KY State Fair Changed to Participants Only This Year

The Kentucky State Fair will be held Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear announced during his daily press conference on Thursday that the Kentucky State Fair, taking place later this month, will be greatly scaled back with attendance limited to participants only, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Beshear said quote, “Through consultations with public health officials, the Fair Board determined that limiting the fair to participants, was a necessary step to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases.  This is something the Fair Board came to, understanding it’s their responsibility to protecting Kentuckians, to create a safe atmosphere for everyone, and it’s a decision that I fully support.” 

This year’s fair will feature wider aisle ways, reduced occupancy, increased hygiene accessibility, and facial covering requirements. In an effort to manage crowds and social distancing, Lot A exhibits, Midway, concerts, entertainment, and food vendors will not be featured in this year’s fair.

The Kentucky State Fair will be held Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

The World’s Championship Horse Show will be held without spectators and adhere to the U.S. Equestrian Federation COVID-19 guidelines.

“We believe the decision will allow Kentucky to continue our tradition of highlighting the state’s premiere agriculture and equestrian industry while prioritizing the health and safety of Kentuckians,” said Gov. Beshear.

“We are proud that we are having the fair, but obviously the health and safety of our community is uppermost in our minds and we’re delighted that we will at least be able to have the horse show and livestock contestants, the 4H-ers and the FFA kids,” said Steve Wilson, chair of the State Fair Board.

For more information, visit the Kentucky State Fair’s website.