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First Annual Black Gold Festival

Black Gold History

The forerunner of the Black Gold Festival was the Hazard Coal Carnival which was held for the first time in 1937.  The Black Gold Festival was formed in 1977 and committee members have made it an annual event ever since.  This year's festival marks the 33rd year for Black Gold.  The main attractions have always been "live" musical performances and an annual parade down Main Street. The Black Gold Festival always has plenty of food, crafts and people.  On this page, you will learn a little about the history of Hazard, Kentucky's annual Black Gold Festival that attracts visitors from across the nation.

 

 September 6th 1937...The first Hazard Coal Carnival, the forerunner of the Black Gold Festival, was held.  Image

July 11th 1977...The first annual Black Gold Festival opened. The event has been held every year since.  During the first festival, thousands turned out to see Jean Ritchie, Jon Hall, the Black Gold Chainers, a group of talented square dancers, and arts and crafts. More

September 21st 1979...East Kentucky residents huddled under umbrellas during much of the 3rd annual Black Gold Festival, although the showers didn't seem to dampen the spirits of those that braved the weather.  More

September 19th 1981...The stars from "The Dukes Of Hazzard" TV show appeared at the Black Gold Festival.  More

Black Gold September 18th 1982...Waylon Jennings and Jessie Colter  More

Black Gold September 17th 1983...Bobby Bare  More

Black Gold September 17th 1983...Ronnie McDowell  More

Black Gold September 17th 1983...Johnny Paycheck  More

Black Gold September 17th 1983...Marlow Tackett  More

Black Gold September 15th 1984...B.J. Thomas  More

Black Gold September 13th 1985...Jerry Reed  More

Black Gold September 14th 1985...Singer Lorrie Morgan  More 

Black Gold September 19th 1987...Glen Campbell  More

Black Gold September 19th 1987...Keith Whitley  More

Black Gold September 19th 1987...Jeannie Sealey  More

Black Gold September 17th 1988...Chubby Checker  More

Black Gold September 16th 1989...Mel McDaniel  More

Black Gold September 16th 1989...Billy Joe Royal  More

Black Gold September 14th 1990...Garth Brooks  More

Black Gold September 15th 1990...Sawyer Brown  More

Black Gold September 21st 1991...Shenandoah  More

Black Gold September 18th 1993...Gary Puckett  More

Black Gold September 17th 1995...Mark Chesnutt  More 

Black Gold September 21st 1996...Ken Mellons  More 

Black Gold September 21st 1996...Lonestar  More 

Black Gold September 16th 2000...Toby Keith  More 

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