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47 Years of Hillbilly Days!

47 Years of Hillbilly Days!

Pikeville Tourism, Kevin Roberts & Lauren McCoart
March 25, 2024

Hillbilly Days
Happy Billy Days!

The 2024 Hillbilly Days festival in Pikeville, Kentucky, once again showcases the vibrant culture and spirited community of the Appalachian region. Drawing crowds from near and far, this annual event celebrates its rich heritage with a three-day extravaganza of music, food, and fun. From April 18th to April 20th, downtown Pikeville transformed into a bustling hub of activity, as locals and visitors alike gather to revel in the festivities.

The festival features an array of live performances, ranging from traditional Appalachian music to contemporary hits, resonating through the streets and captivating audiences of all ages. Attendees will indulge in an abundance of delicious cuisine, with vendors offering everything from classic barbecue and cornbread to homemade pies and fried delicacies. Additionally, a variety of carnival rides, games, and crafts will be providing entertainment for families and thrill-seekers alike.

The excitement is palpable as preparations for the highly anticipated Hillbilly Days Parade are also in full swing. With the application process now open, individuals and businesses may apply exclusively at www.hillbillydays.com. Local organizations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of April 12^th.

Beyond the entertainment, Hillbilly Days serves as a platform for charitable giving, with proceeds from the event benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children. This philanthropic aspect underscores the festival's commitment to making a positive impact on the community and supporting those in need. 2024’s Hillbilly Days will leave a lasting impression, fostering camaraderie, preserving Appalachian heritage, and embodying the enduring spirit of Pikeville, Kentucky.

Hillbilly Days 2024 Schedule

For more information or schedule changes, visit www.hillbillydays.com

Events
April 2024

Anne Shelby: Appalachian Folktales - Anne Shelby has written and published poems, plays, stories, essays, newspaper columns, and books for children. In this part-talk, part-reading, she shares three stories. First, the story of how she fell in love with folktales, read and studied them, and told them to audiences. Second, how — and why — she searched hundreds of folktale collections, looking for stories with women or girls as their main characters. What she found, how she selected and adapted it, and what happened next. Third, Anne shares a story from the resulting book, an award-winning collection for children and adults, “The Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales.”
This author visit and reading will take place at the Pike County Public Library on Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30. No registration is required.
James Riley Book Release - James will read a selection of poems from his new book, Uncertain Mythologies. He will be available to sign books and his original artwork will be on display. Live music and refreshments will be provided. This is a free public event. The book release will take place at the Appalachian Center for the Arts beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th.
Appalachian Heritage Annual Seed Swap - A Family Friendly Environment to Buy-Sale-Trade Heirloom Seeds and Plants. This event will take place on April 6th from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Pike Central High School.
Fun Run 5K - Run with all your heart - Join UPike’s KYCOM Military Club for their first-ever Run With All Your Heart 5K at Pikeville City Park. This 5K is open to all ages and running abilities. The race will take place on April 6th. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the run will begin at 9:00 a.m. You can sign up at https://curingkidscancer.org/events/pikeville-run-with-all-your-heart-5k_1
Prom Night - Get your fancy dresses and sharp suits ready because prom night is happening at The Great Hall! And guess what? You don’t have to sneak in the booze this time because they have got you covered Prom Night begins at 9:00 p.m. on April 6th.
Judi’s Place for Kids Annual 5K Race - Come support Judi’s Place for Kids on April 13th starting at 9:00 a.m. You can sign up for this race by visiting https://runsignup.com/runwithcourage?fbclid=IwAR3Fa2ftKSWMpUqmo1R1ACyOVEM0viHv1--xjWTSpdCZp_PSs-SmSFkPfys
Hillbilly Days (April 18th - 20th) - Y’all be sure to come and enjoy one of the state’s largest festivals. Since 1977, Pike County, Kentucky has been celebrating Hillbilly Days. This internationally known annual event serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Held in downtown Pikeville, this is one festival you’ve got to see to believe! 3 live stages of free entertainment, featuring a wide variety of music genres, clogging and square dancing. Men, women and youngsters pick and grin while trying to outdo each other with their wild hillbilly outfits.
Kin Calling Contest - Modern messaging methods like texting and emailing just can’t compare to good old fashion yelling. Demonstrate to the judges how you call your significant other. Prizes awarded.
To enter contest, fill out an on-line form. The contest will take place at The Appalachian Center for the Arts on April 18th at 6:00 p.m.
Beard & Mustache Growing Contest - Men compete for the longest beard, most stylish, thickest, and best presentation. Prizes awarded.
To enter contest, fill out an on-line entry form. The contest will take place at The Appalachian Center for the Arts on April 19th at 6:00 p.m.
Micro Wrestling Federation - Come see the stars of the new Discovery Channel show Big Little Brawlers at The Appalachian Wireless Arena. Friday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Struggle Jennings - Struggle Jennings with special guest LAKEVIEW Music @ The Appalachian Wireless Arena on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
2024 Hillbilly Days Run for the Kids 5K/10K/Half Marathon - Ya’ll can “Run fer the Kids” in a 5K, 10K, or the inaugural HALF MARATHON! This will be the FIRST half marathon for the HBD Run and we are so excited! So, pick your distance and join us in beautiful downtown Pikeville at the Pikeville City Park, while you enjoy Kentucky’s 2nd largest festival, Hillbilly Days.

Pikeville Main Street
Save The Date: Dinner in White

Dinner In White 2023

Get ready for a whimsical night under the stars at Pikeville Main Street Program’s Annual Dinner In White. Dinner in White is the largest fundraiser for the Pikeville Main Street Program, taking place on the downtown streets of Pikeville. Make sure to keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale because they won’t last long!

Featured Photos of the Month

Want your photo featured in our monthly news letter? Post your photo on any social media platform & tag Pikeville Tourism or put #visitpikeville in the caption! Each month we will choose 3 to highlight on Cut-Thru Chronicles!