The West Virginia Coal Festival is in Madison, WV.
What should I bring to the WV Coal Festival?
Is the Coal Festival good for Kids?
Is the Coal Festival Dog Friendly?
Everything you need to know before heading to the WV Coal Festival!
First time at the Festival? Here’s your Guide!
First of all….
Happy Birthday, West Virginia!
(We became a state on June 20, 1863)
“…Way down in West Virginia, There are some people who are one of a kind.
They don’t need nothin’ from nobody,
‘Cause they’re already doin’ fine.“
Wild Wonderful Whites of West Virginia
If I had a nickel for each time I’ve seen the 2009 Julien Nitzberg documentary; I’d have about $4 right now!
The documentary follows the family of Jesco White for one year. There’s guns, pills, violence.. and tap dancing! I’ve always enjoyed cult films. Different perspectives, walks of life, and livelihood.
Livelihood is not for LIFE
I was born and raised in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Which is so different than Southern West Virginia. In the eastern panhandle; Orchards and Farming is a way of life. In the south; the livelihood is coal.
My very first trip to Southern West Virginia was in 2012. I saw firsthand the vast differences between the North and the South.
An Heir to Coal
In the 1930’s and 1940’s; mining towns were built. Production was BOOMING! Machinery was invented. Resources depleted. Governmental regulations bursted the bubble. Leaving mining towns without a source of income.
Mining in West Virginia: A Capsule History
Seek and Find
Present Day– 2024
The communities are still there. Seeking other opportunities, most people left. The folks still around have found a way. They’ve found a way to adapt. And (hopefully) make an honest living.
Mapping West Virginia’s Opioid Crisis
The Way, The Truth..
Life has many ups and downs. Challenges and struggles. Strive to make the right choices and the most loving decisions. Bring your awareness to the present. The land that we love has been freely given. Most of us Celebrate the Season in December. In June, some of us celebrate West Virginia’s Birthday.
Mountaineers are always free!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Shine bright! ☀️💙💛
What should I bring to the WV Coal Festival?
- Cash
- Water
- Sunblock
The West Virginia Coal Festival is a TYPE ONE. It’s a “street festival” .
Boone County and the entire City of Madison comes together. Plan to look and shop! There’s rides, music, raffles, businesses, and many other vendors.
Special shout out to: Work the Word Thrift Store . Worth the stop! This was the cheapest thrift store I’ve ever visited. Every single item in the store was $1! (with the exception of the $5 table)
Parking is Free.
No admission fees.
General cost is much, much lower than most festivals I’ve visited. This area has been ravaged and depleted of sources. Money is a tight cycle here.
Is the WV Coal Festival Kid Friendly?
Yes! Bring the kiddos! There’s so much for the kids.
- Amusement Rides
- Clowns
- Climbing Wall
- Free Raffles for Kids
- Toy Vendors
Is the WV Coal Festival Dog Friendly?
No! Dogs are permitted. However, I would not recommend bringing your four-legged friends. It’s crowded. Two legs will do!
Everything you need to know before heading to the WV Coal Festival!
The Coal Festival runs for an entire week; always in conjunction with West Virginia’s Birthday (June 20, 1863).
Before heading to the streets; get an education at the Coal Heritage Museum.
Learn about scrips, housing, and the hard-labor that went into keeping the lights on.
Plenty to meander about! All kinds of special things for the kids. Lots of good food.
Festival.. Or Fiesta?
There’s nightly entertainment. However, if you’re interested in seeing Mamie White, come to the karaoke night.
All around a great festival!
Celebrating the Heritage of Coal in our beloved state of West Virginia. We’re all here together, yet everyone is different. No matter where you roam, here at home… the people are one of a kind!
Montani Semper Liberi 💙💛☀️
ACE Mindset Journey 
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