LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hundreds of vendors and thousands of people are getting ready for this year’s Kentucky State Fair, which celebrates 120 years and 120 counties. 

What You Need To Know

  •  The Kentucky State Fair will have up to 400 vendors at this year's event

  • Vendors spent the day gettting ready for opening day

  • The Kentucky State Fair runs from Aug. 15 until Aug. 25

  • It is estimated to bring $8.9 million to the state

For about the last five years, John Milner has traveled the country working state fairs. This is his first time at the Kentucky State Fair. He said there’s something he loves about state fairs.

Milner said, “The people. There’s a lot of people to talk to and know more about other people and know more about what they call life.”

Another vendor, Shay Savannah. who is from South Africa, started working fairs back in 2020. She came to Kentucky last year. There were still things to do before opening day at her Funny Farm project.

 “…Just like final touches, make sure everything’s working, make sure power’s to everything. Make sure everything’s in the right places,” Savannah said.

A fair spokesperson said up to 400 vendors are offering a variety of food and items that are unique to the fair.

Michael Doran has been cooking up good food for 53 years, since 1972. He pride himself on offering non-traditional fair food, like spaghetti and meatballs.

Doran, who owns International Catering, said of his spaghetti, “Made fresh daily. Made fresh here. Marinara sauce is homemade from scratch. Nothing out of a can.”

Milner said he’s looking forward to handing out hundreds of plushy toy prizes. He hopes families have fun.

“Memories, like I used to have coming to the Fair.” Milner said.

Tickets for the Kentucky State Fair are available now and can be bought online. The fair officially opens Thursday, Aug. 15 and runs through Aug. 25. A Kentucky State Fair spokesperson says it is expected to have an economic impact of $8.9 million.

Related Stories