Coal Days a hit Shawneetown mayor says return of local festivals a welcome sight

SHAWNEETOWN - The return of Coal Days to Shawneetown is a hopeful indicator that life is beginning to return to normal, Mayor David Barker says.

"We're glad to have Coal Days back," Barker said. "We had a great turnout. A lot of people showed up, and it's nice to see small town festivals being held again. This is the way it should be."

Many gatherings were canceled nationwide during 2020 in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the decline in the number of cases, increasing number of vaccinated people and restrictions on social gatherings being lifted, Barker said he hopes that other community festivals in Gallatin County and other communities will continue to return this year.