The Kentucky State Fair Board voted Thursday to move forward with plans to have the fair in August while preparing to make potential adjustments due to the pandemic.
Kentucky Venues President and CEO David Beck in a statement said the state fair is an important event for thousands in the state, with the economic activity it creates having the potential to help the economy recover.
“While we will need to make adjustments to respond to COVID-19, we plan to produce as much of the Fair as safely possible. We look forward to once again being where Kentucky comes together,” Beck said.
The fair will be August 19-29, with tickets going on sale in July. Information on events, artists, and competitions will be announced at a later date. Last year’s state fair was limited to participants only in various competitions due to the pandemic, though plans for this year could allow for more in attendance. A normal state fair usually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Republican Ryan Quarles in a tweet said the state fair board understands the importance of having a “2019-style fair”, but is prepared to make potential changes in the coming weeks.
Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear is suing Quarles and GOP leadership over a law that shifts control of the state fair board from Beshear to Quarles, one of several moves by the GOP-controlled legislature this year to shift power away from the governor.
