Tons To Do at Beckley’s Auto Fair

Beckley’s extravagant Friends of Coal Auto Fair is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Notice it’s not a car “show.” It’s a full-on, four-day, festival-style fair with tons of entertainment and attractions. The cars are just part of the fun.

The family fun kicks off with a Thursday night concert, featuring the southern indie band Shea and upbeat rockers Motion Theatre. Park and hop aboard the event shuttles to join the Kick-off Party excitement.

Friday is the Family Night Cruise-In, which parades the vehicles from uptown to the show grounds. Then Jada Vance of “American Idol” fame, will take the stage before the late-night movie screening of “Wreck it Ralph,” the story of a video game villain who strives to become a hero instead.

The car show will have vehicles from classic rides to modern muscle cars on display. Caring owners will have their wheels on display to compete for several awards, and also during a Kreager Tire Burn Competition.

Carnival fun will also be booming all weekend long, with inflatables, a Eurobungee, zipline and more. Amusement area tickets (separate from the $2 regular admission) get you and the kids unlimited play! No walking back to re-buy tickets every time they yell “One more time!”

Friday, the amusement tickets will be discounted for the Family Night Special. (And you can score the discount again Sunday, when general admission is also free!)

Saturday night, two great national acts will take the stage. Country singer Travis Tritt and Southern rockers the Davisson Brothers Band will keep the crowds dancing until the fireworks start exploding.

Before that performance, famous mine safety competition teams will be showing off their rescue routine skills, including the Beckley Police Department’s star K-9 Unit dogs, Artie and Ciro.

Sunday, there is a non-denominational church service, and then the cars that dazzle the judges will receive their awards.

Show tickets are available in advance at a lower rate, or at the gate the day of. They include the admission price.

The funds raised during the event will support YMCA programs.

Which part of the Friends of Coal Auto Fair are you most excited about?