08.21.2024

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4 unusual blue ribbon categories at the Kentucky State Fair

From sports memorabilia to pineapples, the Kentucky State Fair has it all. | Photo by LOUtoday

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.

A display case full of swords — There were just enough swords entered to keep the category going for another year.
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Photo by LOUtoday.

Your favorite crackers

The breads division has 25 classes, including flat breads, baguettes, and “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.”

A large paper sculpture of an armored soldier — The paper craft armor looms over the show floor as soon as you enter.
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Photo by LOUtoday.

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.

Events

Thursday, Aug. 22

Beginner Sewing Workshop | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Made Stitch Company | $53 | Sew your own drawstring bag while learning the fundamentals at this introductory class.
Tabletop Succulent Planter | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Pretty Decent | $48 | Design your own planter and fill it with polished rocks + stones while you sip cocktails and shop.

Friday, Aug. 23

Art Near Speed Park 2024 | Friday, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Speed Fellowship Hall, Sellersburg, IN | Free | Explore locally-produced art and sign up for adult + kids classes to make some of your own.
“Over My Dead Body” | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Louisville Pride Foundation | $20 | Journey into the afterlife with Marilyn Monroe and George Washington in a new play featuring original music, drag, stand-up, and ventriloquism.

Saturday, Aug. 24

An Evening with QUIET CONFIDENCE and Pennyroyal | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Gravely Brewing Co. | $8 | Jam out with two alt-rock bands while you enjoy local brews.

Sunday, Aug. 25

World Water Day at the Louisville Zoo | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Louisville Zoo | $16-$21 | Learn about the importance of clean water + see animal demonstrations from the seals, sea lions, bears, and tigers — free with zoo admission.

Friday, Sept. 6

Women in Business - Pumpkin Spice & Business Advice | Friday, Sept. 6 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Active Heroes Event Pavilion | $40-$60 | Don’t miss out on this opportunity for networking and inspiration from some incredible women in our community.*

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Edu

JCPS parents whose kids lost access to transportation this year are eligible for a stipend. Starting Monday, Aug. 26, families can register to receive $5 per day, or $10 per day for families on free and reduced lunch. Payments will be calculated and distributed at the end of each month. (WHAS11)

Community

Remember this missing painting? The piece of artwork that was mistakenly donated to Goodwill back in February was found at the Simpsonville Flea Market and returned to its original owner. Great work, all you Derby City detectives out there.

Outdoors

The Louisville Audubon Society is launching its Lights Out Louisville program, focused on saving migratory birds, tomorrow, Aug. 22 at the Main Branch Library, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The free event will feature a screening of the documentary “Lights Out Texas” followed by a Q+A with experts from around Kentucky.

Festival

Calling all airplane fans. BowmanFest is cleared for take off at Bowman Field on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 + 6. The two-day aviation festival will be held for the first time since 2022, featuring rare vintage airplanes + military vehicles, motorcycles, helicopters, and more — you can even ride some of them.

Plan Ahead

There’s a new fall festival in town. Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum’s first Cave Hill Fall Fest will be Saturday, Oct. 5. The inaugural event will feature wagon rides, live animals, music, honey tastings, crafts, and photo ops.

Sports

There’s just 11 days left until kickoff to the football season, as the Louisville Cardinals enter their second season under Jeff Brohm. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Older Adults

Wanted: Local retirees to grocery shop with neighbors, tutor local students, help in community gardens, and more. Get the info on local activities.*

Finance

Finance experts call this card a cash rewards dream: unlimited cash rewards on purchases, $200 bonus after spending $500, long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers + more.*

Eat

Guess who’s back, back ramen

Renshoku Ramen is back

Ramen, rice bowls, and appetizers are back on the menu in Old Louisville. | Photo by LOUtoday

Renshoku Ramen opened in Old Louisville last year, but after a car struck its storefront in June and caused a fire it was forced to close.

The story didn’t end there, though. Other local businesses came together to help Renshoku rebuild + recover. Starting in June, Renshoku began serving hot dogs at The Merryweather and Old Louisville Brewery — which is in its own process of recovering from a lapse in liquor licensing, so the pop-ups were a win-win.

Now, Renshoku Ramen is back home in its 2nd Street location, but with limited hours. It’s open for dinner only, 5-9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Lunch service will return eventually, as will online orders — right now it’s dine-in or take-out only.

The menu at Renshoku is always changing — especially right now — but features ramen, rice bowls, and shareable appetizers.

The Buy

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More worth The Buy

Answered

What are your must sees at the state fair?

Last week, we asked you about your “must-see” features at the Kentucky State Fair, and reader Bill H. offered an answer that we just had to share — it even comes with a pro tip.

“The competition side is what I want to see. I love the food categories — but go early, or you’ll just see moldy pies. You can spend forever looking at photography and quilts, plants, even fish tank arrangements. Then there’s the ‘home brew’ category — home brewed beers.

“If you want a real flavor of Kentucky — from the hills and hollers to the city folks — it’s all there.”

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Declan

From the editor

This year was my very first time visiting the Kentucky State Fair, and winning a ribbon has become my new life’s goal.

What category should I try to enter next year? Have a look through the categories and let me know.

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