71 Reasons to Visit the 71st Annual Poke Sallet Festival

The 71st annual Poke Sallet Festival is right around the corner, and we are so ready to celebrate one of Harlan County’s most beloved traditions. Between carnival rides, local vendors, live music, delicious food, and more, Poke Sallet Festival is full of excitement. There are so many reasons to visit the Poke Sallet Festival, but here are 71 of our favorites:

1. Listen to one of country music’s most recognizable bands by catching LANCO on the main stage!
2. Looking for some nonstop fun and unforgettable memories? Visit the carnival!
3. Get yourself some ice-cold lemonade to cool down from the Harlan County heat!
4. We’re bursting with fun! Buy some delicious Boba, and consider purchasing the bursting tapioca pearls. 
5. Take a seat and listen to incredible music on our main stage by some talented Harlan Countians!
6. Try some Cotton Candy!
7. Do yourself a favor and get some of Uncle Day Day’s Mini Donuts!
8. Grab some delicious hibachi!
9. Grab a bite or quench your thirst at Denton’s Burgers and Sweet Tea
10. The Ready Go Dog Show is traveling the country with fifteen impressive pups, and will be here at the Poke Sallet Festival all weekend long. You won’t want to miss it!
11. Fill your sweet tooth with some classic Deep Fried Oreos!
12. What screams festival more than grabbing a delicious corn dog!
13. Catch the 99 put on a great show on our main stage! 
14. Harlan County is known for its unique Appalachian culture and talented artisans. Support local talent by visiting our Crafters in the Harlan Center.
15. Listen to Deric Jeffers perform on our Gospel Stage!
16. Celebrate your Harlan County heritage by trying some authentic Poke Sallet at Sports Cafe.
17. Reach new heights by jumping on some Party Time Inflatables!
18. Race your way into the Poke Sallet Festival by participating in the Run for the Hills 5k.
19. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival and participate in the Golf Tournament at the Harlan Country Club!
20. Show off your furry friends to all of Harlan County at the Pet Show!
21. Witness royalty at the Miss Harlan County Scholarship Pageant!
22. See Stanley Blevins perform on the Gospel Stage! 
23. See some old and new rides at the Sue Ford Memorial Car Show!
24. Take a trip back in time by listening to Resurrection, a Journey Tribute Band, and catch some of Journey’s greatest hits!
25. Battle with your friends in a game of laser tag
26. Listen to Common Ground play on the Gospel Stage on Saturday, June 6th! Whether you come for the music, the message, or just to be part of something special, this is one you won’t want to miss!
27. Treat yourself to a brand new outfit and accessories from one of our many vendors! 
28. Take a spin around Huff Park on The Rotary Train
29. Listen to some incredible music by the talented Danny Gokey, who is a three-time Grammy nominee and an American Idol finalist!
30. Cheer on some incredible local talent at the Poke Sallet Idol! 
31. Enjoy unlimited fun with a wristband from Casey’s Rides!
32. Show off your patriotism as the Challenge Academy presents the flags.
33. Catch Solace and Sundry live!
34. Grab some coffee at Rayna’s Refreshments!
35. Treat yourself to some Grippo Fries from Suzy Q’s!
36. Walk on down to Moonbow Tipple and get a coffee away from the hustle and bustle.
37. Learn about the history of the Poke Sallet Festival by looking at our exhibit in the top floor of the Harlan Center.
38. While you are in town, snap a pic by some of our murals and post it to Instagram! 
39. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? NACHO CHEESE! Grab some nachos at the festival and make some puns with your friends! 
40. Buy a piece of homemade candy from a local baker to enjoy once you get home.
41. Enjoy the shade inside the Harlan Center with our indoor vendors!
42. Walk on down to Sassy Trash and find an old or new treasure! 
43. Catch a performance by the talented Brooklyn Burkhart!
44. Have some real fun and have some funnel cake!
45. Have a blast by going down the giant slide!
46. Harlan Rocks! Relax in the rocking chairs outside the Harlan Center and cool off if you’ve been on your feet all day!
47. Listen to a moving performance by Jeff and Sheri Easter as they headline our Gospel Stage. 
48. Grab some delicious food and a refreshing drink from Tortilla Junction!
49. Cool off with some ice cream from JJ’s Creamery just down the street!
50. Catch Tim Goshen & the Believers on the Gospel Stage!
51. Head on down to the Harlan County Beer Company and grab a bite to eat!
52. See Harlan from new heights by hopping on the Ferris wheel!
53. Take your kids out to 4-H Fun Day for some fun in the summer sun!
54. Take a spin on the Ali Baba ride!
55. Listen to Lawana Blevins Music on the Gospel Stage! 
56. Want to do your part in keeping Downtown Harlan clean? Pick up your trash and take it to one of our many easily located trash bins!
57. Spin around with a friend on the scrambler!
58. Cool off under Umbrella Alley! 
59. Go to Frosty Flamingo and treat yourself to a fun drink!
60. Dunk on your friends at the 3-point Shootout!
61. Listen to a performance of the traditional Poke Sallet song by Sunshine Preschool students!
62. Cool off with a snowcone!
63. Paddle boat with Party Time Inflatables!
64. Support local businesses by paying a small donation to park in one of our downtown lots!
65. Think you have what it takes to win big? Grab some friends and play some carnival games!
66. Catch the 2024 Poke Sallet Idol winner Ava Sizemore perform!
67. Snap a picture with Petunia the opossum! 
68. Witness your 2026 Miss Harlan County be presented on Thursday!
69. Play for free at the Huff Park Playground.
70. Have a seat with one of the Harlan County Football Booster chair rentals.
71. Watch the three Poke Sallet Idol finalists battle it out on Saturday to become the champion!

If you run out of things to do, come and visit us at our Pop Tent! We have ice-cold drinks and plenty of information to keep you busy!