Strunk crowned Miss Redbud Trails 2010

 On Saturday, February 20, at Union College in Barbourville, Emily Ann Strunk was chosen as the 2010 Miss Redbud Trails. Emily, a Senior at Whitley County High School, is the 17-year old daughter of Leonard and Deborah Strunk of Williamsburg, Ky. Emily will act as a spokesperson and ambassador for TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY), and the Redbud Trails program. 

The Redbud Trails program was created in 2004 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY 5th Dist.) to encourage and promote tourism in Southern and Eastern Kentucky by showcasing the natural beauty of the area and the local communities. Cities and counties throughout the region celebrate the blooming of the Redbud Trees and the beginning of spring with festivals that feature music, handmade crafts, down-home cooking and homegrown hospitality. In the spirit of conservation, respect for the land and to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, Kentuckians have planted more than 400,000 Redbud Trees along Kentucky Roads including the three National Scenic Byways found in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Schools, non-profit organizations and community leaders have all participated in the redbud seedling giveaways and plantings. 

Chosen from High School Juniors and Seniors from all across Southern and Eastern Kentucky, Strunk will be making frequent appearances across the area promoting tourism as well as encouraging citizens to participate in the PRIDE campaign. Strunk is an honor student and plans to pursue a degree in biology. Strunk is also a Roger’s Scholars graduate and an officer with her school’s UNITE club. 

Union College is a long time sponsor of the Miss Redbud Trails Pageant. Union College offers the Miss Redbud Trails winner a $10,000 scholarship to attend the college. The first runner up receives a $6,000 scholarship and each participant receives a $500 scholarship.

TOUR SEKY will kickoff Redbud Month April 1 with the “Blooming with Good Health” walk. The event is from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Kentucky’s Music Hall of fame, Renfro Valley, Ky. The first 500 participants will receive free gifts including a cookbook and a healthy lunch from Subway.

The 6th Annual Redbud Festival and Quilting Workshop will be held April 9 and 10 on the Union College Campus in Barbourville, Ky. For more information about the Festival visit www.redbudfestky.com.

Numerous other events are planned to promote the Redbud Trails Program throughout April. Strunk will help TOUR SEKY promote these and other events throughout the year. 

TOUR SEKY is an award winning initiative of Congressman Hal Rogers. The organization’s mission is to educate, expand, develop and market the existing and potential tourism industry throughout southern and eastern Kentucky, while contributing to the economic, cultural growth, health and awareness, and overall quality of life of the region. For additional information about TOUR SEKY visit www.tourseky.com, or call 606-677-6093.