Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival wraps with Queen Coronation

PINEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – The 93rd annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival (KMLF) hosted its final day in Pineville with a much-anticipated tradition.

The 2024 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen is University of the Cumberlands Whitney Caldwell.

Universities and Colleges throughout the commonwealth sent young women to represent their institutions with the hope they may bring home the flower crown.

“It’s like you’ve got no words but at the same time you’ve got so many things to say,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell is now a part of the KMLF history which includes many women before her who held the title as well.

“The women I’ve met that have been queens are people that I can look up to and I hope I can continue that tradition to be someone that young girls that I’ve met or already know that they can look up to me and just be a good role model for those sort of people,” said Caldwell.

Governor Andy Beshear was unable to attend the coronation or the luncheon but sent the Secretary of Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage there to represent the Governor.

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