2008 Summer Festivals and Events in Pike County, Kentucky

Pike County, Kentucky is a beautiful, tranquil getaway in the mountains. As a native to the area, I can tell you that there is no shortage of reasons to visit this area. It is rich in unique culture, spectacular natural surroundings, and friendly people. Here are a few more reasons:

Hillbilly Days- Enjoying its 32^nd year in 2008, this annual festival of everything "hillbilly" is a fun family affair which also happens to benefit burned and physically challenged children through the auspices of the Shiners Hospital. This year's events are scheduled to coincide with local Spring Break on the dates of April 17 - 19, 2008 in the lovely downtown area of Pikeville, KY. Admission to the general area of the festival is free. There will be a shuttle running downtown this year to make the leg-work from the parking area easier and this service is also free. Vendors will be selling anything that can be imagined, from Hillbilly hats and arts and crafts to food and T-shirts. There is a parade that usually begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Events this year include the Sobe "Thrillicious" Group Dance contest, where groups can compete to see which can dance best to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and an open-air concert showcasing local talent. There is also the Coca-Cola Corn Hole Tournament, which will take place all three days. For that there is an entry fee of $10 per team on Thursday and Friday and $20 on Saturday. Kansas will be featured in concert along with Bad Company with Brian Howe on lead vocals at the fairly new East Kentucky Expo Center in town. There are usually a few carnival rides as well. The opportunities for wholesome (and not so wholesome) fun are endless.

Apple Blossom Festival- This festival is a fond staple of childhood memories for me. This year's celebration of spring is May 9 - 10, 2008 in Elkhorn City, KY., a little town that is the birthplace of Patty Loveless and the Gateway to the world famous Breaks Interstate Park. Admission is free. Again there are vendors selling local arts and crafts and food. Sometimes there are open-air performances of local music groups. There is also usually square dancing open to anyone who wishes to clog it up to the music and a few carnival rides. There is also a parade through town on Saturday afternoon. This is a family affair as well with activities for all ages.

Bushwhacking on the Russell Fork- This is the second year for this annual event which is sponsored by the Elkhorn City Heritage Council. On May 23 - 25, 2008, this event features area history and specifically that of the Civil War. There will be battle reenactments at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Prices are as follows: $5.00 registration fee for all participating re-enactors, $50.00 bounty to 1st confederate and union cannon, $50.00 bounty to 1st confederate and union horse, sutlers welcome with prior registration - sutler fee $25.00. Straw, fresh water and firewood will be provided. There will be a grand military ball and ladies tea. Registration begins on Friday at 12 noon and one meal is provided on Saturday and Sunday. Drop by and observe this piece of history.

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon- This is part of the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival that celebrates the world-famous feud of the 1800s that began with one family on one side of the civil war and the other on the other side and ending with Devil Anse Hatfield's hanging in Pikeville after almost half of both families had been slaughtered in tit-for-tat guerilla-type violence that covered parts of Pike County, Kentucky and several counties in West Virginia. The marathon will be held on June 14, 2008 and begin at the Food City parking lot in Goody, Ky. and finish in Williamson, WV. at the equally famous Coal House (it is literally a building carved out of one massive block of coal, I understand. I've only seen it once myself.) The half-marathon will begin the same day at the same place and end in historic Matewan, WV. There is also a once-around-the-block marathon for kids. Proceeds from registration benefit the TVRRC Children's Running Programs and Scholarships. There will be a post-race Pig Fest featuring an old fashioned hillbilly pig roast and music.

Whitewater Rafting on the Russell Fork- Part of the annual October Fest, this is a month-long opportunity when local officials release the waters from the John Flannigan Dam and allow the Russell Fork to run in her full glory. People world-wide come with kayaks, rafts, and even innertubes to brave this river, but it is not for beginners. Even at relatively calmer times these are world class rapids. During the October Fest, it is recommended for experienced rafters only, since the river is then raging at Class V and more! The usual route begins within the Breaks Interstate Park (the park rangers can direct you to this year's designated entry) and ends in nearby Elkhorn City, Ky. I was unable to discover whether there is a fee for rafting, but I believe it's free based on observation (my mother used to ride it on an innertube all year round with her friends). If you're looking for an exhilarating, challenging day out of the office this is for you! But exercise caution: remember these rapids are Class V+!

This is just a handful of the events and activities to enjoy in Pike County, Ky. Come by, bring your friends, and y'all come back now, ya hear!

Sources for this article are the following websites: http://www.hillbillydays.com, http://www.weekendrus.com/ky-41522-apple-blossom-festival954, http://www.elkhorncity.org/bushwhacking/2008flyer2.pdf, http://www.hatfieldmccoymarathon.com, and http://www.raftinfo.com/levisa.php.