May 18, 2022 - A communitywide coal mining festival will kick off in Brilliant, Alabama this month.

CoalFest pays tribute to the roots of the coal mining industry with two days of family fun, music and entertainment May 27-28 in the heart of downtown Brilliant.

Brilliant, AL CoalFest, Facebook

A coal mining exhibit illustrates the early history of coal mining in Brilliant, with a guided tour of the historic train depot.

The festival includes a car show; a Color Run; a motorcycle ride fund-raiser; a horseshoe tournament; arts and crafts; and a kids area. Music will be provided by Gary Nichols Band, Loyd Moses, Mike Jones, Albert Cummings, Travis Wammack, Dixie Mafia and The Taylor Nix Band.

Brilliant Methodist Church on Main Street will also be open for tours. A stop on the North Alabama Hallelujah Trail, the church was built by coal miners and remains an iconic cornerstone of the town.

Shuttle service will be provided at no charge from the downtown area to City Park, Brilliant Methodist Church and the train depot.

Admission is free but donations are accepted. A nominal fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s activities.