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The Blossburg State Coal Festival is a celebration of the surrounding communities commemorating Blossburg and it’s rich mining history. Celebrating 27 years, the Memorial Day weekend festival is one that many citizens and visitors look forward to.

On today’s broadcast Home Page Correspondent, Mataya Nickerson talks with Annie Brooks, Secretary for the Coal Festival Committee, as she talks about the coal mining heritage of Blossburg, the Coal Festival events, and how you can get involved.

In 1792 Coal was discovered in the Blossburg area during the building of Williamson Road and quickly became a valuable source that brought many people to the area. Many of the towns in our area were created because of the mining that took place. Although mining no longer occurs in the area, the Coal Festival always brings us back to our roots. The first Coal Festival took place Memorial Day weekend in 1993, 201 years after coal was first discovered in Blossburg. The event still continues to this day as a way to honor our history and diversity of our ancestors.

The Coal Festival Museum will be open to view and celebrate coal mining heritage.

The Coal Festival takes place this year from May 23rd – 25th on Island Park in Blossburg. A few of the fun events include a local talent show, bounce houses, a petting zoo, bike rodeo, live bands, a downtown parade, Car/truck show, fireworks, Grilling contest, Volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, Fire Dept. water battles, local vendors, great food and so much more. A perfect weekend for the whole family. Admission buttons are $3 and can be purchased at the gate. Buttons are good for the entire weekend.

For the full schedule of events and more information on the history of the festival, please visit the festival’s website at www.coalfestival.com.