11 Reasons You Won’t Want to Miss the 2015 Kentucky State Fair
By Jenn Shockley|Published August 21, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
The Kentucky State Fair only comes around once a year, and spending a day there is well worth it. The fair is in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center and grounds from August 20th till the 30th. The very first state fair happened in 1816, but did not become an “official” activity until 1902. In its early years, it was hosted at Churchill Downs a few times before being moved to its current 520 acre location.
If you have never been to the Kentucky State Fair, it is time to check it out. Adult admission is $10, senior citizens and children over 5 get in for $6 and kids aged 5 and under get in free. Seniors only pay $1 admission on senior citizen day, which is August 25th.
Here are 11 reasons you won’t want to miss the fair this year:
Local artists from all across the state have works displayed in the Exhibition Center. Art enthusiasts will find paintings, works of clay, handmade jewelry, and quilts, all on display for both judges and those who appreciate art.
Every year farmers around Kentucky bring in the best of their best livestock to be shown off and judged, hoping to bring home a blue ribbon. There are also entertaining horse shows, dog shows, and live stock exhibitions, where the animals are brought out to strut their stuff.
There are a variety of shows every year that will entertain all ages. Some are more targeted at the little ones, like Balloon Masters, Discover the Farm, Steve Trash, and Green Street Magician. Others are more adult oriented, such as the amazing Chinese Acrobats of Hebe, Repercussion, and In The Garden with Cindi Sullivan.
Every year the fair has a couple of "Beer" tents, one of which is usually Budweiser. People can stop in, drink a few somewhat over-priced brews, and listen to live music. Fans of local bands like the Mud Cats can pop in, cool off, and have a ice cold beer or soft drink while jamming to local blues.
This series of KSF concerts are free to fair goers and take place in the Cardinal Stadium. Attendees are seated in chairs on the turf itself while enjoying their favorite bands. This year some of the entertainment will be Slaughter, Great White, Oak Ridge Boys, All That Remains, Casting Crowns, Country Gold Tour, Happy Together Tour and more.
There are games all along the Midway that can be played by all ages. Use water to fill balloons by aiming at a clown head, pop balloons, fish for prizes, throw rings over prices, shoot air guns at targets, and so much more. There is some type of game for everyone along the midway, along with unique stuffed animal prizes.
There are a variety of concerts each year at the fair. For some, tickets must be purchased separately but include admittance to the fair itself. This year some of the entertainment will be Montgomery Gentry, Eric Pasley, John Montgomery, Raelynn, Boys to Men and Cool and the Gang. Tickets are available in advance at Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000.
Everywhere you go at the fair there will be exhibitors, especially inside the exhibition centers. It's a virtual flea market of people promoting products, materials, technology, and agriculture offering lots of free samples. It's also a great place to find things like old timey candies and sugary/salty nuts, hand bags, scarves, and jewelry.
The Midway is where all the roller coasters, spinning rides (like Tilt A Whirl and Disco Dancer), traditional carousals, haunted houses, house of mirrors, antigravity rides, and other insanely fun rides are located. No matter where you are on the Midway, you'll hear laughter, or screams of excitement. Not to mention, when the sun goes down, the entire place lights up with amazing color against the skyline.
This is one of the most popular tents at the fair. Fair goers can enjoy a variety of grilled foods from the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers, AquaCulture Association, Dairy Production, Pork Production, and Corn Growers Association. This area also tends to have meats available like ostrich, goat, bison, and more.
The food at the fair is a big draw in itself. Who can resist corn dogs, Coney dogs, funnel cakes, frozen treats, chicken on a stick, turkey legs, corn on the cob, gyros, chocolate frozen bananas, and fried EVERYTHING. They even have a food court where you can get "regular" food from local restaurant booths/tents, but the fair food is better. Not necessarily healthier, but better.
County Fairs can be a lot of fun, but there’s no comparison to the actual Kentucky State Fair. Between the food, entertainment, rides and all the unique things to see and do, one could spend a few days at the fair and still not experience it all. Fortunately, the activities are listed with show dates and times, so we can all plan ahead and see what we want to see. Personally, I can’t wait to go eat some, (likely unhealthy) fair food and take a look at what is new this year. Are any readers going to the fair? If so, please share your favorite things to do there in the comments.
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