Kentucky State Fair

Still a pretty decent event amid the destructive sporting of animals; the children paintings were probably my favorite exhibition. Oh yeah and Mm mmm food!

The state fair is usually a hit or miss, and it just so happens that it’s been a miss these past few years.
I’ll begin with the positive. I love the organization and educational booths –the prolife booth being my favorite– and I think that they are something unique that we should continue to have every year. I also like the animals and the petting zoo. These are, in my opinion, the best things about the fair.
Now, the negative. First of all, the food is wayyyy to expensive. I don’t care how unique it is, I’m not paying $ 6 for a few Oreos pulled out of a deep fryer, as tasty as the may be. I also dislike the way they do lemonade now. These lemon «shakeups» are bs. Just a big cup of ice with a few spoonfuls of sugar and a couple of lemon slices shaken up for $ 5-​$ 9 and you can even drink it because there’s barely anything there. It seems like they try to rip you off more and more every year.
Besides the food, the way they have the entire thing set up is confusing. If they had the fair at a more open location or maybe posted more maps, it would be so much simpler to navigate.
If you haven’t been to the state fair, you should go, but it’s definitely not worth going every year. I’d probably give 2 ½ stars if I could.

I’d never been to a state fair before, and don’t know if I will ever go again, but it was a great experience. My coworkers and I were amazed by the different fried delicacies (oreos, pickles, peanut butter cup, twinkies, snickers bars, and more), as well as the doughnut philly cheese steak burger — which I did enjoy! In addition, there was corn dogs, chicken, funnel cakes, fudge, caramel apples, pork butt on a stick, and turkey thighs. I am sure there is more unhealthy things that I am missing.
But in addition to all the food, there were also livestock contest for cattle, sheep, and pig. I’ve never seen that many farm animals in my life – or wool-​less sheep! What an experience!

Every August, Kentuckians have the ultimate opportunity for people watching and fried food consumption at our State Fair. Although the weather usually makes the concrete jungle that is the Fair & Expo Center feel like the surface of Mars, this year we were fortunate to have a freak, cool snap. Perfect time to enjoy a blue-​ribbon winning, 875 lb pumpkin; lots of fuzzy livestock; and more junk food than your arteries can handle.
I took advantage of discount tickets available in advance of the fair, at our local Kroger stores, and saved myself some cash. You can also get a great deal by park and riding from Papa John’s stadium, but I wanted to have my car on-​site since we were also going to a concert that ended late-​ish. Make sure you look out for specials and deals like the senior day and carload pricing — it can save you and the family a bundle!
I scoped out the daily events calendar and maps on the Fair’s website beforehand to avoid congestion and frustration. With a plan and cash in hand (you don’t want to be short when the desire for a funnel cake arises), we set out for a full evening at the Fair.
Parking can be purchased in advance, but we paid at the gate (pick one of the secondary entrances to help cut down the wait time spent in long lines). At $ 8 a car, they are making a killing on parking especially when your entry fee is another $ 10 for adults. Thankfully, they do offer a free shuttle to get you from the back 40, where you will undoubtedly have to park, to the center of the fun.
We enjoyed seeing all the agricultural, artistic, and culinary items on display as well as enjoyed the free concert on the turf at Cardinal Stadium. We didn’t venture into the midway, but did partake of some local food including fried catfish from the KY Aquaculture Association, grilled corn from a regional vendor, and a scrumptious chocolate-​dipped fruit kabob and cannoli (which had to be healthier than a fried oreo). At the end of the evening, we dragged our tired bodies onto a shuttle and then to the car. We headed home having experienced an annual phenomenon that is always memorable.

Ridiculous prices. Large crowds. Horrible traffic. Rides that seemingly are about to fall apart. People peddling the latest and greatest product. Deep-​fried fair food that will most certainly send you to the grave.
But I’m not sure that I’d have it any other way. Give me deep-​fried Oreos, a jumbo turkey leg, and a Krispy Kreme doughnut burger, and I’m a happy boy.

I absolutely adore the fair. No kidding, I look forward to it all year. I live to see every intricately decorated doll house, pet any willing (or caught off guard) bunny, and smell/​occasionally partake in deep fried bacon-​filled food things. If you don’t like the fair I probably wouldn’t like you. Yes, its a little tacky and a lot expensive but it comes but once a year. Take in that fair in all its glory and do the fair thang!

In the late 90s to early 00s a solid ⁴⁄₅
With the same exact booths and type of entertainment every year like most places you really don’t have staying power over the years.
With Louisville changing as far as prices, age of people, and type of people, the state fair has fallen.
I’m in my early thirties and will probably never go back. County fair maybe.
If you haven’t went you should give it a shot, but if you’ve already been a couple times I say save your money.

This is my first time here and I’m overwhelmed by the amount of booths and people trying to sell me stuff. We are now headed to the outside where the rides and anals. imals are.

I go with my wife and son every year. Enjoy just about all of it. I won’t eat there again because I just think they could do so many, much better food options! Think outside the box for once! Promote the restaurants using KY farm products for example.

I go to the KY State Fair every year! This year I went three times, and I have to get a corn dog and a lemon shake up which I reserve only for fair times. And a few years ago I was talked into getting an elephant ear which are so fantastic. They’ve got arts and crafts and produce from all over Kentucky along with all of the farm animals. Also, every county has a booth so you can learn more about what they have to offer.
There’s always free concerts, and different tents have entertainment as well which are fun to check out. If you’re adventurous you can try out the doughnut burger, or some deep fried… anything. I’ll always go back, and I’m looking forward to the days when I can take my future kids!

Love the fair every year. From the food to the shows to the fancy cakes to the vendors to the awesome balloon sculpture to the freebies to the animals to the midway and so much more. I was a bit disappointed when I asked where the ugly lamps were and was informed that due to Lynn’s Paradise Café closing, they are no longer a thing… boo. Yes, the prices and parking go up it seems like every year, but if you’re a state fair pro, then you know the workarounds ;)
Main tips:
Avoid going on weekends. Weekdays during the days are best.
Bring cash
Wear comfy shoes and dress in layers (a light sweater for the inside exhibits are recommended)
Do some research and somewhat plan out your day before you go. Follow the fair’s Facebook & Twitter accounts
If it applies to you, take advantage of senior day, military day, and any other discounted days that they advertise on the above pages
Enjoy!

One of my favorite times of the year… the fair! Who can resist the bands, beer tents and mullets?
I always enter into something (this year peanut butter cookies) so I can take advantage of the exhibitor tickets. Saturday I took the family and the weather was great so, of course, it was packed. We went to the free Chevelle concert and it was rockin’. We’ll be back Wednesday and Saturday again to see more. Possibly even Sunday…
You all need to go at least once a year!