The Times-Tribune
CORBIN —
By Carl Keith Greene / Staff Writer
In a tradition lasting three-quarters of a century, the Laurel County Homecoming will open on Aug. 19 this year.
With a parade, entertainment, pageants for kids from birth to 22, music, a 5K run, a baking contest, pet show, a banquet, a ball and lots of other activities including presentation of awards of recognition, this year’s version looks like a winner.
The Homecoming is said to be the oldest continuous event of its kind in Kentucky.
It began after Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park opened in 1935.
Until recently, it was traditionally held on the “Weekend of the Full Moon in August,” with the moon providing light for the event.
On one occasion, because of the moon’s cycle, the Homecoming was held the first weekend in September.
But with the modern world becoming busier and busier, a standing date of the third weekend in August was chosen.
This year’s schedule begins with the annual baby/children pageant Monday in the park at 7 p.m. It is for kids from birth to 13. For information, contact Tiffany Westerfield at 260-2509.
The weekend portion of the event kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. with entertainment in the park from the Gusto Theatre Company.
That’s followed by the Choirs and Praise Teams Festival at 7:30, both in the Russell Dyche Amphitheatre.
Friday, downtown, will feature the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a chance to meet and greet the pageant contestants beginning at 5 p.m. The location is yet to be determined.
At the park, a jewelry show to raise money for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans parade scheduled for fall will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday.
At 7 p.m., the Coca-Cola Talent Classic will begin in the amphitheatre and at 9 p.m., a street dance will be hosted. For information, contact Amanda Heuser at 682-0434.
Saturday will see a custom car show all day in the heart of the park at the brick shelterhouse and Bluegrass music will fill the park during the day.
That morning at 7:30 a.m., a 5K Fun Run will happen. A pet show begins at 10 a.m. Information is available from Penny Thorpe at 682-3480.
At 11 a.m., a Pride of the County event featuring Laurel County communities will be at the older shelterhouse above the amphitheatre. For information about displaying your community, contact Judy Krahenbuhl at 878-6900.
At that same time above the amphitheatre, a corn hole tournament will be held, and at noon the Laurel County Fittest Kid will be determined.
Saturday night, the events at the big tent above the amphitheatre begin at 5 p.m. with a baking contest. The Laurel County Heritage Foundation Ball with banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include a presentation of awards by the Homecoming committee as well as a Historian of the Year award from the 185th Laurel County Anniversary Committee.
At 7 p.m., the London Jazz Orchestra will perform.
In the amphitheatre at 8 p.m., the Miss Teen and Miss Laurel County pageants will begin.
On Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. is the annual gospel singing on the hill behind the amphitheatre.
Throughout Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., members of the Laurel County Historical Society will be available in the group camp clubhouse for assistance for those with historical questions, copies of historical family documents and other items, as well as historical photographs. Sunday it will close at 5 p.m.
