By Kara Van Pelt
Register-Herald Reporter
BECKLEY —
As the skies cleared and the sun began to shine, attendance grew at the Friends of Coal Auto Fair Saturday.
Vendor Tommy Vance of Lewisburg, owner of the Strawberry Shortcake trailer, has set up shop at the fair the past three years.
“In the past, Saturday is the busiest it can be; I bet it will be shoulder to shoulder,” he said in anticipation.
Vance says the fair is a well-organized event and the community really enjoys it. That’s why he likes to be a part of it. Plus, he says, the people are great.
Vendors Gaye and Mike Bahr of Allisonia, Va., owners of Tastee Chef, say they couldn’t agree with Vance more. They got into the vending business to travel and meet new people.
“We have been coming to the fair for three years now and we love to meet new people,” Mike said. “And I’ve got to tell you, I’ve met some of the greatest people here in Beckley.”
Although many people have supported the fair for years, it appealed to newcomers as well.
Moya Phelleps, senior vice president of member services of the National Mining Association, traveled from Washington to be a part of the festivities.
“This is our first year,” she said. “We represent the industry on a national level and we heard what a great thing was going on here and wanted to be able to support all levels of activity for the mining industry, whether it’s state, local or regional.”
She said coal supplies half the United States with electricity, so it’s important to support the industry so “the U.S. can be competitive in terms of reliable, abundant power.”
Phelleps said she didn’t know if she would attend in the future but that she was grateful to experience the area and its people.
“I’m not sure if we will physically be here or not in the years to come, but we will definitely be supporting the efforts because it’s a really wonderful thing,” she said.
Daniels resident Jean Perkins says she had attended the fair every year since it opened with her late husband. After losing him just last year, she said, this year gave her and her children a chance to honor his memory.
“My father had cars in the show in the past,” Jeanie Harnest, Perkins’ daughter, said. “We lost my father about a year ago, so the past couple of car shows, I come in, get the family together and bring the cars out like he always did.”
Harnest said the fair gave her a chance to enjoy the weekend as well.
“I love spending time with the people who come out and bring their cars,” she said. “We just sit around and talk, relax and laugh. We are just enjoying the day.”
Harnest said that although it gave her a chance to honor her father, it was also a way of honoring her family since many members have worked in the coal industry.
“We have had many coal miners in our family and it has always been a part of our lives, so we come to show support as well,” she said.
Her mother couldn’t agree more.
“I love just coming out, being with my children and all the people who stop by to sit and talk,” she said. “I enjoy it so much and can’t wait until next year’s fair.”
