Southeast Kentucky Chamber Presents $76,000 to Shriners
Funds were raised during the 2026 Hillbilly Days Festival. As one of the largest festivals in Kentucky, Hillbilly Days, known as the festival with heart, attracts tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Pikeville each year, generating economic activity for local businesses while supporting a meaningful cause.
For over four decades, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber has served as the festival’s financial agent, working alongside Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 2 to coordinate vendor operations and help ensure the event’s continued success. Over the years, millions of dollars have been raised for Shriners Children’s Hospital, helping provide life-changing medical care for children regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
"Working with the Shriners and organizing Hillbilly Days has been one of the highlights of my time at the Chamber," said Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber and Chairman of the Hillbilly Days Festival Committee. "It really is rewarding to know that the work we do is making a difference in the lives of so many children, and knowing that the children of our region have reliable transportation to the care they need."
Founded by Shriners "Shady" Grady Kinney and Howard "Dirty Ears" Stratton, Hillbilly Days has grown from a small community celebration into the largest festival in Eastern Kentucky and one of the largest festivals in the Commonwealth. The event celebrates Appalachian heritage and hospitality while serving as a major fundraiser for Shriners Children's.
Shriners Children's Lexington provides specialized pediatric care for a variety of orthopedic conditions and other medical needs. Donations generated through Hillbilly Days help fund treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation services, and support programs that improve the lives of children and their families.
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 400 businesses across eight Eastern Kentucky counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber's mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.
To learn more about the Southeast Kentucky Chamber and its programs and events, visit www.sekchamber.com or follow @SEKChamber on social media.
###
Media Contact:
Merisa Ferrell
Director of Programs & Media
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
merisa@sekchamber.com
(606) 432-5504
