©
2023
Appalachian Triangle. All right reserved.
Food is an important part of Appalachian life and the Appalachian Triangle celebrates it better than anyone else! Check out this menu of food-related celebrations!
The Poke Sallet Festival, Harlan, KY
Poke Sallet is a poisonous plant that grows wild in the mountains. If you boil it once, it can kill you. If you boil it twice, it can kill you. If you boil it three times, it’s a delicious dish often served with boiled egg. For over 65 years, Harlan has celebrated Poke Sallet with a three-day festival in Downtown Harlan during the first weekend of June. The festival includes a carnival, vendors, food trucks, live performances, celebrity appearances, and more! https://www.pokesalletfestival.com/
The World Chicken Festival, London, KY
On the last full weekend in September, London Kentucky hosts the World Chicken Festival. Party like a Colonel as you enjoy carnival rides, games, vendors, and music. Make sure you sample chicken fried in the world’s largest stainless steel skillet. It fries up 120,000 chicken meals for attendees each year. You also stand a really good chance of getting your picture made with Colonel Sanders as look-a-like ambassadors greet visitors throughout the festival. https://chickenfestival.com/
Middlesboro Wing Fling Festival, Middlesboro, KY
Downtown Middlesboro streets are lined with teams each vying for the title of best wings. Their creative sauces, cooking secrets, and team spirit keep spectators coming back each fall. Guests pay a small entry fee which gives them the right to sample wings from all competitors. While winging their way down the street, visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment while they await the crowning of the winners. https://www.downtownmiddlesboro.com/wing-fling
The Kentucky Food Truck Championship, Mount Vernon, KY
Food Trucks from around the US descend on Mount Vernon Kentucky each September to battle it out for prizes and the title of Kentucky Food Truck Champion. Come hungry and order dishes from almost 40 unique trucks. In between meals, you can enjoy live music, shop with vendors, and participate in children’s activities. Last year, over 7,000 people came out to enjoy the food trucks and cheer on the $5,000 winner! https://kentuckyfoodtruckchampionship.com/
ColonelFest, Corbin, KY
Corbin’s most famous resident is something worth celebrating. Long before KFC spread around the world, it all started in Corbin with the Sanders Cafe. In April, Downtown Corbin offers two days of activities and entertainment in honor of the Colonel. Visitors can compete in contests from a fried chicken cookoff to a chicken costume contest. Throw in vendors, games, prizes, and performances and you have a great family-friendly event! https://corbinkytourism.com/
Dog Days of Kentucky, Harlan, KY
Get your buns down to Harlan in September for the Dog Days of Kentucky hot dog competition. Live music and vendors await attendees with teams of hot dog chefs serving up their creative hot dog recipes. Race through town at the Hot Dog Hustle 5K. Adopt a pet at the Harlan County Animal Shelter tent. Devour hot dogs in the hot dog eating contest. Take the stage for the costume contest. You’ll relish your Dog Days of Kentucky memories for years to come.
These celebrations are exclamation points on a vibrant food scene that exists every day throughout the Appalachian Triangle. Whether you’re for a festival or just here for dinner, you’re always welcome at our table.
