ALEXANDRIA, Ky. — If you’re looking for 4-H contests, pageants and horse shows, Alexandria is the place to be this weekend. The Alexandria Fair and Horse Show, featuring loads of livestock and entertainment, is underway in northern Kentucky.

Sally McNichols said she wears many hats working with the fair, including serving as the horse show’s secretary. 

“That’s kind of my thing. I just love the horses. I used to show — when I was a kid, I showed my ponies out here and it just kinda carried through,” McNichols said. “I always wanted to be on the board and here I am.”

She’s been helping put on this show each year for nearly 35 years. Nichols grew up with the fair, and so did many people in the community. It’s been a tradition since 1856.

“It’s very, very rewarding. We as children grew up with the fair and we as associate members and directors here have raised our kids here.” said Valerie True.

McNichols and True said the fair comes to life each year because it’s volunteer-run.

“It’s people through the community who come and help us do this. They give us their time and I just think we have an awesome fair family,” True said.

McNichols said a lot of fun exists at the fair, but what keeps her coming back each year is her love for horses.

“It’s the horses. I love the horse show,” she said.

The fair runs through Monday evening. More information on events and the schedule can be found on their website.