Department of Tourism
State Fair Caps Summer Fair Season

Press Release Date:  Wednesday, August 17, 2005  
Contact Information:  Bob Adams
502-564-4930
bob.adams@ky.gov
 


LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Capping the summer fair season is the granddaddy of these annual events – the Kentucky State Fair. Celebrating its 101st season, the 2005 state fair runs from Aug. 18-28 at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center in Louisville. Thousands of fairgoers (and animals) will fill the 400 acres of the fairgrounds. Featuring the World’s Championship Horse Show, concerts by top entertainers, prize-winning livestock, the Thrillway and a tasty selection of eatables, the fair has something to pique practically every interest.

 

The concert lineup includes some of contemporary music’s most popular performers. Here’s the schedule:

 

Chevy Presents:

Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich

“The American Revolution Tour”

8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18
Freedom Hall

Hilary Duff

“Still Most Wanted Tour 2005”

8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19

Freedom Hall

Alan Jackson's “What I Do Tour”

With special guest The Wrights

8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20

Freedom Hall

Cruzan Rum Presents:
Kenny Chesney's “Somewhere In The Sun Tour 2005”

With special guest Pat Green

8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28

Freedom Hall

(SOLD OUT)

 

            The fair also features a series of free concerts:

 

Cheap Trick

8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18

Cardinal Stadium

 

Twista with special guest Nappy Roots

8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19

Cardinal Stadium

 

Seether and Crossfade

With special guest Dark New Day

8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20

Cardinal Stadium

 

An Evening with The Oak Ridge Boys

8 p.m. Sunday Aug. 21

Cardinal Stadium

 

An Evening with Steven Curtis Chapman

With special guest The Crabb Family

8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22

Cardinal Stadium

 

Gary Allen and Dierks Bentley

8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23

Cardinal Stadium

 

Bobby Vee & The Vees, Fabian and Brian Hyland

8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24

Cardinal Stadium

 

George Jones with The Kentucky Sisters

8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25

 

Bill Medley – Tribute to the Righteous Brothers

8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26

Cardinal Stadium

 

An Evening with Trace Adkins

8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27

Cardinal Stadium

 

 

For horse lovers, the Kentucky State Fair has no equal. From saddlebreds to miniature ponies, the schedule of events offers a variety of equestrian entertainment.

World's Championship Horse Show
Aug. 21-27

This prestigious event attracts over 2,000 horses and people from all over the country and the world, awarding more than $1 million in premiums. World champion saddlebreds are crowned in different divisions during this show, which is held annually in conjunction with the State Fair. Competition categories include saddlebreds, roadsters, road ponies, hackney ponies, and saddle seat equitation.

State Fair Quarter Horse Show 
Aug. 8-13

Galloping into Broadbent Arena and Freedom Hall Aug. 8-13, this Western-style show includes competition events in performance, halter, reining, cutting, team penning, roping, Western pleasure, rescue race, flag race, barrels, poles, and hunter under saddle. The show includes events sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the National Quarter Horse Association.

State Fair Morgan Horse Show 
Aug. 15-16

This two-day, fun-filled event features competition in Western pleasure, English pleasure, park saddle, hunter pleasure, carriage pleasure driving, equitation, dressage and more. Horses in this show are registered with the American Morgan Horse Association, the Canadian Morgan Horse Association, or the British Morgan Horse Society.

State Fair Miniature Horse Show 
Aug. 26-27

The Kentucky State Fair Miniature Horse Show features equestrian minis competing in over 60 classes based on size, gender and age. Categories include roadsters, pleasure driving, costume, showmanship and children's divisions.

 

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.kystatefair.org or call 502-367-5000.

 

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