This Hillbilly Days article is from 2013’s event. For Hillbilly Days 2016 information, click here.
Pike County Tourism CVB received a certificate Thursday recognizing Hillbilly Days as one of Kentucky’s top 10 festivals by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA).
Pike County Tourism CVB’s Office Manager, Lenna Goff, worked tirelessly to insure that Kentucky’s second largest festival received the nomination. Hillbilly Days draws more than 100,000 visitors into Pike County each year with its unique blend of live music, food, carnival, entertainment, crafts, and hillbilly antics. This “festival with a heart” raises thousands of dollars each year for the Shriners Hospital for Children, located in Lexington, Kentucky. Shriners Hospital serves children from around the region who are disabled or have been severely burned, providing healthcare in an atmosphere that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. Hospitals can often be intimidating for young children. Shriners Hosptial’s facilities utilize colorful layouts and cartoon characters that make for a more welcoming environment for children.
Click here to visit the Hillbilly Days website.
Hillbilly Christmas in July
Jimmy Kinney, son of Hillbilly Days co-founder “Shady” Grady Kinney, believes in the festivals importance to the local and surrounding area. Kinney says, “Hillbilly Days is one of the greatest things to have ever happened to Eastern Kentucky. It’s like a homecoming for a lot of people. They come from all over the United States to meet up with their old buddies, have a lot of laughs, and raise money for a great cause. It’s a win-win for Eastern Kentucky.” Jimmy Kinney also works with Hillbilly Christmas in July, Inc., which is a non-profit organization that also raises money for the Shriners Hospital. Hillbilly Christmas in July pursues other charitable projects as well, such as gathering toys for disadvantaged children and raising money to establish a Universal Access Playground in Pikeville, Kentucky.
Click here to visit the Hillbilly Christmas in July website.
