Eastern Kentucky’s Hillbilly Days Festival Is Pure Yeehaw Energy
To some people, the term "Hillbilly" may be a derogatory name for country folks. In Kentucky, it's worn as a badge of honor. Especially in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky.
In fact, there is a whole festival dedicated to Hillbilly life and the joy that can be found in celebrating things like kin-calling, wrestling, and good ole country music. Toss in a parade, a Ferris wheel, and something fried on a stick from Miss Piggy's Pork Shop. You'll be hollerin' "Yeeeeeee-hawwwwwwwww!" like a natural.
Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, KY was founded by two fellas named Shady and Dirty Ears back in 1977. It began as a fundraiser for the Shriners' Children's Hospital in Lexington and has grown to be one of the biggest events in the state. Here's a fun look at what April 16th-18th will be like this year.
Along with the carnival and stages of free entertainment, you'll find the Family Fun Zone, where there will be a Dinosaur Roar show for the kiddos. The Marshall Tucker Band will take the stage at Appalachian Wireless Arena for the grown-ups. Also for the grown-ups, Bootlegger's Alley. Cause what would a hillbilly be without a little shine?
Miss Hillbilly Days will be crowned to lead the Hillbilly parade through downtown. The Appalachian Center for the Arts is hosting an epic facial hair contest because every good Hillibilly has a beard. There is a 5k run, a quilt show, a car show, and a fireworks show. That sounds like a good time to me!
Locals encourage visitors to check out other Eastern Kentucky attractions while in Pike County for Hillbilly Days. Visit Loretta Lynn's homeplace and the US 23 Country Music Museum. Explore "The Grand Canyon of the South" or learn about the legendary Hatfield & McCoy Feud on the land where it took place.
For a full schedule of events, lists of vendors, etc. click here. Have you ever been to Hillbilly Days? If so, what was your favorite thing about it? It's on my bucket list, so hopefully we can go sometime!
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz