The 120th Kentucky State Fair is in full swing, and there’s plenty of blue ribbons to go around.
The 2024 KSF Premium Book outlines over 20 broad categories for competition, some you’ve probably heard of and some you might not have.
Here’s are some of the most unusual blue ribbon winners we saw at this year’s Kentucky State Fair.
Best sword
The antiques category contains classes like letters, documents, holiday memorabilia, and tools. But none of those cut quite like Best Sword.
The first place winner this year was an Indian kukri — a machete-like utility blade used around central Asia — entered by Jerry Adamson. Antiques are old hat for Adamson, who has been competing in contests since 2012 and won multiple blue ribbons at this year’s state fair.
Your favorite crackers
The breads division has 25 classes, from flat breads to baguettes to scones to “your favorite crackers.” This year, Erin Moody won with homemade “Cheez-its.”
Pineapple
Every year there’s a new giant pumpkin and watermelon, but those aren’t the only fruits + veggies featured at the fair. Pineapple plants can be entered under the potted specimens category, so long as they’re under 24 inches tall. This year’s winner was entered by Doug Parks. Maybe Doug will find a spongy tenant for the prize pineapple.
Paper craft article
There’s no shortage of craft categories at the State Fair, including junior classes open to anyone who didn’t reach their 18th birthday by Aug. 1.
This year’s junior paper craft article blue ribbon was won by Tobias McKinney, who created a life-sized “power armor” from the video game + TV show “Fallout.”
If you want to enter to win a blue ribbon of your own at next year’s fair, you have some time. The deadline comes around each July.
