We love visiting fairs and festivals, so it is no surprise that we visit several state fairs every year. Just a few days ago we were at the Illinois State Fair with Miss Georgetown Fair 2012 Hayley Lockwood, and on August 16th we went down to Louisville to watch opening day ceremonies at the Kentucky State Fair.
With over 1.2 million square feet of indoor space, the Kentucky State Fair is the largest indoor state fair in America. Unlike any other state fair we have every visited, the Kentucky State Fair is held at an exposition and convention center complex, so just about everything happens under one roof. Seeing state fair exhibits - everything from cars to quilts to modular homes - inside a convention hall is a unique experience, and it is a blessing if it happens to be really hot outside or raining, which are common in August.
Our only disappointment with the Kentucky State Fair is about the closure of Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Because the old Kentucky Kingdom park sat on the property of the Expo Center, the amusement park became part of the Kentucky Thrillway during the state fair. That meant you could stroll inside Kentucky Kingdom and buy tickets to ride one roller coaster at a time. There were hardly ever any long rides, and this was one of Joe's favorite things about the Kentucky State Fair. Seeing the old amusement park shuttered and rusting away is heartbreaking.
In keeping with our role as the official photographers of the Georgetown Fair Queen, we couldn't help but grab a few shots of the Kentucky county fair queens as they introduced themselves during opening ceremonies. The Kentucky fair queens show up looking fabulous and get their picture taken with the governor.
The Kentucky State Fair has a few entry contests that really sets it apart from Indiana and Illinois. With tobacco, country hams and an ugly lamp contest sponsored by Lynn's Paradise Cafe in Louisville, there might just be more to see at the Kentucky State Fair, plus it's all inside in air conditioned comfort! We've got more stops planned in our fall fair and festival tour, so keep following our adventures on Josh and Joe Travels!
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