Crews put finishing touches on Kentucky State Fair setup before Thursday kickoff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Crews spent Wednesday putting the finishing touches on this year's Kentucky State Fair.

Crews spent several days setting up for the 122nd fair, which kicks off Thursday at the Kentucky Exposition Center and runs through Aug. 30.

Wednesday, food vendors pulled in to start getting ready as crews finished setting up the Midway and ride area.

About 500,000 to 600,000 people are expected to attend. Families from 4-H chapters brought in their cows and goats, with many other animals coming in next week.

When it comes to entries, fair organizers said this year is one of the biggest with more than 30,000 entries, from cakes to quilts and everything in between.

This year's theme is "Country Traditions. Country Celebration," honoring America's 250th birthday. The festivities start with an opening ceremony at 10:15 a.m. at the fountain in front of Freedom Hall. The Little Miss and Mister Pageant will follow at 1 p.m. Thursday night's entertainment includes Cooper Alan with special guest JD Shelburne on the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Stage at 8 p.m.

Many fair policies are still in place this year, especially when it comes to minors, but one change has been made.

"Our rideshare, Uber, Lyft, drop-offs, make sure that you have your kids with an approved chaperone, because Uber, Lyft, and rideshare must drop off outside the gate of Gate One and their IDs will be checked before they will be able to enter," fair spokesperson Ian Cox said.

Minors need a chaperone after 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday who is 21 years old or older, a rule that is in effect for all fair hours Friday through Sunday.

Tickets cost $12 in advance, while kids 5 and under get in for free.

WDRB Day at the fair is Friday, Aug. 28.

Some special events include the largest pumpkin and watermelon contest, the Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic, Military Sunday on Aug. 23, $5 Monday on Aug. 24, Senior Day on Aug. 25, Sensory Awareness Morning on Aug. 26, the annual Kentucky Ham Breakfast and Auction on Aug. 27, the Championship Drive, BEERFEST and the World's Championship Horse Show.

The concert lineup includes Midnight Star, Black Stone Cherry, Cain, Boys Like Girls, Foghat and more.

To learn more, look at a lineup of concerts and activities, or to purchase tickets, click here.