There are 50+ food vendors at the fair and new this year is Kissel Entertainment’s Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Corndog. | Photo by LOUtoday
Since 1956, the Kentucky State Fair has transformed the Kentucky Exposition Center into a giant hub of culture — and corn dogs, of course.
So with the sweet smell of funnel cakes looming in the air and trailers of livestock rolling in, we thought we’d provide a numerical snapshot at the annual event and what’s new this year.
One day until the fair
The Kentucky State Fair’s opening ceremony is tomorrow, Aug. 17 at 10:15 a.m. and will mark the 119th anniversary. The fair will continue daily at 10 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 27. Admission is $10 and includes parking.
Horses in the championship show compete in nine different divisions — like the Hackney/Harness Ponies seen here.
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Photo by Linda Doane
2,000+ Saddlebred horses
The World’s Championship Horse Show inside Freedom Hall begins on Saturday, Aug. 19 and promises more than $1 million in awards to competitors. Tickets are sold separately for each show during the eight-day event and range $7-$10.
Four indoor exhibit areas
The South and North wings + East and West halls house the fair’s familiar competitive entries, education and health exhibitions, food vendors, and shops.
$13.6 million estimated economic impact
Based on data from 2022, the fair’s projected economic impact to Kentucky is over $13 million.
The fair offers 75+ free daily attractions and shows.
Kentucky Auctioneers Association State Contest — auctioneers compete during a live auction
Latin Fest — one-day event with Latin music
10 free concerts
Rain or shine, these artists are taking the stage during the free Texas Roadhouse Concert Series.
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 16
“Past Lives” | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 3rd St., Louisville | $8-$12 | Watch this 2023 romantic drama about two people’s connection in a past life.
Thursday, Aug. 17
Introduction to Genealogy | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 2-3 p.m. | St. Matthews Public Library, 3940 Grandview Ave., Louisville | Free | Learn about the free resources available to help you trace your family history.
Friday, Aug. 18
TurnStation Brewing Co Grand Opening | Friday, Aug. 18 | 4 p.m. | GlenOaks Golf & Country Club, 10601 Worthington Ln., Prospect | Free | Try this new brewery where craft beer and golf cross paths.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Archeology at Oxmoor Farm - Dig Day | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 1-5 p.m. | Oxmoor Farm, 720 Oxmoor Ave., Louisville | Free | Dig alongside archeologists inside the former dwellings of the enslaved people as part of the farm’s ongoing restoration project.
Jefferson’s Seafood Boil | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 5-8 p.m. | 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens, 6300 La Grange Rd., Crestwood | $65 | Enjoy a seafood dinner with an accompanied bourbon flight + live music.
Sunday, Aug. 20
Jazz at the Filson | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 3-5 p.m. | The Filson Historical Society, 1310 S. 3rd St., Louisville | $0-$35 | Hear vibraphonist Dick Sisto play a tribute concert to the masters of his instrument.
Monday, Aug. 21
One who threads his Grandmother’s Needles | Monday, Aug. 21 | 2-3 p.m. | South Central Branch Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd., Louisville | Free | Artist-in-Residence “Sunshine” Joe Mallard will give a talk followed by an art-making workshop around his famous quilts.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Señora Arepa Grand Opening | Tuesday, Aug. 22 | 11 a.m. | Señora Arepa, 117 St. Matthews Ave., Louisville | Free | Check out the new digs at this traditional Venezuelan restaurant.
The one store you shouldn’t skip if you’re renovating
The right products can help you make a statement with your renovation. | Photo provided by Mees Tile & Marble
You have a vision for your dream kitchen or bathroom, but aren’t sure where to find top-of-the-line products for finishes. Enter: Mees Tile & Marble.
Their team of professional design consultants can help you select the perfect tile, natural stone, or hardwood product for your renovation. Bonus: They partner with builders, contractors, architects, interior designers, and installers to help fulfill their clients’ dreams.
Whether you are a contractor, designer, or do-it-yourselfer, Mees can assist you — no matter your budget or style. Swing by one of their showrooms or follow them on Instagram for more design inspo.
Louisville’s Dan-O’s Seasoning has been living up to its “sprinkle generously” motto. It ranked No. 37 on the “Inc. 5000 2023” list for fastest growing private companies in the US. It had a 10,000% revenue growth, making it the highest ranked Kentucky company on the list. Take that, Mrs. Dash.
Open
The Myriad Swim Club — part of the forthcoming The Myriad Hotel in the Highlands — is open. The lounge-style outdoor pool offers food and bevvy service + sits between the hotel and its restaurant, Paseo. Day passes are $35 for non-hotel guests 21 and older. Reservations are recommended to make a splash.
Civic
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is assisting the city’s Incident Management Team with the hazardous chemical investigation on Applegate Lane. The teams assessed the safety of removing chemicals within the properties on Monday in lieu of burning, but regardless of their findings, a burn will not take place this week.
Number
$50,000. That’s how much money Jack Harlow is giving to the Louisville Ballet to help meet its $3 million funding goal. The money will come from The Jack Harlow Foundation. Jack said he strongly encourages anyone of means in our community to make a contribution to aid the ballet.
Edu
The president of the bus union leadership for JCPS, John Stovall, shared insights into the bussing calamity. A mix of failed communication, new start times + the AI-created routes were the cause of the chaos for drivers. The district is now collaborating with drivers ahead of the return of school this Friday, Aug. 18. (WAVE)
History
The famous red neon sign at Muth’s Candies was (and wasn’t) always red. The iconic candy store sign was originally red when the business opened in 1921, but was painted blue when it relocated 1962. In 2001, for its 80th anniversary, Rueff Signs restored it to its original red hue.
Shop
Drink
Start your morning off right with Matcha Nude. This matcha powder is made with premium-grade organic, non-GMO ingredients, perfect for a tasty, energizing drink.
Travel
It’s Going’s biggest sale of the year. Buy an Elite membership and finally get notified when first + business class flights are 40-90% off. The sale ends Thursday, Aug. 31.
Read
The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.
Wellness
Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.
I’m headed to celebrate my friend’s upcoming holy matrimony in the Windy City, but what really takes the (wedding) cake is this: Chicago dogs.
You just can’t really get an authentic one here in LOU, for obvious reasons, but here’s a couple spots that get pretty close if you want a taste without the six-hour drive.
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