Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival
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. Since that time, the devotion and hospitality of so many, along with the resonant history of the festival, have enabled this beautiful event to thrive for eighty years.
The 2012 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is scheduled for May 24th- May 27th, 2012. The Chairman Mr. Scott Madon, the KMLF Committee along with the residents welcome you to Pineville, KY for this annual event. This year the committee wants to you join in our theme of "Timeless Treasures".
We think you'll enjoy our quaint and historic town nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Bell County, Kentucky where Southern hospitality reigns throughout. The festival features many events including a Queen's Coronation. Many Queens have been celebrated in song, verse and festival for centuries, it's only suitable that our time honored festival garland a Queen with our native Mountain Laurel. We open our homes to these accomplished and lovely young Queen Candidates, selected by and to represent their Kentucky College or University in the annual pageant. During the Coronation, held at an exquisite outdoor amphitheater near the close of the weekend, each Queen curtseys to the Governor of Kentucky- and in turn he crowns the winning Queen.
In addition to the Queen Coronation, the 2012 KMLF Thursday night entertainment is a trio of country music superstars Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, and Aaron Tippin. The festival features quality crafts and concessions, the Jules & Beck Carnival, a 5K Run, an entertaining Parade and much more.
We are certain that as you browse this site, you will be more encouraged to join us as we celebrate the 82nd Annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. All KMLF events are family oriented; many are free and open to the public; those requiring tickets are reasonably priced. For more information contact us the KMLF office at (606) 337-6103. Information is also available through the Bell County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-988-1075 or (606) 248-1075.
