Aug 19, 2017 By Mike Jones 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – This year’s Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Show Carmichaels is looking back on the industry’s strong history that helped to build the country into an industrial power.

The theme of “Coal Made America Great” strikes both a political and historical tone that Coal Show organizers hope will highlight the coal’s rich heritage and acknowledge its uncertain future, King Coal Association President Mike Riggen said.

The theme was borne out of President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan and unwavering promise to bring back coal mining jobs.

“Without coal, none of this would’ve happened,” Riggen said of the economic boom during the industrial revolution and World War II. “They didn’t have solar then. There were no imports. Coal had a lot to do with it.”

One way to remind people of that history is with the return of the popular Eastern Mining Collectors Association show that debuted last year. More than 30 vendors will be showcasing and selling antique mining collectibles inside the Carmichaels-Cumberland Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26.

“It would mean a lot, especially to retired miners, with the old type lanterns and the (equipment) they used in the industry in the ’50s and ’60s,” Riggen said. “Maybe if you do have an interest, it would be something to look at. There are a lot of interesting items.”

Locally, the Coal Show means to Carmichaels and Cumberland Township’s mining communities.

“With the way the industry is, up and down, heritage is the most important thing,” Riggen said. “To keep people aware of the importance of the Carmichaels, Nemacolin and Crucible coal mines. We’re trying to keep that alive. It’s pretty iffy, but there’s still a demand.”

The first Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Show was held in Carmichaels in October 1954, and there’s still a demand for it 63 years.

The weeklong events begin Saturday with the annual golf outing at Carmichaels Golf Club and the King Coal 5k and kids fun run. Runners should be at the fire hall by 9 a.m. and register if they have not done so.

The Coal Queen pageant is at 7 p.m. Sunday in Carmichaels Area High School’s auditorium, where 2016 Coal Queen Morgan Voithofer will hand over her crown.

The evening events, musical performances and carnival begin Tuesday and continue through Aug. 26 when the Coal Show closes down with the annual parade through Carmichaels at 4 p.m.

For a full list of events and information, go online to www.kingcoalshow.org.