History of the West Virginia Freedom Festival

How it all began...

What started as a fundraising effort for a fireworks display has turned into a local tradition. The City of Logan’s annual fireworks display has evolved over the years into what locals now know as The West Virginia Freedom Festival.

The celebration began in 1999 under the administration of Logan’s then Mayor, Tom Esposito. He appointed Councilman Serafino Nolletti to spearhead a project to commemorate the 4^th of July. Serafino is also a local businessman who, according to most residents, possesses a heart of gold.

At this time the Speed Specialties car club had recently hosted a car show on Logan's Middleburg Island. The show was an amazing success with over 275 cars in attendance–the largest ever held in Logan. The President of the club and organizer of the event was Amber Miller, who was just 19-years-old at the time! Through a mutual friend, Serafino learned of this young lady's accomplishments and asked for her help in organizing the 4^th of July festivities. The duo not only developed a strong partnership for the event, but they have become the very best of friends.

In 1999, the City had only enough money to sponsor a fireworks display. To some, it may have seemed small, but it was a huge victory for the home team of Miller and Nolletti, who raised the majority of the funds for the fireworks themselves. Countless sponsors in the community contributed, and the duo accepted it as a success. The year 2000 would follow the same suit…..but that would soon change.

From fireworks to a fun-filled day of events...

In 2000, as the fireworks were shooting into the air, Miller and Nolletti were literally laying the groundwork for the next year. Ideas were swirling, and things started to take shape. They decided to try their luck at grant writing, and start early on what they wanted to be a full one-day event. In February of 2001, the duo received word that they would get $5,000 from the state. To some, this may seem a small award, but to The City of Logan, it was like hitting the lottery. The possibilities were endless. The fireworks were paid for, and whatever money could be raised would contribute to other events. The plan was set into action. In 2001, the City would not only have fireworks, but they would enjoy a parade and a block party as well.

The stage was a small bed from the local DMV. The block party was hosted by a local DJ, and the fireworks were ordered and shot by the local Fire Department. It was a true hometown effort. The City employees even stood in the streets months prior to the event and held a tag day to help purchase all of the extras that were needed. It was a true “coming together” in this small town. It also marked the beginning of what would become the West Virginia Freedom Festival.

The 2001 event proved to be a learning experience for the duo. Nolletti and Miller awoke that 4^th of July to rain. It rained and it poured during the parade as people sat in their cars and prayed for it to stop. That year’s queen, Julie Marcum, along with Grand Marshall Ernest Stapleton, would be forced to be escorted in the parade with their windows up and signs smeared. But, no one was prepared for what happened next.

As the day went on, the clouds broke, and the sun appeared. THOUSANDS of people entered the streets to enjoy the food, arts and crafts, and the block party. It was amazing! People were everywhere. It was wonderful. The booths were booming with business, and the streets were packed with people standing and dancing elbow to elbow. Then, it came time for the fireworks. Let’s just say that our glory was short lived. Nothing could prepare us for what happened next.

Serafino and I stood and watched as the fireworks shot up into the air, one by one, we were counting our successes. Then, before we really knew what happened, the fireworks exploded on the ground. It was our worst nightmare. How could we have been prepared for that? We learned valuable lessons from that experience–don’t take anything for granted, understand the extreme dangers associated with fireworks, and be fully aware of the companies and individuals responsible for setting up and shooting the fireworks.

Despite the mishap, the celebration was a hit with the town, and people wanted more. So, the duo went back to the drawing board to plan for the following year.

Logan's 150^th Anniversary...

In 2002, The City of Logan celebrated its 150^th Celebration. This was truly the turning point for the event. This year, it would be extended from one to five days. FIVE DAYS! Needless to say Nolletti and Miller were sweating!

Amber decided to review the 100^th Celebration program and try to bring back as much as possible to the 150^th Celebration to make it historical. The Great Lakes Timber Show was hired from Variety Attractions, and they would serve as the modern “Log Sawing Competition” that was held 50 years earlier. The Miss City of Logan pageant would also be held in the classy Coal Field Jamboree, and although Mrs. Mary Lamb could not be there to crown her successor, she was published in the Logan Banner as the reigning Miss City of Logan. A new Miss City of Logan is only crowned once every 50 years.

The block party would serve as the modern day “ball,” and people both young and old would dance the night away. Mayor Tom Esposito would be dressed in a tuxedo during the entire week’s festivities–not only to honor the town, but to bring back the look of the distinguished Litz McGuire who had served as Mayor during the 100^th Celebration.

The 150^th Celebration also involved several different groups and activities. The Kiwanis Club of Logan hosted a rainy, but successful, “Paint the Town Night,” where everyone, including City employees, came out and painted the town. It was a community clean-up effort. New flags were hung on every pole, and red, white and blue shined in every merchant window. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Governor Bob Wise also attended the festivities, and ational clogging champions, the “Dance Explosion Cloggers,” came to dance with the Governor. It was a huge hit.

The Aracoma Story was first performed during the 100^th Celebration on Middleburg Island, which also  celebrated Logan's rich Indian heritage. Therefore, at the 150^th Celebration, the Aracoma Story was once again performed. Nolletti and Miller also brought the “Red River Drum” Indians to the event to share folk stories and dances. It was an incredible sight.

The one event that highlighted the “classier” side of Logan was Magic Night with Michael Ammar. Everyone was dressed to impress and the show was amazing. Michael Ammar is the son of the late Buddy Ammar who was a community activist in Logan and is dearly missed. We know, Buddy, without a doubt, that if you were here you would be a part of this. We miss you.

For the 150^th Celebration Zambelli Fireworks Internationale was chosen to perform the fireworks, and the audience was amazed! “Those were the best fireworks Logan has ever had,” was the phrase used by most residents. Oh, and there were no unexpected explosions on the ground either! Needless to say, Zambelli is brought back every year, and the show continues to get better with each passing year!

On Sunday, a church service was held at the Coalfield Jamboree by the Logan Ministerial Association, and the festivities came to a close. The 150^th was a HUGE success. It was a hit with the locals, and it was something that will be in the history books. We are proud that we were able to host such an event.

And we wish to thank Senator Earl Ray Tomblin for the financial support from the State of West Virginia.

Tragedy strikes the 2003 event...

In 2003, the event was dropped back to three days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Again, Earl Ray Tomblin pulled through with help from the state, and the celebration was a “go.” This would be the year that Miller and Nolletti would first attend the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention and apply for membership.

The event followed along the same lines of the 2001 event with the addition of a car show and tons of games for the kids.. However, this time the rain stayed away.

The 2003 event transformed into more of a festival atmosphere, and the vendors walked away happy with anticipation to return. An outside beauty pageant was also held, and Miss Brittany Amburgey was crowned as Miss Independence Day.

The Festival also suffered a major blow during the Military Salute, losing American Legion Commander Joe Vannatter on stage to a sudden heart attack. Joe, may your memory live on every year during the Festival, and may the Lord be with you and your family. To your family, I am sorry for your loss.

The Zambelli brothers showed up again with an extraordinary fireworks display, and the streets were filled once again, elbow to elbow, to enjoy the entertainment. Overall, the 2003 festival was one of the top successes in the history of the festival.

The West Virginia Freedom Festival is born...

In 2004, the festival unveiled its new name. The West Virginia FREEDOM FESTIVAL. The name caught on, as military personnel volunteered their help, and the military salute came back strong. The memory of Joe Vannatter was honored with a balloon release, the playing of taps, and special speaking. The American Legion hosted the event.

The festival grew in entertainment. The 119 South Band made the Friday night show, and the gospel group Higher Ground belted out awesome contemporary Christian Music. A lip sync contest was held, which was also a first time event, and was a HUGE success. The streets were lined with booths, great food, kids games, and so much more. West Virginia Fairs and Festivals President Bill Dunn joined the pageant to assist in the crowning of the first Miss West Virginia Freedom Festival, Mandi Hurley.

The Car Show was held once again, and a new motorcycle show was added to the festivities. Although it did get rained on, it was a success. The Aracoma Story performed the Wizard of Oz, a huge hit with the kids, and Saturday night was packed with dancing in the street, and the return of the Zambelli brothers fireworks display. A great time was had by all, another success as the first year of the new West Virginia Freedom Festival.

The best is yet to come...

Amber Miller, along with fiancé David Gore, Serafino Nolletti, and the WV Freedom Festival Queen representative Brittany Amburgey and her mother Lisha Amburgey attended the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention in January of 2005.

With great ideas, and steam, steam, steam, the group hopes to make this year the best one ever!

We hope you come and make history with us!