The 2nd oldest festival in Kentucky. Beautiful Mtn Laurel flowers blooming at the Pine Mtn State Park's Laurel Cove, while Kentucky's colleges/universities send representatives to vie for the title of The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen. The Gov. crowns and kisses the lucky young Queen. There are activities throughout the entire weekend. A gala parade marches through the small town of Pineville and local artist sell their crafts on the courthouse square. The festival began in 1931. It starts on the Thursday before Memorial Day and last until that Sunday.