June 24, 2019 - Fairmont celebrated West Virginia’s history with their coal heritage festival.

The festival included many local sponsors promoting organizations and small businesses in the community.

There were also ‘coal themed activities’ including a coal shoveling contest and a mine memorabilia swap.

The Northern Appalachian Coal Mining Heritage Association, one of the organizers behind the festival, say this is a chance to teach younger generations about the state's mining history.

"These things aren't being taught in our schools so our organization is carrying the torch to just remember the contributions and the sacrifice of our miners," said president of the association Mike Rohaly.