In many respects, Little Balkans Days had its origin 88 years ago when approximately 25,000 people participated in a coal celebration held in Pittsburg. Called the King Coal Festival, it was established in October of 1934 to help lift the spirits of Southeast Kansas residents suffering economically during the Depression as well as symbolize the importance of the coal mining industry to Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas. The following year, and in the years thereafter, up to 40,000 people swarmed into Pittsburg as reigning Kansas governors came to town to crown the coal queens. It was the largest regular event in the state of Kansas at that time.
Source: Morning Sun
