LEXINGTON, Ky. — Food, fun, and festivities are back at the 56th annual Bluegrass Fair this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the event last year. But each year, the Lexington Lion’s Club contributes back to the community.

A portion of the proceeds from the fair go toward organizations such as the Bluegrass Council for the Blind.

The organization is then able to offer resources to those with low vision or people who are blind.

Executive director Theresa Thomas said it’s all because of help from the Lexington Lion’s Club.

“The Lion’s are so gracious, that they allow us to use their funding toward rent because we couldn't do this, we couldn't sit down with a client and help them if we didn't have the space,” Thomas said.

Thomas said in their office they’re able to host classes and teach students on assistive technology like a magnifying machine 54-year-old Kimberly May is learning on Friday.

“A lot of foundations want to do grants for tangible goods that go to the client, which is wonderful, we need those and that's what we have here,” Thomas said. “But if people don't have a place to go and learn how to use it, and to know that it exists, and make sure that it works for them. It doesn't really help if they don't know it exists and they can't use.”

These are critical resources that improve and aid Kimberly to navigate her daily tasks.

“I have never been around other people who have been dealing with blindness and visual impairment. so that's been a big factor for me here with the services. It's being around other people that I can relate to and they can relate to me and we can discuss or impairment,” May said.

The Bluegrass Fair is running each day until June 20 with new kiddie rides, carnival games, and of course lots of food.