The Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville, Kentucky, is an annual celebration rooted in local folklore that attributes weather-predicting abilities to the woolly worm, also known as the banded woolly bear caterpillar. According to tradition, the 13 segments of the woolly worm's body correspond to the 13 weeks of winter; black segments signify harsh, cold weeks, while light brown segments indicate milder conditions.
Key Features of the Festival:
Woolly Worm Races: Attendees can participate in races where woolly worms climb strings, with the winner earning the title of the official weather predictor for the upcoming winter.
Parade: A vibrant parade takes place on Main Street, showcasing local bands, floats, and community groups.
Live Entertainment: Multiple stages feature continuous performances, including live bluegrass music and other entertainment acts.
Vendor Booths: Main Street is lined with vendors offering a variety of food, artisan crafts, local authors' works, and jewelry.
Pet Show: Organized by the Lee County 4-H, this event includes categories such as Cutest Cat/Kitten, Prettiest Puppy, and Best Costume.
Car Show: A display of classic and modern vehicles is featured, typically on the festival's closing day.
The festival is traditionally held on the third weekend after the first Monday of October, with Main Street closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities. It draws a significant number of visitors, sometimes as many as 110,000, offering a blend of cultural heritage, community spirit, and family-friendly activities.
