WEST FRANKFORT - With the recent announcement that named Earl Kirk of West Frankfort as 2008 Old King Coal, excitement continues to build for the Old King Coal Festival to be held Sept. 18 through 21.

Kirk was scheduled to be crowned Old King Coal during the Princess Flame Pageant on Sept. 14. However, the pageant has been cancelled because too few contestants entered. The crowning of Old King Coal now will be during the Coal Miners Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Coal Miners Memorial on Main Street.

The memorial service is a solemn tribute to the 119 miners killed in the Orient No. 2 Mine explosion on Dec. 21, 1951. Festival Chairman Steve Sawalich said the service not only serves as kick off for the festival, but it also reminds everyone of sacrifices made by Southern Illinois coal miners, vast safety improvements and the bright future of coal mining. The committee also plans to recognize Congressman Ken Gray with a special Lifetime of Service Award during the service.

According to Sawalich the committee is discussing ways to revamp the Princess Flame Pageant to draw more interest next year.

For further information, contact Linda Clark, West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, at 932-2181 or visit the festival website, www.oldkingcoal.com. Sawalich may be reached at sawalich@clearwave.com.