Kentucky State Fair kicks off 11 days of fun, food and entertainment next week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's almost time for corn dogs, donut burgers, Midway rides and more as the Kentucky State Fair kicks off next week.

It all starts Aug. 17 and continues through Aug. 27, showcasing the best Kentucky has to offer. The fair provides hours of entertainment for the whole family with hundreds of vendors, free concerts and dozens of daily activities.

IMAGES | Views from The Midway at the Kentucky State Fair

This year's theme is "Summer Summed Up."

Ian Cox, Executive Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues, and Mary Bauer with the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Association joined WDRB Mornings Friday for a preview of what to expect.

Bauer showed off a collection of quilts, and let us know that there's a new category this year for modern quilts. Putting one together can be time consuming but many consider it a labor of love.

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.

Cox said the fair "will be celebrating 25,000 entries from each of Kentucky's 120 counties."

The inaugural BEERFEST is planned for Aug. 19. Fairgoers will be able to sample beer from more than 20 craft breweries around Kentucky.

Also new this year is the Latin Music Fest, Cox said. It will happen on the last day of the fair and feature salsa dancing and musical performances throughout the day in the BIG Tent. Members of LouCity FC will be on hand for a meet and greet at 10 a.m. and will also sign souvenirs, wearables and other memorabilia.

The annual concert series, which is free with fair admission, features Chris Janson and special guest Alex Miller on Aug. 17. Morris Day and the Time with special guest Tag Team perform on Aug. 18. Happy Together Tour will play on Aug. 22. According to a news release, more acts joining the lineup will be announced next week.

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. Officials say IDs will be checked at the gate.

Also, the fair will continue to stop allowing entry an hour before it closes.

Organized in 1816, the fair became the official state fair in 1902. It moved from city to city until 1907, when Louisville became its permanent home.

Click Here for more information or to buy tickets.

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