Dan Smaldone
Media Manager
(502) 367-5180

       The 100th Kentucky State Fair welcomed a total of 637,327 visitors through the gates during its August 19-29 run – a two percent increase in attendance over last year’s event.
       “The 100th Kentucky State Fair proved to be a good draw for people wanting to be a part of something special,” said Harold Workman, president & CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board. “This event was a celebration of Kentucky’s history and heritage and we are pleased with the response.”
       The success of the Fair is largely attributed to a popular line up of free and paid concerts as well as fairgoers’ eagerness to participate in the 100th Kentucky State Fair celebration. Strong numbers in the competitive departments, which brought in a total of approximately 46,000 entries for this year’s event, and the 11,000 students visiting as part of educational field trips also contributed to the Fair’s success.
       Attendance has grown significantly and steadily since the first Kentucky State Fair, held in September 1902 with an attendance of 75,000 and a budget of $15,000. The 2004 edition marks the sixteenth consecutive year that the Fair has greeted over 600,000 visitors.
       Planning has already begun for the 101st Kentucky State Fair, August 18-28, 2005. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org.

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