Natalie Canerday played the role of Elsie Hickam, Homer Hickam's mother.

She's in town to help celebrate the 11th year of the festival.

This is Natalie's first trip to West Virginia.

The movie is based on Hickam's life and the Rocket Boys in Coalwood but it was actually shot in Tennessee.

Natalie says portraying a woman from West Virginia after never being here was difficult.

"I didn't get to meet Elsie Hickam until the very end of the movie, so I just kind of had to fly by the seat of my pants and stick to the script and try to be southern and maternal. It was all I could do but she liked it, she said I did a good job, so I hope so" said Canerday.

In addition to her role in October Sky, Natalie also had roles in Walk the Line, Sling Blade and Biloxi Blues.

The October Sky festival will get started 10 a.m. Saturday in Coalwood.