Luehr's Ideal Rides set up and maintained the midway this year. There were more rides for children this year, but the same old favorite for us older kids (Starship 2000 being my personal favorite.)
As always, the OKC festival will have a full line-up of musical entertainment. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, the “Skyline Band” will take to the Main Stage across from the Moose Lodge. At 7 p.m., Friday, “We’ve Got It Covered,” a popular band who opened up for Blake Shelton during the Du Quoin State Fair will entertain from the main stage. On Saturday, the “Emily Clark Band” and “3rd Story” band will also be on the main stage starting at 9 p.m.
Of course it wouldn't be the OKC without the parade and memorial services honoring an industry whose men and women are rooted in West Frankfort. At 10 a.m. on Saturday the Coal Miners Memorial Service will be held at the Downtown Miners Memorial as will the induction of this year’s “Walk of Honor” inductee, Sylvia Tharp. At 1 p.m., the OKC parade will march down Main Street. Finally at 3 p.m. on Saturday a special tribute will be paid to the Coal Mining Industry at the main stage.
Jim Hall, 73, will reign over this year’s Old King Coal Festival. Hall, a 1960 graduate of Frankfort Community High School, served in the U.S. Navy before beginning a career in the coal mines in 1967. His mining experience spans more than three decades and includes stints as a roof bolter, mechanic, repairman, shuttle car operator, and scoop operator at a number of mines, including Old Ben 24, and Zeigler mines 2, 4, 5, and 11. Hall, a 40-plus year member of the United Mine Workers of America, comes from a family of coal miners: His father, brother and uncle worked in the mines. Hall has also taken an active role in the community, according to his friend Curt Innis, who nominated him for Old King Coal.
“Many people have seen Jim volunteering his time in our town to spruce up and clean up our city. He takes great pride in wanting to have the town’s appearance to be a welcoming sight to everyone,” Innis wrote. “He is very active in his church. He is always available to help with doctor’s appointments and anything else he can do to help his fellowman. He is always aware of other people and their needs, never hesitating to do what he can do to make their life a little bit easier.”
Samantha Steely, a senior at Frankfort Community High School, will preside over this year's Old King Coal Festival. Steely was crowned Princess Flame 2014 on Saturday at the end of Princess Flame Pageant in Paschedag Auditorium. Runner up was Janna JoAnn Harner of Dongola, who attends Shawnee Community College. Next was Alyssa Reinhardt of Murphysboro, who attends SIU.
During the evening gown and on-stage question portion of the competition, which had nine contestants, Steely was asked by pageant emcee Andrew Chismar what makes her happy. Steely said she likes being with her friends and losing herself in laughter.
"It's the small things in life that make us really happy when you think about it," she said.
Steely is the daughter of Jo and the late James Steely. She plans to attend SIU and study nursing. The winner of the Teen Princess Flame pageant was Ivy Nessa of Du Quoin. She is the daughter of Angie and Shawn Nessa. The runner up was Madison Mueller of Murphysboro. She is the daughter of Kimberly and Michael Mueller.
For me, the highlight of any fair is the food, and OKC is no exception. They have several specialty booths along with all your standard midway fare.
There were a lot more games this year, too. To be honest though, it's far from the highlight of the midway. Not many people were playing the games.
OKC has always bee good about local crafts. There's a whole section of booths with craft and handmade items, and everyone is so friendly. The people are what make Southern Illinois so great.
If you would like to keep up with or attend next years OKC festival, go to www.oldkingcoal.com
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