First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The festival has no shortage of unique, long-standing traditions: passing down the scepter and cape, picking the mountain laurel flowers that make the queens crown the morning of coronation and throwing the escort of the new queen into the reflecting pool. The green cove deep in the heart of Appalachia would be empty, missing the large crowd that gathers annually to see who will be crowned the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen. The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is among Kentuckys oldest festivals, beginning in 1931. . Only twice have events halted Kentuckys second oldest festival WWII and the COVID pandemic. The 90th Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival returns from the coronavirus pandemic. Spalding Among WKU Pageant Finalists, Bardstown Kentucky Standard, Feb. 23, 1987, Amy Spalding Accessibility Statement. With restrictions loosened,all the traditions, and people, returned in full bloom this past weekend in Pineville. I think that is what makes it so special.. Im just so thankful for this and so thankful for the people of Pineville and all their hospitality this weekend.. You have permission to edit this article. Andy Beshear said during a Saturday luncheon at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. There is no admission fee but donations are accepted. The exact plans are not being shared yet because so much can change between now the end of May. This is a special day: Gov. The pageant will begin at 7 p.m. FAQ | By. Each year since 1931, the participating candidates attend the festival, held in Pineville, Ky. While the current global pandemic made it necessary to cancel the festival this year, that doesn't mean we shouldn't take time to recognize what Kristy accomplished in the year 2000. Subscribers may view the full text of this article in its original form through TimesMachine. Were communicating with everyone to let them know what their role will be, if any, as of right now. Mountain Laurel, Baggarly to Represent Western, Park City Daily News, March 6, 1991, Melissa Baggarly Cherry Chosen for Festival, Park City Daily News, May 9, 1993, Eleln Cherry Currently a student at Somerset Community College (SCC), Isaacs is looking forward to the annual festival. We had a tornado alert [Thursday] night, so we were able to make it through that so if we can make it through a tornado alert like on Thursday, the opening of it, its all downhill from here, its fine, said Rebecca Shelby, Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Director. Official KFP Affiliate Preliminary Pageants. The Coronation Pageant has been held at this location ever since. Western Coed Leaves Today for Pineville to Bestow Mountain Laurel Crown on Successor, Park City Daily News, May 26, 1960. Each year, colleges and universities from across the Commonwealth send representatives to the pageant. Intricate marches involving all the candidates and their escorts are rehearsed before the festival. Weekday broadcast of WYMT Mountain News at 5:30. If we can get out of the red and the governor continues to lift restrictions, then we feel like there is a slim chance that we could get back to a normal festival, Roan said. Join Festivalnet.com now to unlock additional details,