5K run kicks off one of the country's largest trade shows at Kentucky Exposition Center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of the largest trade shows in the country kicked off with a 5K run early Wednesday before it opened for its 40th year at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center this week.

The annual Equip Expo generates around $21 million in economic impact for Kentucky, according to a news release Wednesday. Proceeds from the Mulligan's Fun Run 5K will benefit the Kentucky Humane Society.

The Equip Expo got its start in 1984 as a small part of the National Farm Machinery Show but has now grown to become one of the largest trade shows in the U.S., according to the release. More than 25,000 people from all 50 states and 49 countries are expected to attend.

The massive show features more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including 30 acres of Outdoor Demo Yard and a UTV Test Track.

It will have more than 1,000 indoor exhibits, outdoor demos and a free concert at the KFC Yum! Center featuring country artists Big and Rich and Gretchen Wilson. Several other events for attendees are scheduled throughout the city.

"We're proud to call Louisville our home for the last 40 years," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip Exposition. "Louisville is an ideal location for Expo, and the city is as much a partner and part of Expo as our exhibitors and attendees."

The Equip Expo continues through Oct. 21.

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