WEST FRANKFORT — West Frankfort is gearing up for next month’s Old King Coal Festival.

The annual event will run Thursday, May 9 through Saturday, May 11 and offers something for everyone who attends.

There will be a midway with rides, food and games and live entertainment all three days. The Coal Miner’s Memorial is set for Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. that day.

Organizers say 88-year-old Paul Wilburn of West Frankfort was recently named this year’s Old King Coal and will reign over the event. Wilburn spent much of his life in and around the coal mining industry. He started in September 1952 and retired in 1994.

For a complete list of events, go to oldkingcoalfestival.org.