As we all look forward to the 69th Annual Poke Sallet Festival in Downtown Harlan from May 30th through June 1, we thought we’d get everyone in the Poke Sallet Spirit while also celebrating National Scavenger Hunt Day.
How to Participate: Take photos completing the tasks on the list and post them publicly to your Facebook page using the hashtag #PICkingPoke. You do not have to complete every challenge however each photo you post gives you one more chance at winning the cash prize of $250. We’ll announce the winner on Tuesday May 28th. All photos should be taken in a respectful and legal manner. Any that aren’t will be disqualified from consideration. Your photo may be used in the promotion of the Poke Sallet Festival or local tourism efforts.
The Hunt:
- 1. The Poke Sallet Festival got its start in the mid-fifties at the Cranks Creek Lake. Snap your selfie at the lake.
- 2. Poke Sallet grows wild all through the mountains of Harlan County. Photograph some Poke Sallet in its natural habitat.
- 3. The Run For the Hills 5K, Car Show, and Pet Show are all hosted at a government building near the festival grounds. Get a picture on the lawn where these events are headquartered.
- 4. Each year, we look forward to welcoming some of our favorite Wildcats to the festival. Get in the team spirit by showing us your best Big Blue gear in front of the 2nd Street Harlan mural!
- 5. The largest Poke Sallet plant in Harlan County is 3 stories high and feeds an equally large opossum. Get a picture in front of this record breaking weed.
- 6. Visitors to this year’s festival will be thrilled with circus acts from the Kent Family Circus. Show us your best circus trick in downtown Harlan where the festival currently takes place!
- 7. This Downtown Harlan cafe is famous for serving up authentic Poke Sallet meals during the festival. Take a picture in front of the restaurant.
- 8. We can’t wait to see CRUSH: Bon Jovi Tribute Band hit the stage on Friday evening at the Poke Sallet Festival. Bon Jovi had a big hit in 2005 with “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”. Take a photo at a place in Harlan County that makes you feel like you are home!
- 9. This year’s country music night will be headlined by Kimberly Perry. We bet you’d look great in a cowboy hat in an iconic Harlan County location! Show it off by posting to Facebook with our scavenger hunt hashtag!
- 10. The 3 Point Shoot Out is a festival favorite. Show us a warm up shot of you playing ball at a local park.
- 11. Poke Idol is all about putting regular people on stage to help make their dreams come true. Take the stage somewhere in Harlan County for a picture.
- 12. Rebecca St. James will be performing as this year’s contemporary Christian headliner. Take a picture of a beautiful spot in Harlan County that you feel best shows God’s handiwork.
- 13. The Miss Harlan County Scholarship Pageant will be awarding scholarships to some deserving local seniors. Show your school pride by getting a picture in front of a school you attended.
- 14. During the festival, you’ll see the train making rounds with happy passengers. Take a photo in front of one of Harlan County’s former train depots.
- 15. This building serves as the site for local crafters to set up during the festival to sell their creations. Take a photo outside of the building.
