Kentucky State Fair Welcomed Fairgoers From Across the Commonwealth

Rich traditions, iconic fair food and unforgettable entertainment were included with every visit.                                                            

The 118th Kentucky State Fair celebrated a successful year of bringing together Kentuckians, with approximately 525,000 fairgoers from all 120 counties represented, to enjoy 11-days of concerts, agriculture, animals, education and more.

“We’re honored to be where Kentucky comes together, from Pikeville to Paducah, this event celebrates what makes our Commonwealth unique. Despite the challenges many Kentuckians have faced this year, fairgoers came from all 120 counties to compete, exhibit, learn and have fun,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “The talented and hardworking Kentuckians across the Commonwealth make the Kentucky State Fair possible each year. We are grateful to celebrate with them.”

General entries returned stronger to the Fair this year, increasing over 2021. There were 15,725 general entries, with categories ranging from culinary to crafts and more. Livestock competitors filled the West Wing, Hall and Pavilion with 7,935 entries. FFA and 4-H participants contributed 7,938 entries which were displayed in the South Wing. In total, there were more than 31,000 entries at this year’s Fair.

Funding provided to Eastern Kentucky Relief Efforts

The Kentucky State Fair partnered with 4-H, Danny Wimmer Presents, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and T. Graham Brown to support fundraising efforts supporting Eastern Kentucky flood relief efforts.

119th 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. Nearly two thousand horses competed in more than 250 classes for Grand Champion titles and $1.3 million in awards culminating in “Epoque Kiss NKF”, a six-year-old stallion, owned by Double H LLC. of Wytheville, VA and trained by Burt Honaker of Wytheville, VA being crowned the 2022 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion.

Youth Celebrated at Championship Drive Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America

The 5th annual Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America at the Kentucky State Fair awarded $135,000 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.

Record-Breaking Ham Sold For $5 Million

For the second year in a row, it was a record-breaking auction at the 58th Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Charity Auction hosted by Kentucky Farm Bureau when the Grand Champion Ham was auctioned off for $5 million to Central Bank and Kelly and Joe Craft.

More Kentuckians Welcomed at Sensory Friendly Morning and the Sunshine Class by the Kentucky Exposition Foundation

More than 1,400 complimentary Fair admission and midway wristbands were distributed to fairgoers with sensory processing differences through partnerships with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Louisville, the Kentucky Autism Training Center and Home of the Innocents. An inaugural event in partnership with the Kentucky Exposition Foundation, called the sunshine class, paired 4-H and FFA competitors with those who’ve been limited in their ability to show livestock.

Fairgoers Rocked Out Around the Fairgrounds to Free Concerts

Eleven days of music and more than 45 bands were all included with Fair admission. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series was a highlight for many guests as 27 bands performed including seven Kentucky artists. A variety of musical genres were represented including R&B, country, oldies, rock, and Christian.

Students Explored Massive Exhibit Halls Filled With Exhibits

The Kentucky State Fair is more than just a celebration, it’s the largest classroom in Kentucky with more than 300,000 square feet of dedicated exhibit space. From the educational exhibits in AgLand to the 9/11 NEVER FORGET mobile exhibit and Kentucky Remembers: The Korean War Experience, fairgoers from around the Commonwealth learned about their state, the history of our country and its progress.

Health Horizons Helps Kentuckians

For many Kentuckians, the Fair offers a unique opportunity to receive free health education and screenings. From COVID-19 vaccinations to cancer screenings, many fairgoers took advantage of the free healthcare services that take place each year at Health Horizons.

Plans are underway for the 2023 Kentucky State Fair with a focus on the continual enhancement to exhibits, entertainment, food and overall experiences during the eleven-day tradition. The 119th Kentucky State Fair will take place August 17-27, 2023.

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