LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The wait is over. The Kentucky State Fair is officially here, bringing 11 days of food, rides, entertainment and competition to the Kentucky Exposition Center.
But before the gates opened, thousands of people were already hard at work preparing for one of the biggest parts of the fair, competition.
Entries span just about every category, from quilts and tobacco leaves to livestock.
For those showing animals, the work doesn't stop when they arrive at the fairgrounds. Livestock caretakers spend long days — and sometimes nights — staying close to their animals.
That includes 13-year-old Chelsie Watts, who comes from a family that has shown cattle for three generations.
This year, Watts is taking on a new challenge by competing as an independent farmer with her own cow, Star.
She got off to a strong start Thursday when Star won first place in her first competition.
Watts said the win was especially meaningful because Star is smaller than other cows her age.
"I've done it for so many years," Watts said.
"But today, after she won, she's really short for her age, so for her to win, it's really big for me," Watts said.
For Watts, the win is more than another blue ribbon. It's a milestone in her first year competing on her own and a proud moment for a family that has spent generations showing cattle.
The Kentucky State Fair runs through Aug. 30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
