Author: Cassi

Dear  Fairgoers, This week we got the exciting news that the show will go on for the 2020 Kentucky State Fair. It will most certainly look different, but the best 11-days of summer will be back August 20-30.  If there’s one thing we know about Kentuckians, it’s that they’re creative, adaptable and wonderful people. That’s what the Kentucky State Fair is all about – celebrating #TeamKentucky and bringing our community together. Our contests will be pared down (Please keep working on your projects! We want to see them next year!) and the overall spirit of the Fair lives on through agriculture, family, music, food and fun.  Whether it’s cheering for the talented 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitor or eating too much deep-fried food, the Kentucky State Fair will have plenty for you and your family to enjoy. We’ve been planning for months for a new Fair experience prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, staff and exhibitors. We know you have a lot of questions about this year’s Fair.  For more information about what’s different, visit http://kystatefair.org/covid-19-plan/ .   […]

Read More… from See You in August at the Kentucky State Fair!

Colton and Cade Huffman of Center, Kentucky have been showing registered Guernsey & Milking Shorthorn dairy cattle since they were nine years old. Cade is a Metcalfe County 4-H member and Colton is a 4-H & FFA member in Metcalfe County. Their 4-H & FFA dairy projects are a year-long project.  They start by raising bottle calves and feed their heifers twice a day.  In the early spring they start walking, washing, clipping and grooming their show calves to get them ready for the show season.  They also milk their cows twice a day.  Cade states “We are blessed to grow up on a dairy farm and we love showing our cows”. Colton states “We dedicate a lot of hours each year into our 4-H and FFA livestock projects but one of our highlights is getting to show at the Kentucky State Fair and the North American International Livestock Show.” […]

Read More… from Colton and Cade Huffman – Dairy Showmen

The Kentucky State Fair celebrated another successful year, bringing together Kentuckians from all 120 counties to enjoy 11-days of concerts, agriculture, animals, education and more. “The Kentucky State Fair highlights the best the bluegrass state has to offer and we’re proud to be where Kentucky comes together. This year all 120 counties were represented, with Fairgoers purchasing tickets from Fulton to Pike County,” said David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. The total number of fairgoers in 2019 was 589,170 during the Fair’s 11-day run. The lower attendance numbers can be attributed to numerous factors including extremely hot weather, not recording Kentucky Kingdom visitors and the new minor attendance policy. Revenue increased this year over the previous year. Championship Drive The 2nd Annual Championship Drive at the Kentucky State Fair awarded $92,000 to youth livestock exhibitors from across Kentucky. Champions received 60 percent of the purchase price, 30 percent was distributed to respective class winners, and 10 percent was divided equally among Kentucky 4-H and FFA. Concerts Eleven days of music and more than 26 bands were all included with admission. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series was the highlight for many guests. A variety of musical genres were represented including country, oldies, rock, and Christian. Nearly 100,000 people attended the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series during the Fair with a record-breaking 11,000 visitors alone for Lauren Daigle. Agriculture Heritage For the first time in Kentucky State Fair history, a hemp company was named the presenting sponsor of the Fair. The partnership with GenCanna highlights the emerging hemp industry in Kentucky and also endorsed the Kentucky State Fair as a premiere agriculture event. AgLand returned with a new programming stage to compliment it’s nearly two acres of interactive and educational exhibits related to Kentucky agriculture. Educational Opportunities The Kentucky State Fair is more than just a celebration, it’s the largest classroom in Kentucky. From the educational agriculture exhibits in AgLand to the Kentucky Remembers WWII exhibit, thousands of students from across the state took educational trips to the Fair. This year the Kentucky State Fair offered a free field trip experience for school groups and school attendance skyrocketed by 72% with nearly 13,000 students and chaperones visiting the Fair. World’s Championship Horse Show Held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, the World’s Championship Horse Show is recognized as the most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world. A new Hunter Country Pleasure division was added this year, bringing additional competitors and prizes to the esteemed event. Two thousand horses competed for Grand Champion titles and over $1 million in prizes. The 116th Kentucky State Fair will take place August 20-30, 2020. […]

Read More… from Kentucky State Fair Celebrates the Best of the Bluegrass

For generations, participating in the many contests and competitions at the Kentucky State Fair has been an incredibly anticipated tradition for families. Every year, exciting new faces are eager to show their livestock, plants, etc. and the Kiser Family is no exception. Traveling from Morning View, Kentucky, the Kiser Family has been competing at the Kentucky State Fair for a little over five years. Their preparations start in October when the Kiser sisters, Cheyenne and Lindy, select their calves to compete. After that, it’s a nearly yearlong journey full of training, health maintenance, nutrition, feeding, competing at local shows and daily washing. Influenced by their father who grew up showing cattle and lambs, Cheyenne and Lindy Kiser have been showing off their livestock, baking and crafts since they were old enough to hold onto a cow. Despite both sisters winning many ribbons and placings in these contests, the competition at the Fair seems to get stronger every year. Instead of a heated family rivalry, the Kiser sisters encourage each other year round and work together as a team.    Both Kiser sisters have gained a ton of life skills, lifelong friends and mentors because of the Kentucky State Fair. Organization, communication and respect are among some of the many important things they have learned during the competitions they’ve entered at the Fair. With several friends and family members traveling to support them, these contests are like a home away from home for the Kiser family.  Cheyenne and Lindy’s mother, Brandi Kiser, said: “We have been attending the State Fair for many years, as most show families know it is our summer vacation.  Cheyenne and Lindy truly look forward to the State Fair week every year, mostly to rekindle friendships they have made, walk through the vendor section, eat their favorite fair foods and of course show their livestock!”  As if the Fair wasn’t enough of a reason to rejoice, Cheyenne’s birthday falls on the same week as the Fair! Celebrations with the Kiser family are in abundance during this great week. The 2019 beef cattle show is August 21-25. The Kentucky State Fair runs August 15-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville Kentucky.  […]

Read More… from Sisters Are Both Competitors and Teammates at the Kentucky State Fair

The Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series and AgLand were just two exciting highlights of the 114th Kentucky State Fair. “The Kentucky State Fair is a proud tradition for many individuals and families across the Commonwealth,” said David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “My first Fair leading Kentucky Venues was a special experience and I enjoyed speaking with guests from all over about their own Fair experiences and memories.” “We want to preserve the Fair’s heritage, while also introducing innovative events, unique foods, and popular entertainment to enhance the experience for fairgoers,” said Beck. The total number of fairgoers in 2018 was 614,470 during the Fair’s 11-day run, which is the second best year of attendance since 2009. That figure does not include children under five who can attend the Fair for free. The new free concert series, respectable weather, special discounts, unique exhibits and new experiences were strong incentives for guests to visit the Kentucky State Fair in 2018. Concerts Eleven days of music. Over 25 bands. All free. The Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series was the highlight for many guests. A variety of musical genres were represented including country, R&B, oldies, rock, and Christian. Nearly 100,000 people attended the new free concert series during the Fair. New Experiences AgLand provided nearly two acres of interactive and educational opportunities related to Kentucky’s agriculture. Guests could experience agriculture firsthand from when the seed hits the soil to when dinner is served on the table. Bluegrass Village offered unique opportunities for individuals and families to have fun prior to the free concert each night of the Fair. Options included cornhole, video games, a boxing ring, food trucks, a live DJ, as well as a bourbon and craft beer tent. State Fair Record The Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast set a record with the $2.8M sale of a Kentucky Proud ham from Broadbent B & B Foods of Kuttawa, Kentucky. Championship Drive The 1st Annual 4-H and FFA Championship Drive held during the Fair awarded $91,000 to students from across Kentucky. Youth exhibitors received 60 percent of the purchase price, 30 percent was distributed to respective class winners, and 10 percent was divided equally among Kentucky 4-H and FFA.  World’s Championship Horse Show Held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, the World’s Championship Horse Show is recognized as the most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world. Two thousand horses competed for Grand Champion titles and over $1 million in prizes. The 115th Kentucky State Fair will take place August 15-25, 2019. […]

Read More… from Continuing Rich Tradition While Introducing New Experiences

  Standing on the green shavings, looking at the growing crowd, Madison Goecke could feel herself shaking. It was the first annual Championship Drive at the Kentucky State fair, which replaced the Sale of Champions, and the competitors didn’t know what to expect. The Bracken County student first began showing goats five years ago after years of showing pigs and cattle. “My dad always told me I was never going to show goats and I would stick with pigs. And after last night I said, hey dad look at me now,” she said, proudly holding up her two banners. Despite her nerves, Goecke won both Grand and Reserve Championship Goat. Even though Goecke enjoyed the Sale of Champions, she thought the Championship Drive was an incredible experience.  “It was awesome how they recognized everyone.” Cade Dupin, who placed third overall in Market Hogs, loved the Championship Drive. “All the species showing on one night is best thing they’ve ever done.” Many of the participants complimented the judges and the atmosphere. Ty Jones from Allen County said, “It was great how the judge talked to every kid and made everyone feel like a winner.” Over 60 4-H and FFA exhibitors participated in the Championship Drive and 20 students went home with banners. Championship Drive Winners: Grand Champion Steer: Class 7- Garry Taylor Reserve Champion Steer: Class 8- Jacklyn Duzan 3rd Overall Steer: Class 9- Kolton Raizor 4th Overall Steer: Class 9- Macey Shelton 5th Overall Steer: Class 7- McKalyn Shelton Kentucky Proud Champion: Class 9- Macey Shelton Kentucky Proud Res Champion: Class 4- Makayla Jo Massey Grand Champion Hog: Crossbred- Braden Lancaster Reserve Champion Hog: Crossbred- Tad Fisher 3rd Overall Hog: Duroc- Cade Dupin 4th Overall Hog: Duroc- McKenzie McCoy 5th Overall Hog: Yorkshire- Lacee Trapp Kentucky Proud Champion: Crossbred- Tad Fisher Kentucky Proud Res Champion: Duroc- McKenzie McCoy Grand Champion Lamb: Hampshire- Ty Jones Reserve Champion Lamb: Black Face Cross- Clayton Burks 3rd Overall Lamb: Hampshire – Hollie Doyle 4th Overall Lamb: Black Face Cross- Shepard Daulton 5th Overall Lamb: Natural Color- Wyatt Acey Kentucky Proud Champion: Black Face Cross- Clayton Burks Kentucky Proud Res Champion: Hampshire – Hollie Doyle Grand Champion Goat: Division 4- Madison Goecke Reserve Champion Goat: Division 3- Madison Goecke 3rd Overall Goat: Divison 3- Dakota Walton 4th Overall Goat: Division 1- Ashley Smith 5th Overall Goat: Division 5- Shelby Terrell Kentucky Proud Champion: Division 3- Dakota Walton Kentucky Proud Res Champion: Division 5- Shelby Terrell […]

Read More… from Champions Crowned and Banners Earned at the Championship Drive

The Sale of Champions has been rebranded as the Championship Drive. The event will recognize more than 70 4-H and FFA competitors and their animals. Students work all year with the hopes of being crowned as a class winner. More students than ever have the opportunity to showcase their market goats, sheep, swine and steers. Over 20 winners will be selected during the Championship Drive and receive a monetary prize for their animals. Head over to Broadbent Arena at 6:30 p.m. to see the champions crowned. A live stream is also available online. Championship Drive Exhibitors: Reserve Goat Ashley Wagoner Abigail Tingle Dakota Walton Cody Heath Elijah Permenter Grand Goat Ashley Smith Dakota Walton Madison Goecke Madison Goecke Shelby Terrell Reserve Sheep AOB-Dorper: Cody Heath BFX: Shepard Daulton Dorset: Christopher Hinkle Hampshire: Hollie Faith Doyle Natural: Landon Hack Oxford: Hannah Abdon Shropshire: Christopher Hinkle Southdown: Madelyn Groth Suffolk: Preston Forgee WFX: Wyatt Acey Grand Sheep AOB-Dorper: Jackson Jeffries BFX: Clayton Burks Dorset: Logan Mattingly Hampshire: Ty Jones Natural: Wyatt Acey Oxford: TJ Yazell Shropshire: Shayna Daulton Southdown: Logan Kearns Suffolk: Sam Benton WFX: Mason Miracle Reserve Hog AOB-Hereford: Braydon King Berkshire: Kirstin Ayer Duroc: McKenzie McCoy Hampshire: Katelyn Dials Spot: Chase Flach Yorkshire: Hannah Florence Crossbred: Tad Fischer Grand Hog AOB-Chester: Paige Dupin Berkshire: Jacob Arnett Duroc: Cade Dupin Hampshire: Brayden Lancaster Spot: Austin Hunter Yorkshire: Lacee Trapp Crossbred: Brayden Lancaster Reserve Steer Ben Bush Scarlett Grace Bruner Claire Beth Peterson Madiline Strain Wyatt Watson Laura Ann Pettit McKalyn Shelton Taylor Hobbs Macey Shelton Dalton Barger Jackson Price Grand Steer Reba Prather Laura Ann Pettit Emilee hager Makayla Do Massey Dillon Taylor Jeremiah Cupps Garry Taylor Jacklyn Duzan Kolton Raizor Lillie Hager Jacob Marksberry […]

Read More… from Students Compete in First Annual Championship Drive

When Kentucky-native and U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Mullins drove into the desert region of the Kandahar province in Afghanistan on Aug. 25, 2011, he didn’t realize he was in for the fight of his life. Before heading out on deployment, Mullins left his mother a voicemail saying, “I’m all grown, 21, and living on my own. Going away today for a little bit. Don’t worry. I’ll be back. I’ll be home. I’m going to make it back.” A few months later his unit was attacked with a rudimentary explosive device and he lost his life. “Brandon was a talented hockey player and very popular with the ladies,” said his mother, Cathy Mullins. “He didn’t just die. He died for his country. People have sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy things like state fairs and going to church.” On Sunday Aug. 19, the Kentucky State Fair will honor military members, veterans and their families during the Oak Ridge Boys free concert. Cathy Mullins, along with 40 Gold Star families, will attend with the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. Gold Star families are those, like the Mullins, who have lost family members during military service. The foundation honors Gold Star families with monuments and memorials throughout the country. “They sacrificed their son for the freedoms that we enjoy and they don’t really get any recognition for it,” said Brent Casey, director of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. “Our goal at the foundation is to help educate the public that there are families among us who have given a whole lot more than we have, they’ve given one of their own family members for the freedom we enjoy today.” Ceremony participants include: David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues Heather French Henry, Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs General Benjamin Adams, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Troy Yocum, President of Active Heroes During Military Sunday on Aug. 19, free admission is available online for military members, veterans and their family (up to 4 people). Details are available on GovX.com. Parking is not included. The 2018 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 16-26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. To purchase tickets and parking or for more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or download our Kentucky State Fair app. The Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series is located at the Bluegrass Village on the west side of the Kentucky Exposition Center.   […]

Read More… from Military Heroes and Their Families to be Honored at the Kentucky State Fair

AGLAND Come and see what’s happening down on the farm in AgLand! Everything from llamas to sheep, country hams to corn, and more. BLUEGRASS VILLAGE If you love all things #Local, come and experience the tastes, sites, and brews that are uniquely Kentucky in Bluegrass Village. Find your favorite local spots that will be featured here. TEXAS ROADHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Whether you are a country or rock n roll fan, there is a genre for everyone at the Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series located in the new Bluegrass Village. Check out the full line up here. DRAGON’S BREATH Make your wishes of becoming a dragon come true this year at the Fair. Head over to Vedaco’s Dragon Breath Ice Cream booth in the South Wing Shops to let off some steam! DIVAS THROUGH THE DECADES Release your inner diva with Divas Through the Decades this year on the Performing Arts Stage. Strike a pose to hits by Tina Turner, Madonna, Beyonce, and more! FAIR BEAR Making his Kentucky State Fair debut, Fair Bear is ready to get out and about at the fair this year. Make sure to find him and get a picture plus a 2018 Kentucky State Fair pin. CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE Sale of Champions has been upgraded to Championship Drive. This event recognizes more than 70 4-H and FFA competitors and animals. Winning a class is highly coveted and we’re giving the opportunity to showcase the hard work of these competitors. RALLY’S® FUNNEL CAKE BURGER Rally’s® put their own spin on Fair Foods this year. Presenting the Funnel Cake Burger – two large 100% beef hamburger patties, two slices of American cheese, topped with funnel cake fries, powdered sugar, and served on a glazed premium bun. SIVORI’S BIG CLIFTY BOURBON DONUT BURGER Sivori’s takes the Donut burger to the next level with a beefy patty topped with a slice of country ham, a maple bourbon glaze and two doughnut buns. POGO FRED The State Fair hasn’t seen anything like this yet. Pogo Fred is a Guinness World record holder for his extreme pogo stunts and is known for being one of the best jumpers on the planet. He’ll have you jumping out of your skin.   Allez-OOPZ This year at the fair, walk into an alternate universe of suspenseful tricks and skills. Rob and Miss Jane waltz on wine bottles, skip on sky-high stilts and even tame a terrifying tiger baby.   FLIPPIN’ Prepare to be amazed when watching this act. This year at the fair, watch an aerial and acrobatic spectacular using bungee trapeze, sky wheel, spinning hula hoops, aerial silks and German Wheel, and tower of chairs.   […]

Read More… from Be in the Know: 12 New Things at the Kentucky State Fair