With summer coming to a close, many Kentuckians flock to the annual state fair for food
and fun, though not many know of its 123-year long history. The fair began in 1902,
organized by Colonel Lewis Sanders in Fayette County and hosted at Louisville’s very own
Churchill Downs. Over 75,000 participants attended the six-day fair. One of the events held
at the fair were the ostrich races where men rode in small carriages pulled along by
ostriches. This wacky event is no longer in practice, but its memory holds up as an
infamous fair antic.
The fair’s location changed a few times before settling in Louisville’s West End at the
Kentucky State Fairgrounds in 1908. Early on, the fair was dubbed “a miniature world’s fair”.
Locals know the fair for its wild rides and tasty, strange fried delicacies such as deep-fried
Oreos, pineapple whip, and doughnut burgers. The choices are endless: stalls and carts
each hosting a unique treat line the fairgrounds.
Inside the Kentucky Exposition Center, one can find rooms full of handmade items ranging
from hand-sewn quilts to paintings to baked goods. A board of judges chooses the winners
of each category, awarding them with ribbons of different colors. The center sections host
the heart of the Kentucky fair: pens of prized animals and produce entered in competition,
stemming from Kentucky’s deep agricultural roots.
With so much competition among skilled Kentuckians, there have been some major
records set in fair history such as a 1074.5-pound pumpkin and a whopping 296.5-pound
watermelon. Farmers work year-round on their livestock, plants, and tools all to be
displayed when August comes around.
Among the shining carnival games, fair visitors can find a multitude of rides and activities.
This year the fair will host over 50 rides such as The Samurai, The Astro Ferris Wheel, and
Cyborg.
The fair has garnered quite the reputation over the years. Many famous musical artists,
influencers, and other celebrities have graced the floors of the Expo Center throughout the
decades. Most notably, The Jackson 5, Blue Öyster Cult, and The Oak Ridge Boys have all
performed for fair crowds. Today the fair continues to attract artists of all genres.
To accommodate a multitude of guests the Kentucky state fair stays open from 7am to
10pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday. Did you join in on the excitement this year?