KY State Fair

The 2012 fair, set for August 16-26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, is an 11-day celebration of the history, heritage and culture of the Bluegrass State. While its roots are in agriculture, America’s largest indoor fair has grown into a multi-faceted trade and public education exposition that uses more than 1.2 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space.

Many of Kentucky’s counties, along with the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and the Department of Parks, have booths where you can learn more about the state’s popular tourist attractions and 51 state parks throughout the commonwealth.

You can get free eye, ear and other health screenings, participate as a juror in a trial proceeding, watch one of the world’s most prestigious horse shows and sample foods from around the state. Last year, more than 30 competitive entry departments brought in more than 50,000 entries. Also, at the 2011 fair, market animals raised by 4-H and FFA members sold for nearly $140,000. Overall, the 11-day event generates approximately $16.5 million in economic impact.

There’s something for everyone at the fair. Just plain people-watching is a popular diversion as farm families attending the livestock competitions and horse shows mix with city dwellers who want to experience the commonwealth’s diversity. Kids love the midway rides, while many seniors gravitate to the arts and crafts displays. The midway will offer extended hours for the first several days of the fair. 

Now in its 108th year, the fair is also a major musical entertainment venue. Fans of several music genres will flock to Freedom Hall during the fair’s Main Stage concert series. Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. will kick off the series on August 16, followed by classic rockers Journey on August 17 and popular country band Rascal Flatts on August 18. Breakout country trio The Band Perry along with rock group NEEDTOBREATHE will perform together on the fair’s final night August 26. Concert tickets are available at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, KFC YUM Center Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.

Each of the 10 nights, free concerts will draw big crowds to the original Cardinal Stadium at the fairgrounds for performances by a wide range of entertainers including Keith Sweat, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Young the Giant and Ronnie Milsap, among others.

At the gates, fair admission costs $10 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. For more information and continued updates on all aspects of the fair, visit the official website at kystatefair.org.