VALLEY HEAD — The annual Valley Head Homecoming returns this weekend with a chicken burn, live music, historical presentations and more.

The Homecoming, which has been a staple of the Valley Head community for around 40 years, will begin Friday. George Coussoule, an organizer of the Homecoming, said the event has “quite a few things going on” this year.

“We all go down there and see old friends,” Coussoule told The Inter-Mountain. “It’s just a big reunion for people like me. We’re trying to have enough activities for people to come to those things and see other people, enjoy themselves and get some entertainment.”

Festivities will start Friday with a chicken burn at the Valley Head Community Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A live performance from musician Roger Ware will start around 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the Valley Head Fire Department will be hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Starting at 9 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., there will be activities, food, T-shirts for sale and a silent auction at the Calvary Assembly Church. The Homecoming parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

At 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, Steve Bodkins with the Mingo Historical Society will be giving a presentation on the area’s former coal mines at the Valley Head Community Center.

“There were three coal mines in this area when I was growing up,” Coussoule said. “One of them employed 700 people. That was Hickory Lick down on Elk River.”

The Valley Head Methodist Church will be holding a Gospel Sing at 6 p.m. on Saturday. At 7:50 p.m., Rob Loger will be performing at the Valley Head Fire Department.

On Sunday, there will be a memorial service with a presentation on those in the community who have passed away. Another memorial service will be held on Monday, May 26, at noon at the Confederate Soldier Statue located in Mingo Flats.

“We’re hoping for a good turn out,” Coussoule said.