The Mountaineer Days committee, in conjunction with the city of Thomas and the Thomas Volunteer Fire Department, are pleased to announce the final plans for Mountaineer Days. This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 6.
The Independence weekend activities kick off with the Tucker County Young Life again sponsoring a 5K Run/2K Walk Race. Racers can register at the event or online. The link is on the Facebook page, Mountaineer Days 5K Run/2K walk presented by Eastern Mountains Young Life, (or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068964740096)
The cost is $25 for pre-registration and $35 the day of the event. Registration is from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. at the Thomas Fire Hall.
The popular vendor area and craft displays open at 10 a.m. along the railroad grade in Thomas. With more than 40 vendors, residents and visitors will enjoy sampling the food and exploring crafts.
For the second year, the Tucker County Young Life is sponsoring inflatable amusement rides. The rides will be set up along the railroad grade in Thomas.
The Mountaineer Days Parade begins at noon, with the line-up starting at 11 a.m. at the Division of Highways garage. Fire Trucks will line up on Quail Ridge Drive.
Following the parade, the county’s largest cakewalk, sponsored by the Mountaineer Humane Society, begins at 1 p.m. in the old Miners & Merchants bank lot. The nonprofit group is seeking donations for this popular event.
“We would appreciate any baked goods donations, homemade or bought, and participants for the cakewalk,” said Karen Linton, one of the event’s key organizers. “All proceeds from the cakewalk will go to our Run For It team, The Cruisin’ Critters, which then supports the spay and neuter voucher program.”
Musical entertainment begins at 11 a.m., with Nat Frederick taking the stage in the old Miners & Merchants bank lot. He will be followed by Rebecca Wudarski playing at 2:30 p.m., Jason Good Blues Band at 4:30 p.m., and Waylon Wyatt performing at 6 p.m.
Cole Chaney, the event’s headliner, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. At only 21 years old, Chaney’s catalog may be small, but he already boasts an absolute masterpiece of an album in which he proves wise beyond his years. Mercy, his debut album released in 2021, is a 12-song showcase of Eastern Kentucky blue-collar anthems highlighted by his deft lyricism and storytelling.
The grand finale of the evening will be the 67th year of fireworks sponsored by the Thomas Volunteer Fire Department. Each year, the fireworks are put on with donations received from the public, roadblocks on the day of the event, and door-to-door fundraising efforts. This year’s show will last about 45 minutes.
The pancake breakfast sponsored by the Thomas Volunteer Fire Department will close the Mountaineer Days weekend activities. Breakfast will be served at the Thomas Fire Hall from 8 a.m. to noon.
Mountaineer Days is made possible by the following sponsors: Western Pocahontas + Natural Resource Partners, City of Thomas, Davis Trust Company, St. George Medical Clinic, Tucker County Parks and Recreation, WVU Medicine, Kingsford, Tucker County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Sirianni’s, Sunrise Sanitation, Canaan Realty, Blackwater Falls State Park, United Financial Center, Mountaintop Health Center, Mountaintop Dental Clinic, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Best of Canaan, Miners & Merchants Bank, Still Hollow Distillery, Mt. Top Convenience, State Farm Insurance of Parsons, GJ Garton Insurance, Davis Shop’n Save, Mountain Valley Bank, Stumptown, Railey Realty, Backbone Mountain Guide Service, Jeremy Bolyard Construction, Steven’s Realty, Ella & Company, McClumsy, and Adventure Guild. The Mountaineer Days Committee also appreciates the support of the Thomas Parks & Recreation, Tucker Community Foundation, and the city employees.
