LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Proud commodity products were on display Thursday morning at the annual Commodity Breakfast that kicked off the 120th Kentucky State Fair. 

Farmers and agriculture officials organize and host the breakfast, which is the first official event of the Kentucky State Fair. The annual tradition celebrates the state's agriculture industry and highlights a variety of the Kentucky's commodities. The fresh eggs, pork and beef are provided by Kentucky farmers and producers.  

The breakfast was served in the Kentucky Proud cookout tent, near the West Hall and to the right of Kentucky Kingdom. Republicans and Democrats sat down to share their morning meal, temporarily setting aside their differences to take part.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, along with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and other local leaders, helped kick off the event.

"This is such a special tradition," Beshear said, "one that's given generations of Kentuckians the chance to celebrate what makes our state special: that's our values, our culture, and the important work done every day by our families and all the workers in our agriculture and equine industries."

Agriculture leaders in the state say the fair is one of the biggest stages for one of Kentucky's biggest economic drivers. The commodities breakfast did just that, serving hundreds Kentucky breakfast favorites on a platter, including tomatoes, catfish, Kentucky pork, eggs and beef .

Politicians will gather again at the fair in one week for another event featuring food: the 60th annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. It'll happen at 7:30 a.m. in the South Wing B Conference Center. 

The fair will open at 10 a.m. daily, but different areas will close at different times. To check the schedule, hours are posted here on the Kentucky State Fair website. 

Special discounts and promotions are offered throughout the duration of the fair, including Military Sunday with free admission for active military and veterans, $5 Mondays, Senior Day, and more.

The fair is continuing a policy this year that requires anyone 18 and younger to be accompanied by a guardian at least 21-years-old after 6 p.m. daily. Each chaperone can have up to six guests. 

Officials say IDs will be checked at the gate. 

The fair continues through Aug. 25. Tickets are available online, at participating Kroger stores or the Kentucky Exposition Center box office. To purchase tickets for the state fair online, click here.

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