 “Welcome to Whitesburg. Home of 1,534 friendly people and 2 grouches.”
That’s the sign that greeted my best friend, Whitney, and I as we drove into town for brunch this past Saturday while on our annual camping trip in Eastern Kentucky. For me, it perfectly and succinctly captures the charm of small town America. Whit and I have been going to the Pine Mountain Tacky Lawn Ornament and Pink Flamingo Soiree for the better part of 10 years, but this was the weird little festival’s 29th event. (Actually, the T-shirts say 29rd, but that’s a whole other story; one of many inside jokes.) The Soiree, always on the weekend closest to the full moon in August, is nearly indescribable, but I did my best to give a loyalist’s overview last year. You can read that post here. This year, I was glad to have my wingman and travel companion back, and we stayed for three nights instead of two. It was not the worst trip I’ve ever taken to the mountains (there is no worst, actually), but it could’ve been better.
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 On this lovely Monday, I’m recovering from my annual trip to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky for the 28th annual Tacky Lawn Ornament & Pink Flamingo Soiree. I camped, hiked, laughed ‘til I cried, ran around in the pouring rain and got a total of about six hours of sleep in three days.
And I can’t stop smiling about it. The Soiree is a festival of sorts, except it’s not. In fact, it’s impossible to adequately explain its appeal to those who have never been to that area of Pine Mountain in Whitesburg, Ky., for this particular weekend event. It’s an invitation-only shindig, and admission is $25 and a tacky lawn ornament. Another $10 will get you the event’s T-shirt, which is quite possibly the best souvenir EVER. This year’s Soiree was unique for me for a couple of reasons. One, I made the trek without my usual camping buddy for the first time — my wingman, my BFF, Whitney. And two, this is the first year in which my one and only vice was caffeinated iced tea. |
About Amy HiggsA former newspaper columnist, Amy takes her random, slice-of-life stories to the web. After 12 years, she's still just saying. Archives
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