The third Saturday in July the town of Wilkeson is taken over with festivities. Historically, Wilkeson is a coal mining town, complete with brick coke ovens and lots of railroad tracks. It is in a quaint, rural setting with sandstone block buildings, entry arch and onion domed Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. It is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier on SR 165, south of Buckley on the way to the Carbon River entrance to the National Park.

On July 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the town will meet beside the old coke ovens and compete racing hand cars, riding lawn mowers and hold a parade through town. Town history is on display as well as other vendors and lots of small town community spirit.

These photos are from 2002, when your editor attended the event. (Looks like it is time to get some fresh photos.)