Pikeville, Kentucky is the home of one of the most energetic and lively festivals that I've witnessed in the entire life of traveling. Named Hillbilly Days, after the stereotypical trademark given to us southerners, grew to an outstanding organization to raise money for the Shriners Hospital. Speaking of which, the festival will be opening Thursday, April 17th and continuing through Saturday, April 19th; with the conclusion being a large parade composed of "hick-maxed" vehicles and other entertainment. I'm sure it'll be a blast!
This city is also the home of the famous cut-through project, which happens to be the second largest earth movement aside from the Panama Canal in the world. This also happens to be how Pikeville got it's motto "City that moves mountains." Granted, there are alot of mountains to move, as this city is nestled within the heart of the Appalachian mountains.
Being slightly closed and isolated by those mountains is, in my opinion, why most individuals never travel outside of the comfort zone that the mountains provide. In turn, changes that would occur in large cities, such as job and technological advancements, would take years to happen here. I remember back when the internet was first inroduced. My family didn't even recieve our first computer until my eight grade year. Even then, we couldn't get internet at home until I had graduated high school.
However, being in a small, isolated community also has it's advantages. It doesn't take long for people to get to know you and a sense of trust is built up rather quickly. Nevertheless, it doesn't take long for individuals to spread rumors; even if they're true or not. We've all been the victim of that atleast once in our lives, right? Advancing in jobs is also hard, as you have to know someone that has worked years in the company to get any decent position if you're hired. This is possibly why there is a lack in decent employment and unemployment rates are high.
The mountains, plants, and animals are all very beautiful, especially in the spring. When the blossoms bloom on Pikeville College's campus, the entire atmosphere seems so much more lively and colorful; which can make any bad day seem that much better. The weather is also another matter, as Pikeville has a diverse selection during the winter and spring months. At any given day, there can be a five to twenty degree shift in temperature, along with sun to snow shift in precipitation. The summers are usually hot and dry, while the fall months are windy and mild.
Now, picture time.

Fishtrap Lake. This is a popular fishing area just ten minutes away from Pikeville.

Downtown Pikville.
** I'll post more images soon!