Patriotism is running high as the final plans are being made for the 2018 Old King Coal Festival to run May 10th thru the 13th in downtown West Frankfort. Parade Director, Sharon Ossig, says parade entries are exceeding expectations due to the excitement of the festival theme and the “Wave On Old Glory” parade theme.
In going along with the patriotic theme, Old King Coal Festival is proud to have Jared Bullock, a disabled American veteran who served in Afghanistan, as the Grand Marshall. Bullock, a member of the U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group, lost his right arm and leg while serving in Afghanistan in November 2013.
Bullock will be escorted in the parade by members of the Patriot Guard Riders. Frank Caruso, a local member of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders, is expecting many members to participate in this year’s Old King Coal Parade. According to Caruso, many members from throughout Illinois and possibly Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky may be in attendance.
The Old king Coal Festival also welcomes the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, which is part of the 375 Air Mobility Wing, plus other military entries from area VFW’s, American Legions and the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge 819 who will bring their 40 foot American flag.
American country artist, Ronnie McDowell, who is best known for his 1977 hit “The King is Gone, a tribute to Elvis Presley, who had recently died recently wrote the song “Wave On Old Glory, and has graciously allowed the festival to use this as their parade theme. McDowell, a three time Vietnam war veteran, takes the stage at the festival Saturday evening beginning at 9 pm in a free concert honoring veterans.
For a complete lineup of the Old King Coal Festival go to www.oldkingcoalfestival.org.
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