Lexie Ratterman, Author at Kentucky State Fair

Ky State Fair Begins Hiring Blitz

Posted on July 15, 2024 (July 15, 2024)

With the Kentucky State Fair exactly one month away, it’s time for the event to find enthusiastic, excited workers to fill hundreds of temporary positions with responsibilities ranging from guest services to operations. Starting Monday, July 15 Kentucky Venues, owner and operator of the Kentucky State Fair, will be conducting walk-in interviews Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Friday, July 26. Applicants could be offered a job on the spot. The fair is looking to hire temporary employees to work multiple areas throughout the event, including Gates/Admissions, Guest Services, Checkpoint Security, Ushers, and Grounds Crew. Positions range in pay from $12.50 to $13.50 per hour with opportunity for overtime pay. No experience is necessary, but applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to stand for long periods inside or outside, and able to work around crowds. Interested applicants should enter the Kentucky Exposition Center through Gate 1 or 6 and park in Lot J. There will be signs outside Broadbent Arena directing where to go. Applicants need two forms of identification: one with a photo and a social security card. They should also bring their bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit or a voided check. Applicants can also visit the state fair website at https://kystatefair.org/join-our-team/ and apply. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. […]

Celebrating 120 Years, 120 Counties at the Kentucky State Fair

Posted on July 15, 2024 (July 15, 2024)

As we approach the 120th Kentucky State Fair, we are reminded of the rich tradition representing the heart of the Commonwealth. This special anniversary is not just a number; it symbolizes our state’s unique make-up of rural and urban life, brought together in one grand celebration. With exactly 120 counties, from Fulton to Pike County, every corner of our state contributes to the diverse and vibrant culture we celebrate at the fair. While the fair’s history is filled with incredible experiences and attractions, it is also rooted in resilience and community spirit. Since its inception in 1902 and finding a permanent home in Louisville in 1906, the Kentucky State Fair has weathered many storms. It faced cancellations due to funding issues, endured the trials of wartime, saw low attendance during the Great Depression, and even relocated temporarily while the fairgrounds served as a defense site. Each challenge was met with unwavering determination, and the fair emerged stronger each time, much like the people of Kentucky. Over the decades, the fair has evolved, leaving behind a legacy that epitomizes the Kentuckian spirit: resilient in adversity, warm in hospitality, and steadfast in support of one another. The fair’s past is peppered with unique events such as ostrich and armadillo races, classic carnival sideshows, and even the Rooster Crowing Contest. Today, it centers around friendly competitions, family fun, and ever-growing livestock and general entry contests. This year, we are excited to present an array of attractions that honor our storied past while embracing the future. Highlights include the Oak Ridge Boys’ 50th Kentucky State Fair performance, showcasing the best in Kentucky livestock, crowning the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion at the World’s Championship Horse Show, awarding blue ribbons for exceptional general entries, indulging in locally grown food, and supporting community initiatives like the Sunshine Class. I invite you to join us from August 15-25 in Louisville to celebrate the essence of Kentucky and its people. From the dedication of our youth livestock participants who present the state’s best to the craftsmanship of thousands of general entries submitted by passionate exhibitors, the fair is a testament to the hard work and creativity found in every county. Visit our website at kystatefair.org, where you can view the schedule of activities and purchase the best-priced admission tickets which include free parking. Throughout the 11 days of the fair, we will honor and celebrate all 120 counties, their residents, and their invaluable contributions. Join us in this grand tradition as we continue to build upon the legacy of the Kentucky State Fair, a celebration of community, resilience, and the unique spirit of our Commonwealth. Best Regards, David S. Beck President & CEO Of Kentucky Venues […]

Kentucky State Fair Announces Special Promotion Days to Return

Posted on July 2, 2024 (July 12, 2024)

The Kentucky State Fair is excited to announce the special promotional days fairgoers have come to know and love will return. The fair runs August 15-25, 2024, and will offer multiple discounts including Military Sunday, $5 Monday, and Sensory Awareness Day. Some discounts will pertain to specific individuals, while days like $5 Monday will offer every fairgoer a chance to attend the fair for a discounted rate. Special promotional days are as follows: Thursday, August 15: County Fairs Day Come one, come all 120 Kentucky counties. We will highlight winners from county pageants, offer unique competitions, unveil a new exhibition celebrating all 120 counties, and have special activities. Sunday, August 18: Military Sunday Active military and veterans, as well as their families, can attend the fair for free. Military ID is required. There is a limit of four free tickets, and parking is not included. Wristbands for Thrill Ville will be discounted 20% and available on-site. There is a limit of four wristbands per valid military ID. Monday, August 19: $5 Monday Those looking for a big bargain won’t want to miss this day. The $5 admission is per person and includes parking. While livestock changeover is occurring on the west side of the property, fairgoers can visit Discovery Farm in Agland and also attend morning or evening performances of the World’s Championship Horse Show for free. Free evening tickets will be available at the KEC Ticket Office. Tuesday, August 20: Senior Day Fairgoers 55 and older enter the fair for free. Parking is not included. Special activities will be planned throughout the day. Wednesday, August 21: Sensory Awareness Day In partnership with Kissel Entertainment, FEAT of Louisville, Home of the Innocents, and Kentucky Autism Training Center, free admission and Thrill Ville tickets will be given to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. From 10 a.m. until noon, Thrill Ville will operate with minimal lights and music to create an enjoyable fair experience for those with sensory sensitivities. Limited tickets are available. To receive tickets, fill out this form from FEAT. For those fairgoers who are looking to attend the fair outside of promotional days at the best price, early bird tickets are still available through Friday, July 5. Right now, admission to the 120th celebration can be purchased online for only $8 per person, and fee-free tickets can be purchased at participating Kroger store locations for $9 through August 14. Parking is included with both options. Starting July 6, online ticket prices will increase to $9. Online prices increase to $10 on August 3. Thrill Ville unlimited ride wristbands are also available now and can be added on to fairgoers’ online ticket order for the lowest price of $30 per wristband. Thursday, August 22: Kentucky Farm Bureau Day Kentucky Farm Bureau is celebrating it’s love for Kentucky by hosting the Gospel Music Showcase (open to the public) and the 60th Annual Country Ham Breakfast & Charity Auction (tickets required). The 2024 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 15-25 at the Kentucky […]

Ky State Fair Entries: Something for Everyone

Posted on June 7, 2024 (June 7, 2024)

When it comes to the entries at the Kentucky State Fair, the more the merrier is the best motto. There’s no need to pigeonhole yourself to one craft. If you’re an artist of many talents, show them all off just like mother-daughter duo Barbara Thornsberry and Tonya Shelton do. The pair have a deep-rooted history in the fair that goes all the way back to the 70s when Barbara started participating in the Quarter Horse Show. Once her daughter Tonya came along, she followed in her mother’s footsteps. The family was part of the show for decades but eventually hung up their reins. Years later, in 2018, after Barbara purchased a dollhouse kit, she put a new talent to the test. “I accidentally bought a kit for a dollhouse at an auction one time,” said Barbara. “The directions were so complicated, so I boxed it back up and got it back out a year later. Then Tonya joined me in building.” After Barbara’s nephew noticed her craft, he, a seasoned fair entrant, encouraged his aunt to enter her art into the Kentucky State Fair in the Hobbies department. The rest of the story is history. The mother-daughter dynamic duo has been entering dollhouses in the fair ever since and always place. It didn’t take long for the pair who owns Useful Things Antiques & Collectibles in High Grove, KY to see their potential could go further than just entering one department, so Tonya branched out into the Fine Art department, too. Last year, she entered a piece called “It’s All A Matter of Time” – a collage of clocks. She had no clue that her first entry in the Fine Art department would win, but she was floored to see the coveted blue ribbon attached to it when she visited the fair, and she’s eager to enter the same division again this year. “I’m not really an artist. I don’t oil paint or anything, so I was tickled to win,” Tonya said. Tonya and Barbara work together on many of their entries and are each other’s biggest fans. They encourage people to look at Kentucky State Fair entry options, not be intimidated by trying something new, and even work with friends or family on an entry. “She’s my biggest fan and my biggest critic,” said Barbara about when the pair build their miniature pieces. “We hash it out until we agree.” “And then it’s perfect,” said Tonya. Whether you want to enter the Fine Art department, Hobbies, or any other General Entry department, or all of them like Barbara and Tonya do, there’s something for everyone to try. Barbara and Tonya are proof of that. “When you go down to the fair, it’s so interesting to see all the different things, and you think, ‘I can do that,’” said Barbara. They say it’s worth it to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, as you might just discover a new passion and come home a blue-ribbon […]

Kentucky State Fair Announces Entertainment Acts for the August Event, Early Bird Tickets on Sale

Posted on June 5, 2024 (July 17, 2024)

Celebrating 120 Years, 120 Counties at the Kentucky State Fair LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 5, 2024) — It’s time to snag the best tickets available for the 120th Kentucky State Fair, happening August 15-25. With the event just a couple of months away, organizers announced over 70 entertainment acts, including headliners taking the stage for the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, specialty performances, and family shows included with fair admission. Tickets are available online for $8, and fee-free tickets are available at participating Kroger locations for $9. Parking is included with early bird ticket purchases, a $10 savings. Thrill Ville Ride Wristbands On-Sale Today Thrill-seekers looking for all-day ride wristbands can get the best price today by purchasing their Thrill Ville wristbands for $30, a $5 savings, online or at participating Kroger locations. At least 50 rides, including thrill, family, and the iconic Astro Ferris Wheel, are coming to town in August. Music Takes Center Stage at the Kentucky State Fair The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series returns this year and is bigger and better, with 11 days of headlining acts. Included with admission, fairgoers can rock out with 80’s hair bands, sing along with iconic country acts, and dance to unforgettable hip-hop tracks. The full list of Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Acts is available below. For the first time in over six years, the Kentucky State Fair is hosting a double-headlining performance. On August 25, the renowned Mexican band known for their distinctive blend of Norteño music with accordion and saxophone sounds, Geru y Su Legión 7, will perform in The BIG Tent, while Christian singer Tauren Wells with special guest Consumed By Fire takes the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Stage shortly after at 7 p.m. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Lineup Except August 25, the concert area opens daily at 6:30 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. On August 25th, the area opens at 4:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 15: Lonestar and Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery* Friday, August 16: The Sugarhill Gang Melle Mel & Scorpio (of Furious Five) with special guest Ying Yang Twins Saturday, August 17: Stephen Pearcy of Ratt with special guest Quiet Riot Sunday, August 18: The Oak Ridge Boys with special guests The Country Gold Tour including Leroy Van Dyke, Linda Davis, Jimmy Fortune, Rockland Road (who will perform the National Anthem and God Bless the USA) Monday, August 19: CAIN with special guest Katy Nichole Tuesday, August 20: Happy Together including The Turtles, The Cowsills, Badfinger, The Vogues, The Association, Jay and the Americans Wednesday, August 21: Justin Moore with special guest Alex Miller* Thursday, August 22: Everclear with special guest Marcy Playground Friday, August 23: 38 Special with special guest Exile* Saturday, August 24: Lauren Alaina with special guests Mackenzie Porter, Kelsey Hart* Sunday, August 25 (7 p.m. show): Tauren Wells with special guest Consumed By Fire *= Kentucky artist The music doesn’t stop there. Throughout the 11-day run of the fair, over 25 bands will […]

Entering the Kentucky State Fair: A Guide

Posted on May 8, 2024

Tens of thousands of entries come through the Kentucky State Fair portal every year. From the 17 different departments in the East and West Halls to eight different species shown in the Livestock department, there is something for everyone. “The diversity the Kentucky State Fair offers within its entries allows all ages and interests to find something to compete in,” said Paige Dupin, Kentucky Venues Exposition Entry Manager. The Kentucky State Fair is all about celebrating the best the Bluegrass has to offer, and that starts and ends with the incredible talent of the Kentuckians who enter the fair. Whether they take home first place or maybe an honorable mention, the courage to showcase your work on a state level is prize enough, but a blue ribbon does make it a bit sweeter. The best part about entering the Kentucky State Fair is it’s simple and inexpensive! Paige recommends potential exhibitors start by taking a look at the Premium Book to see what classes are offered and figuring out what best fits your interests. Then head to the Kentucky State Fair website, find your department on the list, then click Enter Online. That will take you to a simple form that will require some general personal information. Fill that out and make your payment. “For most competitions, the Kentucky State Fair is cost effective for exhibitors. All entries excluding livestock, beer, and wine is a one-time $15.00 fee for ALL competitions,” said Paige. “Enter one or 1000, the cost is still the same!” Entering your work in the Kentucky State Fair is as easy as pie! Speaking of pie, we have an entire division dedicated to the delectable dessert. For questions about entering, email [email protected]. […]

Textiles Department: More Options Than Balls of Yarn in Your Closet

Posted on May 7, 2024 (May 7, 2024)

One department, 16 divisions, nearly 300 classes – it’s all within the Textiles Department. Whether you fancy quilting or crocheting or maybe knitting is more your speed, there’s a place for your passion in Textiles. It’s just one of 17 different departments that accepts general entries at the Kentucky State Fair. Entries open on May 1. Participants are encouraged to explore the different places where they can display their talents. The Kentucky State Fair also encourages people to try out new hobbies and enter them in the fair – just as Judy Ballard did when she was a child. Ballard recounted a sweet story of how her grandmother taught her to sew. “I took sewing in high school, and she was so appalled at the resulting things I brought home,” said Ballard lovingly of her grandmother. “She said this summer we’re learning to sew. We did a lot of garments, and the first ribbon I won back in the 60s was for a dress.” Ballard has picked up some new talents since the 60s like quilting, counted cross stitch, and household items and has since won around 50 blue ribbons at the Kentucky State Fair. She jokes that her grandmother would be pleased to see the collection. Getting started is tough, but finding something that you truly love is just as hard especially when you’re trying all the “mainstream trends” that so many seem to love but they just don’t quite click for you. It’s the lost arts like needlework that draws Tamara Yohannes in. Yohannes is a longtime supporter of the Kentucky State Fair and has enjoyed being a part of it in many ways like helping set-up the Textiles display and entering her Romanian Point Lace projects, something she calls a “lost” art. “Just get in there and try it, and don’t expect your first piece you make to be “perfect.” That’s the beauty of this. It’s handmade and homemade,” said Yohannes. “A lot of stitchers go for that pristine perfection, but I don’t, which is a good thing because I never get there. I’m there for the fun of it and joy of it when you complete a project.” Duane Mason has been participating in the Kentucky State Fair for around 15 years in the doll and doll clothes division, and says even if you don’t participate, make sure to check out all the entries as they might just inspire you to try something out or just make your jaw drop. “I’ve been sewing all my life. I crochet, I knit, I quilt,” he said. “I would never ever want to judge the quilts, though because so many of them are literal works of art.” The Kentucky State Fair is all about getting out there and displaying your passions for the Commonwealth to marvel and awe at. “It’s such a joyful thing to be recognized,” Yohannes said. “Without the fair, some people wouldn’t even know these things existed.” Entries open May 1 and close July 17. You […]

Kentucky State Fair 2023 Breaks Recent Attendance Records

Posted on September 12, 2023

The 2023 Kentucky State Fair welcomed more than 599,000 people for the fair and the 120th World’s Championship Horse Show, which takes place during the fair. Despite several days of severe heat, this was a significant 14% increase over last year’s attendance of 525,000 and is the highest attendance since at least 2018. Throughout the 11-day event, the Kentucky State Fair set daily attendance records for the first three days of the fair and two additional days compared to data from the previous five years. The first Saturday of the fair was the busiest day on record, dating back to at least 2018. The Kentucky State Fair also saw participation from all 120 counties in the Commonwealth. Next year’s 120th Kentucky State Fair will occur August 15-25, 2024. […]

Kentucky State Fair Wraps Up Another Year of Fun and Bringing Kentucky Together

Posted on August 31, 2023 (September 8, 2023)

The 119th Kentucky State Fair celebrated a successful year of bringing Kentuckians together, with all 120 counties represented, to enjoy 11 days of live entertainment, agriculture, animals, education, and more. The theme for this year’s event was “It’s Summer Summed Up,” as the fair is the place where Kentuckians can find all the best things of summer in one place at the very end of the season. “This year’s Kentucky State Fair summed up summer in every way possible,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “We’re pleased to see participation from each of the Commonwealth’s 120 counties, who came together to celebrate the success and the progress made. We look forward to celebrating an unforgettable anniversary with everyone next year from August 15th through the 25th.” Still exhibit entries returned strong, increasing over 2022 numbers. There were over 16,130 entries, with categories ranging from quilts to miniatures to culinary and everything in between. Livestock competitors filled the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion with over 8,500 entries. FFA and 4-H participants contributed 8,450 entries, including an astounding 1,000 country hams displayed in Cloverville. There were more than 33,000 entries in total at this year’s fair. 120th World’s Championship Horse Show Recognizes World’s Grand Champions 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 in more than 250 classes for Grand Champion titles and $1.5 million in awards. A six-year-old stallion named “Epoque Kiss NKF,” owned by Double H LLC and trained by Burt Honaker of Wytheville, VA, was crowned the 2023 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion claiming the title for two consecutive years. Kentucky Exposition Foundation Celebrated the Future of Youth, Agriculture, Tourism and Economy Through record-breaking donations, the Kentucky Exposition Foundation invested in outreach, celebration, and growth of Kentucky’s agriculture. Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America, The Sunshine Class, and added prize money to the five-gaited stake all recognized the Commonwealth’s leading heart and progress. The 6th annual Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America at the Kentucky State Fair awarded a record-breaking $215,000 to participating youth livestock exhibitors. Thanks to donors of the Kentucky Exposition Foundation, donations were higher than ever before. In addition, the foundation invited first-time livestock competitors that have varying levels of accessibility needs to compete during the 2nd annual Sunshine Class. Record-Breaking Ham Sold For $10 Million For the third year in a row, it was a record-breaking auction at the 59th Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Charity Auction hosted by Kentucky Farm Bureau when the Grand Champion Ham was auctioned off for $10 million to Central Bank and Kelly and Joe Craft. Community Celebration at the Forefront of the Fair JCPS Deal Day As Jefferson County Public Schools delayed the start of school, the Kentucky State Fair stepped up to offer parents and guardians the opportunity to bring two children to the fair’s opening day for free. More Kentuckians Welcomed […]

Kentucky State Fair Offers a Special Discount for JCPS Students and Families

Posted on August 15, 2023 (June 3, 2024)

One-day promotion that includes free admission for students with parent or guardian The Kentucky State Fair announces a special one-day deal as JCPS delays the start of school. Families can experience Summer Summed Up at the fair for a discounted rate. On Thursday, August 17, each parent or guardian with paid admission can bring up to two students at no additional cost until 2 p.m. Parking is not included in the promotional deal. Parents and guardians are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance online at kystatefair.org or at participating Kroger stores for $10, which includes parking. Admission at the gate is $10 per parent or guardian plus $10 per standard vehicle. In addition to the admission deal, Kissel Entertainment, the Thrill Ville operator, is offering a buy one get one all-day ride wristband promotion. Thrill Ville will open at 3 p.m. On Thursday, families can also experience livestock in the West Wing, entertainment in The BIG Tent, shopping in South Wing C, Rescue Ridge and Health Horizons in South Wing B, and much more! Excused Absence Form Excused Absence Forms are available online for all Kentucky students who want to visit the Fair during a normal school day. Kentucky Revised Statute 159.035(4), students applying for an excused absence to attend the Kentucky State Fair shall be granted one (1) day of excused absence. Take a look at this document for the full statute. This policy was implemented to allow students to participate in the fair. Visit http://kystatefair.org/excused-absence to complete an excused absence form. Fair Hours & Dates  The Kentucky State Fair runs August 17-27, 2023, and opens at 10 a.m. daily. Admission ends one hour before outside areas close.  Visit http://kystatefair.org/fair-hours for a complete list of hours.   Fair Admission Information  Tickets for the Kentucky State Fair are available at participating Kroger stores, at the Kentucky Exposition Ticket Office, or online at http://kystatefair.org/tickets. Tickets are $10 per person and include parking when purchased before August 17. Tickets at the gate during the fair are $10 per person and $10 for parking per vehicle.    Minor Attendance Policy   Effective Monday-Thursday after 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday all day, fairgoers under 18 years old entering the fair must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate. Read the entire policy at http://kystatefair.org/about/policies.   […]

Author: Lexie Ratterman

Posts by Lexie Ratterman