42nd Annual Hilbilly Days Festival
April 18, 2018
The 42nd Annual Hillbilly Days Festival was held from April 19th-21st. With the weather’s cooperation, no rain this year, the festival drew more than 100,000 people to downtown Pikeville. The festival strives to create a fun experience for attendees while raising money for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington. Shriners Hospital provides medical services to children regardless of family income or health insurance. Hillbilly Days has raised over $2 million dollars since 1977.
This year we had several popular areas including the Tim Short Craft Bazaar, the Marathon Petroleum Family Fun Zone, the Appalachian Wireless Fireworks Show, the EQT sponsored Timber Show, and the Big Rock Amusements Carnival. Food and Clothing vendors lined Hambley, Huffman, Main and College Streets.
There was no shortage of music throughout the event. Bands and singers were able to showcase their talent at any of the three stages: the City Park, the Billy Johnson Stage, and the Courthouse Stage. Bank 253 also provided evenings of entertainment. The main musical event was the Hillbilly Days concert at the East Kentucky Expo Center. Brantley Gilbert’s The Ones That Like Me Tour was packed and featured special guests Aaron Lewis and Josh Philips.
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is very grateful to all those who attended the festival and for those who worked hard to ensure this year’s success: City of Pikeville, UMG, Faith Electrical, the sponsors, and the volunteers.
This year we had several popular areas including the Tim Short Craft Bazaar, the Marathon Petroleum Family Fun Zone, the Appalachian Wireless Fireworks Show, the EQT sponsored Timber Show, and the Big Rock Amusements Carnival. Food and Clothing vendors lined Hambley, Huffman, Main and College Streets.
There was no shortage of music throughout the event. Bands and singers were able to showcase their talent at any of the three stages: the City Park, the Billy Johnson Stage, and the Courthouse Stage. Bank 253 also provided evenings of entertainment. The main musical event was the Hillbilly Days concert at the East Kentucky Expo Center. Brantley Gilbert’s The Ones That Like Me Tour was packed and featured special guests Aaron Lewis and Josh Philips.
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is very grateful to all those who attended the festival and for those who worked hard to ensure this year’s success: City of Pikeville, UMG, Faith Electrical, the sponsors, and the volunteers.
