International B-b-q, Mountain Laurel, Strawberry Festivals, & More

International Bar-B-Q Festival
Owensboro will celebrate its proud heritage of world-famous barbecue at the International Bar-B-Q Festival on May 13-14. Visitors will be enticed by the aromas of sizzling chicken, bubbling burgoo, and roasting mutton. Enjoy a weekend full of food, entertainment, shopping, sports, and special events. Go online to www.bbqfest.com or call (270) 926-1100 for details.

Mountain Laurel Festival
The annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, May 26-29, celebrates spring in the mountains along with the blooming of mountain laurel. Key events include John Michael Montgomery, dances, a fun run, golf tournament, carnival, parade, and the crowning of the Mountain Laurel Queen. Pine Mountain State Resort Park participates as the host site for the Governor’s Luncheon and Queen’s Coronation on Saturday, and the Queen’s Breakfast on Sunday. Go online to www.kmlf.org or call (606) 337-6103 for details.

Celebrate the strawberry
The Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market Third Annual Strawberry Festival in Hodgenville, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., features everyone’s favorite spring fruit. The festival offers great local foods, including homemade strawberry shortcake, a car show, pie eating contest, music, and fun for the whole family. Go online to www.hintonsorchard.com or call (270) 325-3854 for details.

Kentucky Scottish Weekend
Sample some of the customs and traditions of the “auld” country at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend, Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton. Celebrate with bagpipes, bands, highland and country dancing, games, Celtic music, a British car show, Scottish vendors, clans, Border collies, and other activities. Admission at the gate: $15 adults, $14 seniors; $3 children 6-12. No pets allowed. Visit www.kyscottishweekend.org or call Billie Andrews at (513) 574-2969 for details and info about advance ticket prices.

Kentucky Living Event Calendar brought to you by the Kentucky Department of Travel. For a complete listing of destinations, attractions, and events happening in your own back yard or throughout the entire state, visit KentuckyTourism.com.