Brilliant’s Coal Mining Celebration May 26-27
May 03, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org
Decatur, Ala. – Each year, the 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. Set for May 26-27, 2017, Coal Fest 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 annual event kicks off on Friday, May 26 around 5 p.m. with live music
featuring some of the region’s best performers, and the festivities continue on
Saturday, May 27 beginning at 9 a.m. with family-friendly activities and more
live music. Friday night’s lineup includes Tremayne, The Craines Nest and Lloyd
Moses. On Saturday, Fathers and Sons, Rob Aldridge and Proponents, Max Russell
and the Shakedown Kings, Splunge Creek Bluegrass and headliner Blue Mother
Tupelo (www.bluemothertupelo.com) are slated to take the stage.
The historic Train Depot located in City Park will offer free guided tours
(donations accepted) giving an up close look at many artifacts of the early
history of coal mining in Brilliant and Brilliant Methodist Church, located on
Main Street, will be open for tours. A stop on the Hallelujah Trail, Brilliant
Methodist Church was built by local coal miners and remains an iconic
cornerstone of the town. Other activities include an antique car show, a Color
Run, a motorcycle ride to raise funds for a local family in need, a horseshoe
tournament, arts and crafts, and a kid’s area with games, train rides and
inflatables.
Organizers are sad to announce the
passing of state and national checkers champion and Brilliant resident, Larry
Pollard. His challenge of a friendly match with local politicians was always a
crowd favorite activity to watch during previous festivals. A special tribute is
slated to take place with the unveiling of a mural painted on Domino Hall in his
memory.
Shuttle service will be provided free of charge from the downtown area to City
Park, Brilliant Methodist Church and the Train Depot. Admission is free. A
nominal fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s activities. The
two-day event typically wraps up around 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more
information, call 205.465.2281.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of
the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is
supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention &
Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties,
golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial
institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are
Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson,
Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston.
Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special
events is available by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting
www.NorthAlabama.org.
Missy Miles of Brilliant painted the Larry Pollard Mural which was officially unveiled as an event in their annual Brilliant’s Coal Mining Celebration, known as “CoalFest”. This Friday & Saturday, May 26-27, 2017 Larry Pollard won't be challenging any town & county officials or politicians at this year's “CoalFest” Checker Challenge but Brilliant did remember him with unveiling the town's new mural in memory of Larry Pollard! Brilliant Area Chamber of Commerce and the town of Brilliant promotes individual who contribute to the community and brings recognition to the area.
