
2 minute read
Ryan Quarles: Commissioner's Corner
Celebrate the 118th Kentucky State Fair
Ryan Quarles Commissioner of Agriculture
One of my favorite events of the year is the Kentucky State Fair at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. This year’s dates are Aug. 18-28. As a farm kid from Scott County, I have many fond memories of past Kentucky State Fairs. Many call the State Fair “agriculture’s family reunion.” Without a doubt, it’s the commonwealth’s largest ag-venue to showcase the best that Kentucky agriculture has to offer along with promoting youth programs, such as FFA and 4-H.
The Kentucky State Fair is one of our state’s oldest continuous events, celebrating its 118th year in 2022. The State Fair truly embodies the best version of Kentucky and its citizens. At a time of political and social division, the State Fair presents an opportunity for Kentuckians to unify as one. The State Fair brings together both urban and rural citizens of all ages and backgrounds to meet in our state’s largest city and celebrate the four “F”s that makes Kentucky great: farming, family, food, and fellowship. This year, the annual Commodity Breakfast will open the State Fair inside a new Kentucky Proud Cookout Tent at a new location. Come to Parking Lot A, outside of the South Wing Lobby B, and experience an assortment of delicious Kentucky Proud food items from our farm families. ‘AgLand’ welcomes each person to get better educated about the basics – and the science – behind agriculture. Outside the entrance to ‘AgLand’ in the South Wing A Lobby, you can watch high school cooking teams competing for full ride college scholarships during the Farm-to-School Junior Chef State Tournament on the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage. ‘Junior Chef’ is a Kentucky Department of Agriculture program that enables students to learn food handling and preparation skills while cooking dishes using as many fresh, local Kentucky Proud foods as possible. The State Fair also highlights the livestock show season in Kentucky, allowing producers to compete for prizes and bragging rights. Drop by Broadbent Arena and take a look at these dedicated young people working with their farm animals.
Free evening concerts are offered for fairgoers, including one of my favorites, The Oak Ridge Boys. They will be performing for the 47th time. The State Fair represents a chance to connect with some of the sights (and smells) of Kentucky agriculture. It’s well known that our agriculture industry is changing. More and more Kentuckians are removed from farm living than ever before. The State Fair is an opportunity to connect with families who are still carrying on the farming traditions that helped build Kentucky. I’m excited to have my annual chat with 18-foottall Farmer Freddy Farm Bureau outside the entrance to Freedom Hall. I look forwarding to visiting with all Kentuckians – hopefully you, too – at this year’s Kentucky State Fair. For full details and tickets, visit www.KyStateFair.org.

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