of the West Virginia Coal Festival is projected to be bigger and better than the past 15 events.

The world-renowned Diamonds, along with Confederate Railroad and Billy Joe Royal, will highlight the entertainment lineup at the 16th Annual West Virginia Coal Festival. The festival will not only feature a wide array of national talent, but some of West Virginia’s finest hometown groups and entertainers will perform.

The West Virginia Coal Festival will be held the third week of June in downtown Madison, officially kicking off on June 13-14 with teen, miss and children’s royalty pageants. The State’s biggest annual display of mine machinery equipment will gain be featured as well as a Miner’s Memorial Service, fireworks, a parade, Gambill Amusement’s carnival, arts and crafts, coal memorabilia on display at the Coal Heritage Museum, gospel entertainment, food vendors, and a special West Virginia Day celebration program is planned.

“Where else, but Madison, can you see top notch entertainment, and the coal industry’s latest and best mine equipment displays for free?” said West Virginia Coal Festival President Joy Underwood.

Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, with Roger Hudson’s popular karaoke show. Wednesday, June 17, maintains its theme of a host of area gospel groups under the direction of H. R. “Tony” Ball.

Thursday, June 18, will feature The Diamonds, one of the greatest acts in rock-and-roll history at 9:30 p.m. This multi-talented group sings great, entertains well and doubles on brass instruments, too. With hits like, “Little Darlin’,” “The Stroll” and “Silhouettes,” the Diamonds present a wide range of 1960s era Doo-wop classics. The opening act at 8 p.m. will be “Larry & The Cruisers.”

Confederate Railroad, often described as cross between Alabama and Lynyrd Kynyrd, brings its high energy brand of rockin’ country to the Coal Festival stage on June 19, for Patriot Coal Night. “Trashy Women,” “Queen of Memphis” and “Daddy Never was the Cadillac Kind” were their top hits. Confederate Railroad takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. Friday Night’s opening act at 8 p.m. is the popular Traci Ann Stanley.

Saturday’s grand finale at 9:30 p.m. features the legendary Billy Joe Royal, an entertainer who has had hits on the pop charts as well as country. His signature hit, “Down in the Boondocks,” is one of the most played records on radio for years. “I Knew You When,” and “Cherry Hill Park,” also are million sellers from Billy Joe Royal.

Opening for Billy Joe Royal will be West Virginia’s own Audio Outlaws, presenting some of contemporary country music’s most popular tunes. The group is a mainstay at fairs and festivals throughout the state.

All concerts are free of charge and will take place on the big stage in downtown Madison.

Mine machinery vendors Chairperson James “Jimbo” Clendenen said this year’s equipment displays will again feature the latest equipment trends in the industry and enable families of coal miners to get a first-hand look at the equipment they use underground to make a living.

“We’re all proud of our coal heritage and the opportunity to come together to celebrate with our friends and many visitors to Madison and Boone County,” Delores W. Cook, vice president of the WV Coal Festival’s Board of Directors said.

Opening ceremonies are set fo 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, followed by a Miners Memorial Service where the names of those who were killed in mining accidents since the 2008 festival will be read aloud during the solemn ceremony. The Madison VFW Post and Civil Air Patrol cadets also will participate in the opening ceremonies.

Thursday, June 18, will be United Mine Workers of America Night. Friday, June 19, will be Patriot Coal Night, and on Saturday, June 20, a West Virginia Day celebration program will be held, featuring free cake and ice cream.

The Grand Parade, under the direction of Madison City Councilwoman Kathy Hill, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, and the festival will culminate with a gala fireworks display at 11 p.m. that evening.