THE BALLOON MAN

Howdy y’all! Hillbilly Days returns

 

File photo Hillbilly Days attracts a large number of people from all over each year, with estimates reaching 100,000.
CHAD ABSHIRE
Staff Writer
from: williamsondailynews.com
Pikeville, KY--Keep the overalls, hats and rifles in an easy-to-reach location, Hillbilly Days has returned.
The festivities, vendors, rides, zany characters and more is in town for the rest of the week for families from all over to enjoy, stemming from the craziness of Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, Ky. There is bound to be something for everyone, with hundreds of choices in recreation: food and craft booths, a carnival, music throughout the town and more.
Hillbilly Days offers loads of fun for all participants, but there is true meaning behind the event. According to the event’s website, for 36 years, Shriners have faithfully traveled all over the United States and Canada to help crippled children.
“So, when you come upon Shriners all decked out in Hillbilly garb or driving one of those modified Hillbilly limousines, remember the children whose lives are being enhanced,” the website stated.
The event is attended by approximately 100,000 people.
And each year, Hillbilly Days improves in a variety of ways, as Shriners, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Pike County Government, City of Pikeville and local volunteers transform downtown Pikeville into one of the most unique festivals in the world.
It all kicks off today at 6 p.m. with the carnival at the Riverfill, which will cost $20 for an armband or $1 per ticket, with rides costing between two and five tickets. The fun takes a break at 11 p.m, but it quickly picks back up at 10 a.m. the next day. The carnival will be open from that time until 11:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and until midnight on Saturday.
Throughout the park and along the streets, arts, crafts and food will be available from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday and until 8 p.m. Saturday.
The quilt show will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, at the Pike County Extension Office, 148 Trivette Dr.
And that’s just the start of it. For a full list of events, visit hillbillydays.com. For more information, contact the Pike County Tourism CVB at 606-432-5063 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            606-432-5063      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.