LOUSIVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Fair announced Tuesday "the most affordable fair experience in more than a decade," including a deal for those who buy their tickets early. Early bird tickets will be available July 2 at 10 a.m. through Aug. 5 for $8 per person, including parking.

“There’s nowhere else in the state where you can experience this much entertainment for only $8 per person if bought before Aug. 5. After a year without having a public fair, we thought it was important to focus on accessibility so we could bring as many Kentuckians together to experience the concerts, the food and the fun unique to our annual festival,” said President and CEO of Kentucky Venues David Beck.

Early bird admission tickets will be available online at kystatefair.org/tickets, or they can be purchased at participating Kroger locations. Prices increase on Aug. 6. Admission at the gate is $10 per person and $10 parking per vehicle.

Advance all-day Thrill Ville ride wristbands are $25 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster with an admission ticket, in-person at participating Kroger locations or at kisselentertainment.com/tickets.asp.

The Kentucky State Fair also announced the return of two popular special promotional days and a new morning event.

Military Sunday at the fair on Aug. 22 will honor veterans, military members and their families with free admission and optional discounted midway wristbands, however, parking is not included. Military ID must be presented at the entrance and will include up to four people. There will be a military recognition ceremony before the Oak Ridge Boys concert at the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series.

Senior Day will return to the fair on Aug. 24 with free admission for fairgoers ages 55 and up, but parking isn't included. There will be activities for seniors throughout the day, culminating with the Happy Together Tour with special guests The Monarchs performing at the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series.

On Aug. 25, the fair's first-ever Sensory Friendly Morning will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Kentucky State Fair and Kissel Entertainment will partner with local organizations to distribute free admission and midway tickets to family and fairgoers with sensory processing differences. The midway will operate with minimal lights and music during that time to create an enjoyable fair experience for those with sensory sensitivities.

“The Kentucky State Fair is important to our entire state. For our farmers, it’s a place where they can showcase the best of Kentucky agriculture. The fair is also a celebration of Kentucky, and is a place where people from urban and rural communities come together, learn from each other, and celebrate our common ground,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles.

The 2021 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 19-29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Editor's note: We have included a video report from Ashley Brown with this story.