A family barbeque in the backyard followed with a dip in the community pool may not be the only items topping the list for area residents this Labor Day. Following the proclamation of the Sunday before Labor Day as the West Virginia Coal Miner Appreciation Day, there are at least two area events designed to draw crowds in support of the coal industry in the southern Coal Fields. Gov. Joe Manchin has proclaimed the Sunday before Labor Day as West Virginia Coal Miner Appreciation Day. Manchin signed the proclamation at a ceremony Friday morning at the Capitol. Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant joined with Manchin, both of whom were joined by miners, union representatives, and officials from the West Virginia Coal Association. This proclamation comes on the heels of a resolution that was passed in the Legislature last year. This year, several events are planned in the area to help celebrate the West Virginia coal miner. Continuing a long-held tradition, many in southern West Virginia will gather in Racine for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Labor Rally. The annual event has hosted many local, state and national Democrats, and this year is no exception. In addition to this rally, a “Friends of America” rally will take place on a reclaimed mine site near Holden. Fox News commentator and syndicated radio host Sean Hannity, country music legend Hank Williams Jr., and Ted Nugent, will participate in the Friends of America rally. The rally is being sponsored and funded by Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. The Logan and Mingo county commissions are also sponsors.