BRILLIANT — Each year, the Marion County community of Brilliant pays tribute to its roots in the coal mining industry with a free festival filling the downtown area with two days of family fun.
CoalFest, set for May 26-27, offers live music, games, a look into the coal mining days, activities for children, arts and crafts and more throughout Main Street in downtown Brilliant.
The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. May 26 with live music from Lloyd Moses, LA Outlaws Acoustic, The I-22’s and Chris Williams and The Rusty Nails.
The festivities continue May 27 at 8 a.m. with family friendly activities and more live music. Activities include a coal mining exhibit, car show, horseshoe tournament, a motorcycle ride to raise funds for a local family in need, arts and crafts and a kid’s area with games and rides.
T. Graham Brown, whose chart-toppers include “Hell And High Water,” “I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” “Darlene,” the smash duet “Don’t Go Out” with Tanya Tucker, and “If You Could Only See Me Now,” headlines the musical lineup. Also performing are Joseph Baldwin, Monkee and the Spankdaddys, and the Austin Bohannon Band.
As music fills the air, festivalgoers can learn about the early history of coal mining in Brilliant with a guided tour of the historic Train Depot. Brilliant Methodist Church on Main Street will also be open for tours. A stop on the North Alabama Hallelujah Trail, Brilliant Methodist Church was built by local coal miners and remains an iconic cornerstone of the town.
Free shuttle service will be provided from the downtown area to City Park, Brilliant Methodist Church and the Train Depot. There is no charge for admission to the festival but a nominal fee is charged for some of the children’s activities.
For more information, call 205-465-2281.
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