Beech Tree News Network

Funnel cakes, farm animals, and fun...get ready for the Kentucky State Fair

It is fair season throughout our commonwealth, including right here in our district with the Butler County Fair in June and the Muhlenberg County Fair last week. I had the honor of speaking at the Muhlenberg County Farm Bureau meeting on Saturday and enjoyed my time checking out the booths and activities. County fairs bring our community together and allow us to see people, learn from each other, and enjoy what our region has to offer. Across Kentucky people come together to eat great food, showcase Kentucky Proud livestock, and celebrate our Commonwealth in many ways. County fairs are just the beginning of the fun in Kentucky, as our historic Kentucky State Fair brings an exciting end to summer in the state.

The Kentucky State Fair is an annual event that draws thousands of visitors from all over the state and region, with some even traveling from across the nation. Spanning 11 days, this year’s state fair will take place from August 17-27. The fair is a celebration of Kentucky's rich cultural heritage, agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. With a wide range of attractions, exhibits, shows, and competitions, the Kentucky State Fair offers something for everyone.

One of the main highlights of the fair is its deep-rooted connection to agriculture. Known as the "Agriculture Showcase of the Commonwealth," the fair showcases Kentucky's farming industry with various displays, demonstrations, and competitions. Visitors can witness the beauty of prize-winning livestock, marvel at the bountiful harvests in the produce section, and explore the craftsmanship of local artisans. The fair serves as a platform for farmers to showcase their hard work and dedication, and visitors get a chance to learn about the importance of agriculture in Kentucky's economy.

The Kentucky State Fair is also renowned for its entertainment offerings. From live music performances by popular artists to thrilling amusement rides, there's never a dull moment at the fair. The Main Stage hosts a diverse lineup of musical acts, featuring country, rock, pop, and blues performances and catering to a wide range of musical tastes. The fairgrounds come alive with the sounds of laughter, cheers, and applause as visitors enjoy the rides, play games, and indulge in delicious fair food.

In addition to the entertainment, the Kentucky State Fair offers educational opportunities for attendees of all ages. Various educational exhibits and demonstrations teach visitors about topics such as wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Children can participate in interactive activities, learn about farm animals, and even take part in hands-on experiments. The fair promotes learning and encourages curiosity, making it a great outing for families and school groups.

A major draw of the Kentucky State Fair is without question the food. From classic fair favorites like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and cotton candy to regional specialties like Kentucky fried chicken and bourbon-infused treats, there's something to satisfy every craving. The Kentucky Proud Tent brings together some of our best food vendors and offers everything from farm fresh corn to fried catfish, pork chop sandwiches, and ice cream.

For those interested in competition, the Kentucky State Fair hosts numerous contests and competitions. These include the famous horse show, livestock competitions, talent shows, and cooking contests. Participants showcase their skills and talents, striving for recognition and prizes. These competitions add an element of excitement and friendly rivalry to the fair, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration.

Beyond the entertainment and competitions, the Kentucky State Fair is a gathering place that fosters community spirit. It provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and build connections. It serves as a hub for local businesses, organizations, and community groups to promote their products and services, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

You can make your plans to attend the fair this year, just visit kystatefair.org. Now is a great time to get early bird tickets before the prices increase. You can still purchase tickets for $9 each that cover both entry and parking. A ticket is required for everyone over the age of five. The website also offers advance tickets to the World’s Championship Horse Show at a discounted rate. Also, if you are a thrill seeker, you can still purchase discounted wristbands that allow you an unlimited day of midway rides for $30.

The Kentucky State Fair also includes days honoring special individuals. They include:

Sunday, August 20: Active duty military, veterans and their families can attend the fair for free. A military ID is required and there is a four-ticket limit for free admission. Midway wristbands are discounted 20% for these folks as well.

Monday, August 21: $5 Monday with per person admission and parking only $5.

Tuesday, August 22: Senior Day provides anyone 55 and older to enter the fair for free (parking is not included) and special activities are planned throughout the day.

As always, I can be reached at home anytime or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected]. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky legislature’s home page at legislature.ky.gov.