FRANKFORT, Ky. — With its 2020 iteration hampered during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky State Fair will return August 19-29, 2021 after a vote by the Kentucky State Fair Board.
What You Need To Know
- It's official: the Kentucky State Fair returns August 19-29, 2021
- The State Fair Board voted to approve "2019-style" plans for the event
- If COVID-19 continues to be a problem in August, the fair may be scaled back
- Tickets go on sale in July
Kentucky State Fair staff have begun programming more than 1.2 million square feet of space and more than 300 acres of outdoor space with health and safety of everyone top of mind, officials said in a press release.
Tickets will go on sale in July. Specifics about events, artists, and competitions have not yet been announced.
“The Kentucky State Fair is an important event for thousands of people around the Commonwealth and the economic activity created by the Fair will help Kentucky’s recovery," said David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. "While we will need to make adjustments to respond to COVID-19, we plan to produce as much of the Fair as safely possible. We look forward to once again being where Kentucky comes together."
Ryan Quarles, Kentucky's agriculture commissioner, said the State Fair will serve as a unifying event for all Kentuckians being able to come together. He added that the plans remain fluid in the event that COVID-19 continues to be a problem closer to August.
"All members believe in the importance of moving forward with planning a 2019-style fair with the full understanding that changes may be needed as we get closer to August," Quarles said. "However, it is always easier to scale back a large event than to try to ramp it up quickly."
The Kentucky State Fair celebrates the best of the bluegrass state by highlighting the Commonwealth’s history, heritage and culture. The annual summertime celebration features the World’s Championship Horse Show, exhibits, livestock, food, rides, entertainment and concerts included with admission.
Officials said the safety of competitors, employees and visitors to the Kentucky State Fair is the highest priority. The event will follow the recommendations of the Kentucky Healthy at Work and Healthy Events initiatives as well as the Center for Disease Control and Jefferson County Health Department. Fairgoers will be required to follow all Kentucky guidelines at the time of the event.
The 117th Kentucky State Fair will be held August 19-29, 2021.
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