The local Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Advisory Board has selected the people who will lead the 88th annual festival. Jacob Roan was named general chairman, and his nomination of Becky Combs Collett to serve as co-chairman was unanimously approved at an advisory board meeting.

Roan served as 2017 co-chairman and has served as chairman of multiple KMLF committees. Roan received the 2013 KMLF Outstanding Service Award due to his work in the festival. He is currently the executive director of Main Street Pineville and special projects coordinator for the city of Pineville.

Collett is no stranger to the KMLF either, as she has served on several committees and as chairman of the Princess committee. Over the 88-year history of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, the 2018 chair/co-chair is the youngest duo to date.

Roan and Collett each come from families who have left their imprint all over the festival as each have parents and grandparents who have served as general chairman. In looking forward to the 2018 KMLF, Roan said, “I could not be more excited to have Becky as the co-chairman. She brings a ton of experience to the table and I have every bit of faith in her.”

Roan added that the 88th KMLF is shaping up to be a success.

“We have most all of our committee chairmen in place. We tried very hard to include as many people as possible and you will be seeing many new faces. All of the traditional events will stay the same and we look to add some new events as well.”

The KMLF Opening Concert has been booked and that information will be released on Jan. 13 at The Gala by Main Street Pineville. Information regarding registration for all events and tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 88th annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival will be held May 24-27.