Bringing A Community Together
On June 11th-13th the Magnolia Festival will take place in Matewan, West Virginia. Matewan Mayor Matt Moore, hopes to see it bring the community together. “I feel that events like this bring our community together in a positive way and unify everyone,” he says. They’ve seen lots of people come out for events in Matewan recently, and they brought a lot of positive energy to the town. “That is our hope for the Magnolia Festival,” he says.
On June 11th, the festival will run from 6pm to 10pm. This day will include activities for the kids, vendors, a DJ, and the Magnolia Festival Pageant. June 12th will kick off at 11am with a building dedication to UMWA President Cecil Roberts, and at 3pm, there will be a re-enactment of the Matewan Massacre, courtesy of the Matewan Drama Club. “We will also have activities, games, and even a gaming truck for the kids all day, and entertainment,” Matt says. Saturday will also feature a Home & Arts Competition. Categories will include photography, made-from-scratch pie making, creek rock painting, and junior “funny stuff” categories will also include decorated apples, potatoes, and vegetables! Saturday night will conclude with fireworks at 10pm. The three-day festival will wrap up on Sunday, June 13th, with a community day. “All area churches and gospel bands are welcome,” Matt says.
Organizers hope to see the Magnolia Festival become a yearly event, and to see it grow every year. “The goal for 2022 is to have a carnival in town,” he says. As for this year, they will include rock climbing, euro bungee, and carnival games for the kids, as well as a variety of all-ages activities on the 12th. Vendors will include the popular Kona Ice sno-cone truck.
Matt is most excited for the fireworks on the 12th. “All who know me know that I look forward to the fireworks,” he says. “I get involved with it and I’m excited about that, and pray for no rain so that everyone can enjoy ending the night with a great show.”
Want to learn more about the Magnolia Festival? Check out the Facebook Event Page. You’ll also find details about the Home & Arts competition on the event page. See you at the festival!
All photos from the Magnolia Festival Facebook page.
