Kentucky State Fair, Buff City Soap Bottle the Smell of Summer with “County to Country” Scent

The Kentucky State Fair is known for its sights, its sounds and its smells. This year, two homegrown favorites have teamed up on “County to Country,” a limited-edition, plant-based soap scent inspired by the 2026 fair’s theme, “County Traditions, Country Celebration.”

Layered with notes of eucalyptus, ocean air, teakwood and white lilies, “County to Country” is fresh, clean and just nostalgic enough to feel like a drive through the countryside of the commonwealth. Damin Lappe, district manager at Buff City Soap, is credited with creating this year’s scent. 

“We were going for something that reminded us of country air and the fresh feeling of coming home,” said Lappe. 

“This year’s soap is a real blue-ribbon winner,” said Michael E. Berry, interim president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “Partnering with a Kentucky original like Buff City Soap is a fun, only-in-the-commonwealth way to celebrate the traditions behind this year’s theme. From the 120 counties of Kentucky to the country’s 250th celebration, that’s what this year’s fair is all about.”

Fairgoers can find “County to Country” at two Louisville Buff City Soap locations, St. Matthews and Fern Creek, through Aug. 31. True to Buff City Soap’s make-it-your-own approach, guests can have the signature scent crafted into any of the brand’s customizable products, from bar soaps to laundry soap.

The 122nd Kentucky State Fair runs Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, celebrating “County Traditions, Country Celebration,” a nod to America’s 250th birthday and the timeless traditions of all 120 Kentucky counties.

Fairgoers can learn more and shop from Buff City Soap St. Matthews or Buff City Soap Fern Creek through their local Facebook pages.