September 19, 2023 - The 50th King Coal Festival occurred over the weekend and was considered a rousing success.

Saturday’s festivities kicked off at 10 a.m. with over 50 vendors packing Second Avenue and Logan St. along with the vendors, all day entertainment from musical acts, the Lincoln County Cloggers and a kid zone.

Vendors from arts and crafts to food trucks, gourmet shaved ice, healthcare, and much more lined Second Ave. on both sides of the sidewalk. Later through the day the street became flooded with event goers and was considered a banner year.

Crowds gathered to take part in the 50th Annual King coal Festival. 

Photo: Josh Brown, Williamson Daily News

The festivities continued inside The Collective on Second Ave. as well, featuring a music exhibition from the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and local author Paige Cook signed copies of her book.

Local talent took the stage through most of the day, with headliner and Logan native Brayden Williamson playing some bluegrass classics.

The Grand Marshall of the King Coal Festival, June Glover, was given the “Key to the City” by City of Williamson Mayor Charlie Hatfield. Glover, a former schoolteacher, lead the King Coal parade flanked by many floats, side by sides, fire engines and more.

The awards presentation in the afternoon gave plaques the 2023 award winners:

Gary Dove — 2023 Mr. King Coal

Rick Wilkerson — Male Community Service Award

Juanita Hooks — Female Community Service Award

Previous festival coordinators were also given a Recognition and Appreciation award. Mae Stallard, the 1st and longest running festival coordinator from 1973-2013, Jada Hunter for 2014-2021, and Tonya Webb for 2022.

Fallen officer Sgt. Corey Maynard was awarded the Humanitarian Award posthumously.

The rain delayed the movie “King Coal” from being shown as planned; however, after speaking to event coordinators, the movie will be shown at a later date with plans for the event to be held indoors at the Williamson Field House.