With social distancing procedures in place, the  35th Annual Van Lear Days Festival was still able to take place..

Organizers found a way to hold the event, however all inside events were canceled and tours of the Coal Miners’ Museum were not offered.

“We debated back and forth and back and forth and then we cut everything down that we normally do. Nothing inside and I mean we’re just we went down to the bare minimum,” said Tina Webb, an officer of the Van Lear Historical Society.

The corn hole tournament will held next month.

“That’s just to keep down the crowds as much as possible you know music show this month, corn hole next month,” said Webb.

The music show started Friday at 5 p.m and continued on Saturday.

“The x’s are marked on where you know six foot apart and families can sit together and then if anyone gets up to come to the booth or whatever then they have to have a mask on and just we’re staying away from them,” said Webb.

The car show started at 9 a.m. Saturday, and parade began at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Candy was not thrown out, as they do not want people lining the streets.

The skillet throw and hay bale toss will took place Saturday, as well as Van Lear Idol.

Concessions stands were available, as everyone wass asked to wear a mask and remain six feet apart.

Van Lear Days is one of two primary fundraisers for the historical society. The other being their Haunted House in October which they have yet to release when or if it will be happening this year, though they are hopeful. Their fundraisers rely on the festival to keep the museum up and running.