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West Virginia Coal Festival Showcased at Capitol Event

 

 

March 12, 2026 - The West Virginia Coal Festival, a celebration of the state's coal mining heritage, was represented at Fairs and Festivals Day at the Capitol in Charleston. The festival features a memorial for coal miners who died during the year, displays of mining equipment, and other events to educate the public about the industry's history.

Why it matters

The West Virginia Coal Festival is an important annual event that preserves the state's coal mining legacy and provides an opportunity for current and former miners to come together as a community. As the coal industry faces challenges, the festival helps to keep the history and culture alive.

The details

The festival includes a memorial with an eternal flame outside the Boone County Courthouse, a parade, and fireworks. It also allows miners to showcase the equipment they use daily to their families and the public. Representatives of the festival met with state legislators to seek funding to keep the event running.

  • The 2026 West Virginia Coal Festival will run from June 16 through June 20.
  • The memorial kicks off the festival each year.

What they’re saying

“I think it's one of West Virginia's best-kept secrets. And we don't want to be a secret. We want everybody to know about it. And what's rewarding is to see the older coal miners, that's retired, come out and see all the mining equipment. We've got a pretty good display every year of the underground mining equipment.”

— Jim Clendenin, Director of Equipment, West Virginia Coal Festival (wowktv.com)

What’s next

Representatives of the Coal Festival met with legislators to seek funding to keep the festival up and running.