The Kentucky State Fair brings the best of agriculture, art, and entertainment.
Every August, the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville holds an annual 11-day event known as the Kentucky State Fair. Families come to enjoy some of the many activities the fair has to offer, making it one of the most favored events in the community. It has activities such as agriculture competitions, baking competitions, art exhibits, live performances, and other thrilling rides. This makes it an enjoyable experience for all ages.
“The Fair made me seem like I was a part of a community because of all the different kinds of people and cultures going to celebrate this event,” said Luci Taylor. “There are so many people, each finding something they enjoy.”
The Kentucky State Fair has a way of making people feel connected to the community by hosting different forms of entertainment that everyone can enjoy. People all over Kentucky unite to enjoy rides, shows, and exhibits. The fair highlights local talent, giving people an opportunity to display their skills and art to the community.
“I have been going to the fair with my family for years; it has sort of become a tradition to go every year,” Mariana Reynolds said.
Reynolds is one of the many families who have made going to the fair a yearly tradition. The Kentucky Fair started in 1902, allowing generations after generations to go. Families create memories at the fair. These memories create new traditions that are cherished and passed down each year. Parents introduce their favorite activities from when they were young to their children, starting new traditions and adding meaning to the fair. The fair becomes a shared experience that unites families, making it sentimental and traditional both personally and statewide.
“The fair is a way to express myself and see all the things I love, like horses and animals.” Evvie Conely said. “I really appreciate the agriculture side of the fair, it brings attention to that area, allowing people to see the hard work that goes into these competitions while providing a way for everyone to see all the different kinds of animals,” she said.
Conely is also competing at the fair this year. She performs in horse shows, allowing her to show off her riding skills to the community. Competitors like her spend weeks preparing for these competitions, giving them something to look forward to during the summer. These competitions offer different awards such as money, ribbons, and titles. Some of these awards can lead to bigger competitions, offering higher awards and more opportunities to compete in higher divisions.
