From WYMT -
Officials with the 2020 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival announced that the event is canceled due to COVID-19.
“The health and safety of you, your families and the visitors to our community are first and foremost in our minds,” said Neal Bennett who is the board of director’s president.
They said this came after several meetings and their choice to comply with state and federal government recommendations. This also comes as Kentucky state parks have closed their dining rooms and in Pineville, The Cove at Pine Mountain State Park, through the month of May, and many vendors, entertainment acts, and colleges are unavailable to serve or perform.
Local Chairperson Colby Slusher said in a statement that “this was one of the hardest announcements he’s ever had to make.” “The festival is a staple to the Pineville community and important to everyone in Bell County and across our great Commonwealth. With students out of school, businesses closed, and business as usual at a standstill the local Advisory Board voted unanimously to cancel this year’s festival.”
Slusher further stated “ I am confident that we as Kentuckians will persevere and get through these uncertain times, but unfortunately we don’t know when that time will come”. “May thoughts and prayers be with all those during this time of uncertainty. We hope to see each of you next year happy and healthy at the 2021 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.”
General inquiries and/or questions can be directed to the Kentucky Mountain Laurel festival office by calling 606-337-6103.