Editing Pineville, Kentucky (section)

==The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival==
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival began in 1931 and has been held annually except for during WWII (1942–1947). Mountain Laurel is a shrub with large clusters of small pale pink flowers that grows wild in the mountains of Appalachia. The Mountain Laurel Festival is deeply rooted in southern tradition, mountain heritage and held dear to all natives of Pineville. The 85th Festival was held during May 20–24, 2015.

The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival includes a Concert, carnival, Appalachian crafts, local talent, a Gala Parade and a beauty pageant. Senior girls from local High Schools compete for the title of the Mountain Laurel Princess. Queen Candidates, young women chosen to represent their respective Universities in Kentucky are welcomed into the homes of Pineville citizens in the truest form of Southern Hospitality. Throughout the weekend, the women are judged secretly based on the standards of a Southern Lady.

On Saturday after the Parade, a Coronation begins in the Laurel Cove, a natural amphitheater in the Pine Mountain State Park. Each Queen candidate must curtsy before the Governor as the audience dressed in their absolute best, many wearing hats normally reserved for the Kentucky Derby claps and 'ahhs' at the magnificent dresses. Then with a precession of the miniature and high school Courts, the Queen is named. She is then crowned by the Governor of Kentucky with a tiara made of live, delicate, pink Mountain Laurels. That night a 'Grand March' occurs in true southern fashion, the Queens and their escorts elegantly dance together after recognizing their new Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen.<ref name="kmlf.org"/>