The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is one of Kentucky's oldest festivals, finding its start in 1931, when Mrs. Annie Walker Burns established the festival as a way to honor her famous ancestor, Dr. Thomas Walker, a pioneer explore. If you had come to the amphitheater on Pine Mountain on Memorial Day weekend a year ago you would have found something missing. Intricate marches involving all the candidates and their escorts are rehearsed before the festival. Local Girl to Represent WKU at Pageant, Edmonson News Feb. 26, 1987, Kathy Meredith Salem's Kate Keller, a freshman at Kentucky Wesleyan College, has been chosen to compete in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Pageant this weekend in Pineville. Participants will be judged in areas of talent, poise, on-state question and evening gown. BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - A joy-filled afternoon in Pineville was highlighted by the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen's Coronation with a visit from a familiar face. The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is among Kentuckys oldest festivals, beginning in 1931. . It is also ranked as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast for September. September 2023- Black Gold Festival and Miss Perry County. Chance of rain 90%. Were communicating with everyone to let them know what their role will be, if any, as of right now. This years festival signaled another step in returning to a pre-pandemic state of society for many. The exact plans are not being shared yet because so much can change between now the end of May. The green cove deep in the heart of Appalachia would be empty, missing the large crowd that gathers annually to see who will be crowned the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen. Each May since 1931, colleges and universities from Kentucky select one representative to participate in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival which is held Memorial Day weekend. Beshear and his administration at . As far as we have been able to ascertain, the Festival is the oldest continuous event of its kind in the United States. KENTUCKY'S FESTIVAL; Mountain Laurel Pageant In Old Feuding Country Give this article By William Stucky May 9, 1948 The New York Times Archives See the article in its original context from May 9,. Saturdays festivities include the Apex 5K Run, KMLF Gala Parade, Governors Luncheon, 2022 Queens Coronation, KMLF Queens Grad Ball and more. Were having to deal with everything from how were going to house them to finding larger venues for their meals so they can spread out. Carey Elizabeth Smith, the daughter of Jerry and Wendy Smith, is a senior at South Laurel High School. The Mountain Laurel Festival would be one of the first larger events, after the Kentucky Derby, to return. We do have an alternative planned though.. Photos of Queen's Coronation at Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in Pineville. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. He said the local advisory board has been meeting since the fall and monitoring the COVID numbers in Bell County and throughout the state. 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Anyone can read what you share. To Represent Western in 1957 Festival, College Heights Herald, Jan. 18, 1957, Phyllis Robinson Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 4:46 pm. Happening Today @ Pineville High! There will be a Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival this Memorial Day weekend. Middlesboro daily news Middlesboro ky., saturday May 30 1970. Since that time, the devotion and hospitality of so many, along w Weekday broadcast of WYMT Mountain News at 5:30. This is a special day: Gov. Winter Wonderland of Somerset- 1/15/23, Authentic American Beauties Winter Wonderland- TBA, Miss Heart of the Bluegrass/Appalachia- 03/11/23, Miss and Mr. Easter Bunny Cuties- 3/25/23, Little Miss/Mister Spring Classic- 4/22/23, Elegant Supremes Lake Cumberland Sweeties- TBA, Bluegrass Dreams' End of School Showdown- 05/20/23, Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival-TBA, Miss Anderson County Burgoo Festival-TBA, Jamie's Ghouls Relay for Life Pageant- 10/22/22, 2021 Kentucky Pageants/ Kentucky Festival Pageants/ Dianne Turner/ Courtney McCubbin - All images courtesy of Cook Studio. Andy Beshear said during a Saturday luncheon at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. "Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and your uniqueness is what helps you shine." McIntyre will attend the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in May. We have everything for everybody of all ages, said Shelby. Her original purpose was to honor Dr. T . 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