Episode 40: Apple Valley Hillbilly Gardens & Toyland

This episode is best viewed on YouTube on S.B. Pearce's channel. Find it in the Strange Bluegrass Playlist.

Join S.B. Pearce as she attends the 2nd annual Battletown Witch Festival in Brandenburg, Kentucky. Hear the tragic story of Leah Smock, a gifted young lady accused of witchcraft. Ultimately, her life ended at the tender age of 21, and she bears the title of being the last witch burned in the United States. The festival was created to celebrate her life and to mourn her untimely, and grisly death. 

You'll meet Lady V, High Priestess of Louisville, watch the Sisters of the Dancing Moon perform the German witch dance called Wolfshager Hexenbrut, see the adult costume contest, and listen to Kay Hamilton, descendent of Leah and Kentucky author who wrote the definitive book on her ancestor, Burned As A Witch: The Legend of Leah Smock. You can also browse the wares of many fine local artists, many of which cater to a particular pagan path. 

Join S.B as she speaks with Annie Hamilton Emond with the Meade County Tourism Bureau about their unique festival in Brandenburg, KY. The festival celebrates the unique life and tragic death of Leah Smock, the last witch burned in the United States. 

Join S.B. Pearce as Kyle Kadel gives a spectacular tour of the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center in Somerset, Kentucky. Thousands of items from Cryptids to haunted objects come together to create a unique experience for visitors.

S.B. is stunned to learn that one of the Godfathers of Horror film was a Kentucky Native. Join her as she explores Tod Browning's incredible life and career. 

Join S.B. Pearce as she explores the history of book banning in the Bluegrass State and the challenges facing our Public Library system due to the passing of SB 167.

S.B. Pearce just learned that the state gemstone is the fresh water pearl...or is it? Join her as she discovers something really odd about a few of our state's strange official designations. 

I love a good pun. I also groan but giggle at corny dad jokes. Join me at the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland in Calvert City, Kentucky where I received the coolest tour ever by the super talented proprietor, Keith Holt. Additional images and video footage will be posted to the Strange Bluegrass social media pages.

Listen to Kurt Gohde share his phenomenal art collaboration with Kremena Todorova. 

We've all heard the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" and the song "It's Raining Men"is an iconic dance classic. Water spouts can make it rain fish and there was once a blood rain in Tennessee. Have you ever heard of the time it rained meat in Kentucky? Join S.B. Pearce as she interviews Kurt Gohde, the Kentucky Meat Rain Expert. I don't think these folks were stepping on a poodle.

Kentucky has always made significant contributions to the world that progress humanity or community, we just aren't always given credit where credit is due. However, a few notable scientists were certainly credited with the highest honor possibe in the world. Join S.B. Pearce as she explores Kentucky Nobel Laureates.