By Daniel Hamburg 

June 18, 2018 - Sunday was the final day of the 19th annual Miners' Memorial Day festival in Windber, Pennsylvania.

The four-day festival hosted well over 10,000 people throughout the weekend with live music, a parade and fireworks.

Hundreds of people parted the sea of cars on Graham Avenue in Windber.

"This is the hot-rod blowout of all of Somerset County each and every year."

There were cars of all shapes and sizes from across the country.

"This is what I would call a millionaire boulevard,” said Matt Scislowicz, president of the Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation. “I mean there are a lot, a lot of cars here that you will not see in a show like this."

"In 1970, they only produced 21 of these cars in the model year, and like I said, counting this one, I only know of six to exist in the world right now," said Paul Veney, president of the Laurel Highlands Mopar Club.

Veney is referring to his 1970 Dodge Super Bee

The 19th annual Miners’ Memorial Day weekend festival isn't just about fancy cars or festival food trucks.

It celebrates the rich heritage of this town.

"It was like there was two things in Windber. You either went to the mines or you went to the mill," Scislowicz said.

Scislowicz says his family has a lot of history in the coal mines.

"This is to honor our fathers. My father was a coal miner. All his brothers, six brothers were all coal miners. My grandfather was a coal miner. My great-grandfather was a coal miner."

Kristin Fairman's dad worked in the coal industry for many years, too.

"I saw the struggles with that as a child and he's since retired a few years ago, but it fed our family for many years,” Fairman said.

And this weekend, as her son Elliot hops in a race car, she's able to have fun and remember what the festival is all about.

"It's a family tradition every year,” Fairman said. “We always go to church in the morning and then we come down to enjoy the car show here. It's always nice weather, good food and fun for the whole family."

Scislowicz says this is the most cars they've ever had, close to 300.

"I was impressed with the turnout here,” said David Hoffman. “They need more spaces for cars, because my dad brought his car over. We got in a little after 12, and (it was) full, so great turnout of all the cars."

It's a Father’s Day tradition for thousands of people and a time to honor the history of the area. 

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