The Illinois Trekkers invite you to walk historic Marissa to help Marissa celebrate their Coal Festival and Illinois celebrate their bicentennial. Starting in the late 1800s and continuing to the present day, one of the largest local industries has been the mining of steam coal. Currently most of the coal mined here is burned to generate electricity. The Marissa Coal Festival is held each year on the second weekend of June. The activities begin Thursday evening & run through Saturday night with the crowning of the Festival queen. Saturday afternoon features a parade that begins at 4:00 pm. Walkers can start between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Walk at your own pace. Walkers must be finished by 3:00 pm. All walkers will have a chance to win an Illinois Bicentennial lapel pin.