The Kentucky State Fair is coming up and it guarantees good times, as always. The fair starts Thursday, August 16, 2012, and goes through Sunday, August 26, 2012. There is always so much to do, I usually don’t know where to start and end up missing half of what I really wanted to see. This year, I have decided to plan ahead to make better use of my time and really enjoy the time I am there. I’ve put together a list of 10 events, concerts, exhibits and performances I would like to see or do this year, which may help you plan your fair trip as well.
JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Challenge. Championship trick dogs perform amazing balancing and jumping acts in water. I see this every year and it is always amazing and fun. Take the little ones too, as they are sure to enjoy seeing the dogs do awesome tricks, jumping into a pool.
Show times: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. daily
Juggernaut Jug Band at the Sivori Country Music Tent. Always a fun, entertaining band to see. They are a jazzy jug band using washboards, kazoos, washtubs and of course, jugs. They are always a must-see.
Multiple showtimes at the Sivori Country Music Tent Outside
Thursday, August 16 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
Friday, August 17 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
Saturday, August 18 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
$24 Wristband Day. Pay $24 and enjoy unlimited rides at the Thrillway. The rides open at 12 p.m. daily.
Handsome Little Devils. This is an amazing “Cirque-type” act, featuring dazzling feats, Vaudeville comedy, circus acts, and even a human cannon. Great fun for the whole family, and they perform daily on the Kentucky State Fair Family Stage, 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m..
Dance Fun with Matthew “Tater” Clemmons. Bubbles, music, and more, this is a high energy dance party for all held in Mike Lenning’s Tropical Tent.
Show Times:
Thursday, August 16, 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 17, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 19, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 23, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Young the Giant with special guest WE BARBARIANS. One of the Kentucky State Fair’s classic free concerts with popular rock band Young the Giant. You may have heard their hit song “Cough Syrup” on the radio recently. This will definitely be a great show to see.
Friday, August 24 – Cardinal Stadium – Free Show – Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Cinderella with Sebastian Bach . Another classic free show with classic 80’s hair band Cinderella. Tease out your hair, where some neon colors and rock out.
Thursday, August 16 – Cardinal Stadium – Free Show – Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson Tarc Bus. This cover party band is a local favorite. They are always fun and put on great shows. See them at the Budweiser True Music Entertainment Tent for several shows.
See schedule of all music and food tents.
War Hawks & Valiant Volunteers: Kentuckians in the War of 1812 Exhibition. A museum-quality exhibition displaying Kentucky’s role in this historic, yet often over-looked war, often called America’s “Second War of Independence.” It will also be accompanied by a 30-minute musical performed by current students from Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School. The performance is called “Brave Hunters of Kentucky!” and will be performed on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Blue Ribbon Stage in the South Wing B Lobby.
Brave Hunters of Kentucky! Show Times:
Aug. 16, 17, 19-24 & 26 – 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 18- 12:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Aug. 25- 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Health Horizons. Don’t forget all of the wonderful and convenient health screenings you can take advantage of while at the Fair, such as skin cancer screenings, neck and spine screenings, mammograms, blood pressure screenings and so much more. For a full list, see the Kentucky State Fair’s website.
I know I cannot wait for the State Fair every year, and I am just as excited this year. I will definitely make sure I plan out my day (or days) spent there, to get the most out of my trip. Don’t forget to enjoy all the animal exhibits, the indoor flea market and 4-H exhibits, as well as the always-delicious fair food too. You can also buy tickets in advance at select Kroger locations and can get $2 off per ticket when bought in advance. Hopefully this list can help you make the best of your trip to the Kentucky State Fair and maybe even see some things you wouldn’t have otherwise.
