Outdoors Appalachia

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Hillbilly Days: A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage in Pikeville, Kentucky

Every April, the streets of Pikeville, Kentucky, come alive with the sounds of banjos, fiddles, and laughter as the town hosts its annual Hillbilly Days festival. This unique event, which began in 1977, is a celebration of Appalachian culture and a fundraiser for the Shriners Children's Hospital.

Hillbilly Days was founded by a group of Shriners who wanted to raise money for their hospital. They decided to host a hillbilly parade, and the event was so popular that it quickly grew into a full-fledged festival. Today, Hillbilly Days attracts over 100,000 people from all over the world.

The festival features a variety of events, including live music, a parade, a carnival, and a variety of contests. There are also plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Appalachian food and drink.

One of the most popular events at Hillbilly Days is the parade. The parade features a variety of floats, many of which are decorated with hillbilly themes. There are also a number of marching bands and other performers in the parade.

Another popular event is the live music. Hillbilly Days features a variety of musical acts, including bluegrass, country, and gospel. There are also a number of dance performances, including clogging and square dancing.

Hillbilly Days is a great opportunity to experience Appalachian culture firsthand. The festival is a celebration of the region's unique heritage, and it's a great way to learn more about the people and traditions of Appalachia.

If you're planning to attend Hillbilly Days, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the festival is very crowded, so be prepared to deal with large crowds. Second, the weather in Pikeville in April can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all types of weather. Finally, be sure to bring your dancing shoes, because you're sure to be doing a lot of dancing!

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Hillbilly Days is a truly unique event that you won't want to miss. It's a celebration of Appalachian culture, a fundraiser for a great cause, and a whole lot of fun.

Here are some additional details about Hillbilly Days:

  • The festival is held annually in April.

  • The festival is free to attend.

  • The festival is a fundraiser for the Shriners Children's Hospital.

  • The festival features live music, a parade, a carnival, and a variety of contests.

  • The festival is a great opportunity to experience Appalachian culture.

If you're interested in learning more about Hillbilly Days, you can visit the festival's website at https://www.hillbillydays.com/.


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