Black Diamond Days

Gillespie Illinois 62033

Gillespie military heroes.
THANK YOU!

Volunteers from the area
Fire District line up in the parade.

The stars and stripes
fly high on the City of
Gillespie's float.

Welcome to the feature site of Macoupin County's "Original
Festival Of Coal". The first festival of this type was held in
1980 on Macoupin Street in Gillespie Illinois. Gillespie
Illinois is located just 50 minutes south of Illinois' capital,
Springfield and 50 miles northeast of St. Louis, MO. The
Black Diamond Days festival has expanded over the years
but continues to be housed primarily on Gillespie's main
street.

The festival was started as a promotion of Gillespie's rich
coal mining heritage which continues still today. Many
generations of local families have been employees of area
coal mines including Monterey Coal Mine which is located
in the central region of Macoupin County.

Everyone is welcome to join us for Black Diamond Days.
Browse the site and you will find that there is something
for everyone at our festival. The festival is always held the
first full weekend in June and the feature of the festival is a
parade on Sunday which attracts more than 100
participants each year.

Join us this year on June 4th, 5th and 6th for the 31st
annual Macoupin County's Original Festival of Coal. We'll
see you there!