Why You Should Attend The Kentucky State Fair
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why You Should Attend The Kentucky State Fair

47
Why You Should Attend The Kentucky State Fair
Ticket Crusader

As mentioned in my previous article, fairs and festivals are appreciated in the south. This weekend, I attended the Kentucky State Fair (KSF). Although I've lived in Kentucky my entire life, this was my first time attending, and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. The KSF was everything I expected and more! Here are five reasons why anyone, Kentucky resident or not, would enjoy the Fair.

1. FOOD

When I first arrived at the Fair, I was on a mission: FIND FOOD. The grub is why some people simply attend the fair. Here in Kentucky, we like things fried, greasy, and unhealthy -- I'm talkin' heart-attack-in-a-meal unhealthy. I opted for a cheeseburger while my friend tried a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, but there were many more options from which to choose. Signs strewn about the aisles of food trailers advertised corndogs, deep-fried Oreos, sweet chicken wings, chocolate-dipped burgers with powdered sugar... Okay, that last one was an exaggeration. However, the fair is an excuse to eat really unhealthy food in an environment where doing so is socially acceptable, and even encouraged.

2. Free "Stuff"

At any type of convention, I'm known to bustle around looking for free merchandise like pens, pins, hats, shirts, bags, etc. At the Fair, vendors and companies from all over the United States rush into the Kentucky Exposition Center with truckloads of free "stuff". I have collected many pens, bookmarks, rulers, hats, and stickers this weekend at the fair. To give you an idea of who shows up to the fair, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Caterpillar, Lincoln (the automobile manufacturer, not the late former POTUS), John Deere, and most political officials attend. The KSF also has a section in the main exposition hall designated for Showcase of the Counties. Within this section, different counties within the state display what makes their county special and worth visiting. For example, Harlan Co. is famous for its ATV trails and historical ties to the coal mining industry.

3. Livestock and Produce

There's something about seeing ribbons on vegetables and animals that brings the traditional elements of a "fair" to life. I can't quite put my finger on it, but knowing that some people work really hard in agriculture makes me proud. Farmers are the people who make it possible to "bring home the bacon." They grow produce or raise cattle so that others may eat or have access to textiles. The Kentucky state fair is unique in terms of its livestock because all kinds of animals are shown, but its all appreciated. Everything from poultry to goats is given equal merit at the fair among farmers (although the dairy cows are my favorite), or it at least seems so. Either way, every participant in the livestock and produce shows is happy to showcase their hard work and fairgoers can appreciate it!

4. The Music

Budweiser Stage at the Kentucky State fair is huge. All kinds of talent performs on the Budweiser stage, from bluegrass musicians to big name artists. Mostly, the performers aren't famous, though. I like that because the unseen talent that lies within some people truly amazes me. Just today I witnessed a group of soul singers covering a Sam Smith song on one of the smallest stages at the fair, and they sounded as though they should already have a record deal. Talent comes from all walks of life, and to see the most of it, come to the Kentucky State Fair. Artists from halfway across the U.S. attend!

5. The People Watchin'

There are people everywhere at the state fair, as far as your eyes can see. People flock to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville to attend the fair, and most have to park in the grass and walk a mile or two from their cars. I love people-watching, just observing how others go about their different missions at the fair. Just in the few hours that I attended the fair today, I observed numerous rednecks, lots of couples, a few "Dance Moms" that were hauling their daughters' performance gear around, musicians, miserable Dads, and political activists. Even if everything else about the fair was a flop, one can count on the people-watching content to be quite strong at such a melting pot event.


The Kentucky State fair supports farmers, performers, students, business-owners, home-state companies, exposition center employees, law enforcement officers and others. By attending the fair, you're not only able to observe the rich culture present within the state, but you're also contributing to others' well-being and employment. Come on down to Louisville and grab you a sweet tea and a soft pretzel at the fair. Stay a while! Enjoy!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56200
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36207
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958146
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187888
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments