The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival

It has been said that when things “go off without a bang”, that’s a good thing. Well I must say that’s not true especially when it comes to the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. The bang was exactly what was missing! It has also been said that you never know what you had until it’s gone and that statement can be true too. I am someone who has written a lot about people that I am thankful for and I’ve written a lot about individuals and organizations that have made a real difference in my life and others.
On Saturday morning of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival I was listening for one particular sound at 10:00 am. It was the sound of the firing of the cannon to proclaim the historic start of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. Certainly the parade got “off without a bang”, but it was missed. I have thanked the members of the Pineville Lions Club for their efforts in years past but now I must make my personal appreciation public and in prayer that next year that tradition will return. With Brother Earl Hurst and Richard Peace having been the main leaders of this experience for all those attending the parade for more years then I can recall their absence was felt. Appreciation for volunteers more often then not goes without public recognition but that shouldn’t be the average course of response. Acknowledging the work of the Pineville Lions Club and their efforts in cooperation with the Lions Club International should cause all of us to see them at work and to hear their work too. One aspect of the work of the Lions Club through their members is their efforts in making a difference in the local community. Small clubs can have big impacts and their consistent work throughout the years has accomplished that here in Bell County and Pineville.
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as an organization has many volunteers too. Volunteers who served in organizing and directing the parade, volunteers who handed out programs, greeted guest, or worked in an office putting together packets or making sure chairs were out for concerts and events. Volunteers who put up banners, made phone calls, or worked to secure housing for the escorts and queen participants. All these plus hundreds more that we may never see their name in print yet, volunteer to do a task or complete an assignment for the enjoyment of others. To all of you who volunteer let me be one that says thanks and allow this thanks and that of others to be an echoing applause you remember.
The firing of one single cannon may seem like a minor event, but that one element added with other single events make for a great program we love called the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.
In review of history it is easy to see the success of Biblical wisdom. One lays a foundation so another person can build upon that foundation. Understanding the missing bang of the Pineville Lions Club cannon also provides for a good understanding of a Biblical view of His return as Savior and Lord. The scripture says in the twinkling of an eye—change. In a single moment He will return to claim His bride. The best position to be in would be one that sees the change before it’s called to our attention after the fact.

Until then