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.
Make your home a pleasant “school” when it comes to homework, so everyone gets in on the learning.
