Fun Facts About the KY State Fair (You Might Not Know!)

The 122nd Kentucky State Fair kicks off August 20th, and while the countdown is on, we thought it'd be the perfect time to look back at how this Commonwealth tradition started. Whether you've been coming since you were knee-high or you're planning your first trip through the gates this year, here are a few fun facts to carry with you:

 

It didn't start at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The very first official Kentucky State Fair was held in 1902 at Churchill Downs. Before there was a Freedom Hall or a Broadbent Arena, the fair got its start at the world's most famous racetrack. It wasn't until 1956, when the Kentucky Exposition Center opened, that the fair finally found its forever home, and it's been welcoming Kentuckians (and their prize-winning tomatoes) ever since.

 

Freddy Farm Bureau has been at the Fair since 1958. Standing 18 feet tall in front of Freedom Hall, Freddy has struck up more conversations with passing fairgoers than anyone can count. If you grew up in Kentucky, chances are you've got your own "meet me at Freddy" story. 

 

Fair Bear joined the party twenty years later. Unveiled in 1978, the Fair Bear mascot has been a beloved icon ever since. Come find Freddy and Fair Bear at this year's fair and say hello!

 

The Fair is part of something bigger. The Kentucky State Fair is one of six proudly produced events by Kentucky Venues, including: the World’s Championship Horse Show, North American Championship Rodeo, North American International Livestock Exposition, National Farm Machinery Show, and Championship Tractor Pull. Kentucky Venues also owns and operates the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville, bringing in millions of both visitors and economic impact to the state of Kentucky annually.

 

Speaking of the Kentucky Expo Center, it's in the middle of a multi-million-dollar transformation right now, including a brand-new multi-purpose building and a full redevelopment of the West Wing. The new building is set to start hosting events in early 2027, so the best is still ahead. 

 

Mark your calendars: the Kentucky State Fair runs August 20-30. We'll see you there!