By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

It’s that time again. Vendors will soon be crowding the streets of Williamson, beauty pageants will be entered and judged and good times will had by all at the 39th annual King Coal Festival.

The festivities begin Sunday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m., where Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is holding its annual gospel sing pinto bean dinner.

On Monday, Sept. 12, the tradition of making King Coal’s apple butter continues. It begins at Little Dove Baptist Church in Belo at 8 a.m.

There is a pet show at Lefty Hamilton park beginning at 6 p.m. for dogs and cats only on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, brings the King Coal Baby Crawling Contest, held at First Baptist Church in Williamson. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the event itself kicks off at 6 p.m.

The Tug Valley Arts Council presents Carl Hurley at 7:30 p.m. at the Rose G. Smith Auditorium on Thursday, Sept. 15. It costs $15 for adults and $10 for those under the age of 18.

On Friday, Sept. 16, the King Coal Beauty Pageant for those aged from 2-years-old to 18-years-old is at the Rose. G Smith Auditorium. The fee for 2-year-olds is $30 and for 3 to 18 years, $45. Rehearsal takes place at the same location on Sept. 13 from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., which is also the deadline for entry.

Entry forms can be picked up at the Southside Mall. Contact Pageant Director Jada Hunter at (304) 235-0909 for more information.

And finally, Saturday, Sept. 17, the big day comes. It starts at 8 a.m. with the King Coal 5k Run, beginning at Belfry High School. It has a $15 entry fee and is due by 7:30 a.m. Contact David Hatfield at (606) 625-0688 for more information.

Vendors hit the streets at 8 a.m. and will remain open until 5 p.m.

Then at 9 a.m., the car and motorcycle show begins. It has a $15 entry fee, will take place on 1st Avenue and features kids activities. At 1 p.m. door prizes and unique trophies are awarded. Contact David and Connie Rockel at (304) 239-0250 for more information.

Following that, at 10 a.m. the 523 Flying Club is sponsoring airplane rides for $10 and the Williamson Women’s Club will host its beauty pageant for children aged 6 months to 24 months.

At 11 a.m. the Mingo County Fire Chiefs Association is sponsoring a chili cook-off in the vicinity of Logan Street and Community Trust Bank, with the judging beginning at 3 p.m. Contact Jerry Mounts at (304) 235-2073 or John Hall at (304) 235-2709.

The crowning of Mr. King Coal takes place at 1 p.m. The recipient of the Humanitarian and Community Service Awards will also be announced. More on that below.

At 2 p.m., the Kids Fun Run happens, with prizes given. Contact David Hatfield as mentioned above for the 5k run, for this event as well.

An hour later at 3 p.m. there will be a coalminer costume contest. This event is for children aged 10 and under, who will dress up as a coalminer. Judging takes place in front of the courthouse steps and the winner rides in the parade.

Lining up for the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. and takes place at 5 p.m.

And lastly, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., the King Coal Block Party hits the scene and turns the town on its side on Logan Street 1st Avenue with DJ Darry Paige making the music rock the buildings.

Both a dance and a lip sync contest will be held, and the party will also feature many games for children.

Finally, if anyone would like to nominate someone for Mr. King Coal, Humanitarian or the Community Service Awards, do so by mail. Write a brief essay about why that person deserves it. Those who are nominated must be present to receive the award on the day and time mentioned above, as they get the honor of riding in the parade.

Send all essays to:

Attn: Mae Stallard

King Coal

28 Oak Street

Williamson, WV 25661