The 11-day, corn dog-eating, thrill-seeking, blue ribbon-winning Kentucky State Fair is almost here! Tomorrow the Fair begins, which means time is running out to buy advanced discount admission tickets.
Stop by any participating Louisville or Southern Indiana Kroger tonight to pick up general admission tickets for your entire family. Purchase adult tickets for only $6, Children tickets (ages 3-12) for just $2 and Seniors tickets (ages 55 & over) for $2. You can also buy Thrillway tickets for only $17 for a strip of 22 ride tickets.
Haven’t made plans yet for which day you’re attending? No problem! Tickets can be used any day of the Fair, so buy them now at the discounted rate.
Hurry to Kroger, before it’s too late! The offer ends at 10 p.m. tonight.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
0
Fair Plans when the Weather is Foul
If clouds and rain replace the sunny skies of Louisville during the Kentucky State Fair, don’t worry about your plans. The State Fair is always a fun trip in any type of weather with over 1.2 million square feet of indoor space jam-packed with Fair festivities. Check out the top 10 things to do at the Fair when it’s time to move indoors.
10. Stop, Shop and Sample
The hundreds of booths and vendors in the Commercial Exhibits in South Wing C will bring both surprise and joy to shopaholics and casual browsers alike. Visitors can spend hours shopping for everything from t-shirts and candles to antiques and homemade goods. And if out-of-towners decide they love our state enough to relocate, they can even buy a whole new house right inside the Fair! If money is tight, there is no need to worry, the commercial exhibitors are also generous with the free samples.
9. Rock Out While Staying In
Fairgoers will feel like they’re while visiting the outdoor entertainment tents where they can taste delicious foods while listening to good music. While the Q has offered good BBQ at the Fair for many years, it is now paired with new sponsor Miller Lite for the Miller Lite Brew and Q Tent on the West Lawn. Enjoy country music and grilled foods at the Sivori Country Music Tent in the South Wing Parking Lot. Fair fun-seekers can get in to the act at the Mike Linnig’s Tropical Tent with karaoke and audience participation contests. Also sample some of the chicken, fish and frozen drinks from Mike Linnig’s restaurant in the South Wing Parking Lot. At the Budweiser True Music Tent on the West Lawn bands will be rocking hard as the crowd chows down on a grilled selection from Associated Enterprises.
8. Hail to Heritage Hall
Seniors can enjoy non-stop, indoor fun because it’s always sunny in Heritage Hall. From morning cups of coffee and poetry contests to bingo and special contests, seniors won’t have to worry about weather dampening their plans. Admission to Senior Day sponsored by Humana, Aug. 25 will only cost those 55 and older two quarters. It doesn’t matter which day you join in the fun of Heritage Hall. Stop by on Heritage Hall on Aug. 22 for a “Homemade Surprise” potluck lunch or hop on down to the Nut’s-n-Honey Dance Club on Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. No matter the weather or the day, there’s always activities going on in Heritage Hall.
7. Say “Hay” to our Animals
A trip to the Fair isn’t complete without taking the family to visit our four-legged guests. The Representative Farm Animal Display can be viewed in the Broadbent Lobby Breezeway Aug. 20-30 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dairy Goats, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits will be in the Pavilion Aug. 20-23. Dairy Cattle can be seen in the West Wing from Aug. 20-24. Mules & Jacks will be in the stalls under Cardinal Stadium Aug. 20-27. Boer Goats can be seen in Broadbent Arena Aug. 21-22, 24-25. Sheep will be in the Pavilion Aug. 24-30. Beef Cattle can be seen in the West Wing Aug. 25-30. Swine will be in the Pavilion Aug. 25-30.
6. Blue Ribbons when the Sky is Gray
Support some of the youngest talent in the Bluegrass at the Little Miss & Mister Kentucky County Fairs Pageant, sponsored by DASANI Essence on Aug. 20. The contest will be in the South Wing B Conference Center in Room 104. Be entertained as teen performers compete in the Coca-Cola Talent Classic in South Wing B in rooms 103 and 104. The semi-finals are Aug. 22-23 with finals Aug. 29. See the most unique, strange and off-the-wall items at the Fair during the Ugly Lamp Contest, sponsored by Lynn’s Paradise Café. Judging begins Saturday, Aug. 22 on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Blue Ribbon Stage. The lamps fit in one of three categories: “Born Ugly,” “Made Ugly” or “Ugly Leg Lamp,” inspired by “A Christmas Story.” They can be viewed everyday of the Fair in the South Wing B Lobby. Other contests include: “Something To Crow About” Rooster Crowing Contest, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Gospel Quartet Contest and Kentucky Division Competition of the National Youth Storytelling Showcase.
5. Make a Date with the Bluegrass State
The best place to show off Kentucky is at the Fair, and from Kentucky Proud products to the Pride of the Counties and Main Street exhibits, the State Fair has it covered. Counties converge in the South Wing to show off their unique attributes, while fairgoers can take a stroll down Main Street to learn all about the Bluegrass culture through educational institutes and government agencies. The Educational Exhibits also boast the pride of the Bluegrass through two unique display areas. The “Lincoln to Luthiers” display, presented by the Kentucky Historical Society shows how Kentucky and the nation have been shaped by Abraham Lincoln and our military history. In the “Gallopalooza: Horses of Possibility City” exhibit, fairgoers can explore the painted fiberglass horses of Gallopalooza that show off the talent of local artists.
4. The Skinny on Mini-Fairgoers
When it rains, kids may not be able to flip and dip on midway rides, but they can get a kick out of all the kid-size festivities indoors. The Kidz Biz stage hosts favorite Looney Tunes characters, as well as Fairbear and Fairabear and includes daily performances by The Spoon Man and Kid’s Celebration. Displays by the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department and the Louisville Metro Police Department will keep young children amazed. They are complete with emergency vehicles, boats and a pint-sized Safetytown, where young fairgoers can ride around a miniature city and learn the rules of the road. Children and teens can also gather in the North Lobby for an array of video games. The IGX Adrenaline Tour boasts 17 game ports and two 42” monitors for the ultimate in gaming experiences.
3. Rain or Shine, Enjoy Finger Lickin’ Treats
There’s nothing like enjoying a funnel cake in the hot summer sun. The powdered sugar covers all but two fingers holding your plate and the evidence of the hot, doughy treat lingers four hours on the corners of chapped lips. But even when the rain clouds come, the fair-favorite foods are still found indoors. At the Fairtown Food Court in South Wing C and other food vendors throughout the indoor facility, fairgoers can enjoy a feast from around the world. Vendors vary from Tidy Taco’s Mexican cuisine, and the Taste of Nawlins Cajun style, to the Golden Buddha’s Chinese fare, and Italian favorites at Hollywood Pizza to European flare at Murphy’s Café. Don’t worry about missing your favorite Fair specialties: elephant ears, deep fried Snickers, barbeque and snow cones. Your stomach won’t miss a thing with all the indoor food choices.
2. Cook Up Some Fun
Visiting the Kentucky Beef Producers’ Gourmet Garden stage in the South Wing A Lobby will whet fairgoers’ appetites when our professional chefs perform elaborate cooking demonstrations at various times every day of the Fair. Chefs from around the state will compete in the Cast-Iron Chef Competitions, presented by Royal Prestige Cookware, everyday at 1:30 p.m. on the Gourmet Garden stage. Amateur chefs will also compete in these challenges, Evan Williams® Bourbon Cooking Competition Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.; Ghirardelli® Chocolate Championship Sunday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.; Hidden Valley® Dressing’s “Fresh Taste for the Family” Recipe Contest Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.; Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pie Crust’s Pie Baking Championship Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.; Fleischmann’s® Yeast “Bake for the Cure” Baking Contest Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.; The Great American SPAM® Championship Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. and Kentucky Beef Cook-Off Contest Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
1. Family Friendly Showtime
Fun family entertainment will take center stage, even when weather turns rainy. On the Kentucky State Fair Family Stage, outstanding performers, Bounce and Ooh-La-La and Kenya Safari Acrobats, will keep families smiling and amazed, while local talents will amuse fairgoers of all ages under the roof of South Wing C. For in-the-round performances of a different style, enjoy the brand new Performing Arts Showcase stage located in the North Lobby. Storytellers, musicians and dancers will entertain audiences as they make their way through over one-million square feet of indoor space.
Through the rain or sunshine, the Kentucky State Fair has plenty of activities for any type of fairgoer. The indoor activities aren’t just limited to our top ten list. Check out the main stage concerts or World’s Championship Horse Show in Freedom Hall at 8 p.m., nightly, except for the Taylor Swift concert on Sunday Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Need an indoor activity for the mornings? There are plenty of free horse shows throughout the fair at 9 a.m. in Freedom Hall. The indoor fun never ends at the Kentucky State Fair.
10. Stop, Shop and Sample
The hundreds of booths and vendors in the Commercial Exhibits in South Wing C will bring both surprise and joy to shopaholics and casual browsers alike. Visitors can spend hours shopping for everything from t-shirts and candles to antiques and homemade goods. And if out-of-towners decide they love our state enough to relocate, they can even buy a whole new house right inside the Fair! If money is tight, there is no need to worry, the commercial exhibitors are also generous with the free samples.
9. Rock Out While Staying In
Fairgoers will feel like they’re while visiting the outdoor entertainment tents where they can taste delicious foods while listening to good music. While the Q has offered good BBQ at the Fair for many years, it is now paired with new sponsor Miller Lite for the Miller Lite Brew and Q Tent on the West Lawn. Enjoy country music and grilled foods at the Sivori Country Music Tent in the South Wing Parking Lot. Fair fun-seekers can get in to the act at the Mike Linnig’s Tropical Tent with karaoke and audience participation contests. Also sample some of the chicken, fish and frozen drinks from Mike Linnig’s restaurant in the South Wing Parking Lot. At the Budweiser True Music Tent on the West Lawn bands will be rocking hard as the crowd chows down on a grilled selection from Associated Enterprises.
8. Hail to Heritage Hall
Seniors can enjoy non-stop, indoor fun because it’s always sunny in Heritage Hall. From morning cups of coffee and poetry contests to bingo and special contests, seniors won’t have to worry about weather dampening their plans. Admission to Senior Day sponsored by Humana, Aug. 25 will only cost those 55 and older two quarters. It doesn’t matter which day you join in the fun of Heritage Hall. Stop by on Heritage Hall on Aug. 22 for a “Homemade Surprise” potluck lunch or hop on down to the Nut’s-n-Honey Dance Club on Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. No matter the weather or the day, there’s always activities going on in Heritage Hall.
7. Say “Hay” to our Animals
A trip to the Fair isn’t complete without taking the family to visit our four-legged guests. The Representative Farm Animal Display can be viewed in the Broadbent Lobby Breezeway Aug. 20-30 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dairy Goats, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits will be in the Pavilion Aug. 20-23. Dairy Cattle can be seen in the West Wing from Aug. 20-24. Mules & Jacks will be in the stalls under Cardinal Stadium Aug. 20-27. Boer Goats can be seen in Broadbent Arena Aug. 21-22, 24-25. Sheep will be in the Pavilion Aug. 24-30. Beef Cattle can be seen in the West Wing Aug. 25-30. Swine will be in the Pavilion Aug. 25-30.
6. Blue Ribbons when the Sky is Gray
Support some of the youngest talent in the Bluegrass at the Little Miss & Mister Kentucky County Fairs Pageant, sponsored by DASANI Essence on Aug. 20. The contest will be in the South Wing B Conference Center in Room 104. Be entertained as teen performers compete in the Coca-Cola Talent Classic in South Wing B in rooms 103 and 104. The semi-finals are Aug. 22-23 with finals Aug. 29. See the most unique, strange and off-the-wall items at the Fair during the Ugly Lamp Contest, sponsored by Lynn’s Paradise Café. Judging begins Saturday, Aug. 22 on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Blue Ribbon Stage. The lamps fit in one of three categories: “Born Ugly,” “Made Ugly” or “Ugly Leg Lamp,” inspired by “A Christmas Story.” They can be viewed everyday of the Fair in the South Wing B Lobby. Other contests include: “Something To Crow About” Rooster Crowing Contest, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Gospel Quartet Contest and Kentucky Division Competition of the National Youth Storytelling Showcase.
5. Make a Date with the Bluegrass State
The best place to show off Kentucky is at the Fair, and from Kentucky Proud products to the Pride of the Counties and Main Street exhibits, the State Fair has it covered. Counties converge in the South Wing to show off their unique attributes, while fairgoers can take a stroll down Main Street to learn all about the Bluegrass culture through educational institutes and government agencies. The Educational Exhibits also boast the pride of the Bluegrass through two unique display areas. The “Lincoln to Luthiers” display, presented by the Kentucky Historical Society shows how Kentucky and the nation have been shaped by Abraham Lincoln and our military history. In the “Gallopalooza: Horses of Possibility City” exhibit, fairgoers can explore the painted fiberglass horses of Gallopalooza that show off the talent of local artists.
4. The Skinny on Mini-Fairgoers
When it rains, kids may not be able to flip and dip on midway rides, but they can get a kick out of all the kid-size festivities indoors. The Kidz Biz stage hosts favorite Looney Tunes characters, as well as Fairbear and Fairabear and includes daily performances by The Spoon Man and Kid’s Celebration. Displays by the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department and the Louisville Metro Police Department will keep young children amazed. They are complete with emergency vehicles, boats and a pint-sized Safetytown, where young fairgoers can ride around a miniature city and learn the rules of the road. Children and teens can also gather in the North Lobby for an array of video games. The IGX Adrenaline Tour boasts 17 game ports and two 42” monitors for the ultimate in gaming experiences.
3. Rain or Shine, Enjoy Finger Lickin’ Treats
There’s nothing like enjoying a funnel cake in the hot summer sun. The powdered sugar covers all but two fingers holding your plate and the evidence of the hot, doughy treat lingers four hours on the corners of chapped lips. But even when the rain clouds come, the fair-favorite foods are still found indoors. At the Fairtown Food Court in South Wing C and other food vendors throughout the indoor facility, fairgoers can enjoy a feast from around the world. Vendors vary from Tidy Taco’s Mexican cuisine, and the Taste of Nawlins Cajun style, to the Golden Buddha’s Chinese fare, and Italian favorites at Hollywood Pizza to European flare at Murphy’s Café. Don’t worry about missing your favorite Fair specialties: elephant ears, deep fried Snickers, barbeque and snow cones. Your stomach won’t miss a thing with all the indoor food choices.
2. Cook Up Some Fun
Visiting the Kentucky Beef Producers’ Gourmet Garden stage in the South Wing A Lobby will whet fairgoers’ appetites when our professional chefs perform elaborate cooking demonstrations at various times every day of the Fair. Chefs from around the state will compete in the Cast-Iron Chef Competitions, presented by Royal Prestige Cookware, everyday at 1:30 p.m. on the Gourmet Garden stage. Amateur chefs will also compete in these challenges, Evan Williams® Bourbon Cooking Competition Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.; Ghirardelli® Chocolate Championship Sunday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.; Hidden Valley® Dressing’s “Fresh Taste for the Family” Recipe Contest Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.; Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pie Crust’s Pie Baking Championship Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.; Fleischmann’s® Yeast “Bake for the Cure” Baking Contest Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.; The Great American SPAM® Championship Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. and Kentucky Beef Cook-Off Contest Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
1. Family Friendly Showtime
Fun family entertainment will take center stage, even when weather turns rainy. On the Kentucky State Fair Family Stage, outstanding performers, Bounce and Ooh-La-La and Kenya Safari Acrobats, will keep families smiling and amazed, while local talents will amuse fairgoers of all ages under the roof of South Wing C. For in-the-round performances of a different style, enjoy the brand new Performing Arts Showcase stage located in the North Lobby. Storytellers, musicians and dancers will entertain audiences as they make their way through over one-million square feet of indoor space.
Through the rain or sunshine, the Kentucky State Fair has plenty of activities for any type of fairgoer. The indoor activities aren’t just limited to our top ten list. Check out the main stage concerts or World’s Championship Horse Show in Freedom Hall at 8 p.m., nightly, except for the Taylor Swift concert on Sunday Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Need an indoor activity for the mornings? There are plenty of free horse shows throughout the fair at 9 a.m. in Freedom Hall. The indoor fun never ends at the Kentucky State Fair.
Friday, August 14, 2009
0
Fairbears at Bat for Kelly Tickets
The Kentucky State Fairbears will be taking over Slugger Stadium on Aug. 15 and Aug. 17. The Fairbears can be seen at these Louisville Bats home games. They will also be tossing out 10 pairs of tickets, five at each game, to lucky Bats’ fans for the concert featuring Kelly Clarkson with special guest Gavin DeGraw.
The Fair officially starts next week on Thursday Aug. 20, but you can come on out to the ball game to get into the Fair spirit early. The winners of the tickets will be randomly selected from those attending the Bats games. Admission to the Fair is not included with the tickets.
If you can’t make it to the game, the tickets to the Kelly Clarkson concert are now offered at discounted prices. The concert is Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. in Freedom Hall. Admission to the show is $27.00 and $29.50 and includes admission to the Fair and a facility fee.
Tickets for Freedom Hall concerts available at the Freedom Hall and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at ticketmaster.com using ticketFast. Price includes a $2 facility fee and only includes gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair when purchased at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets subject to availability.
For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.
The Fair officially starts next week on Thursday Aug. 20, but you can come on out to the ball game to get into the Fair spirit early. The winners of the tickets will be randomly selected from those attending the Bats games. Admission to the Fair is not included with the tickets.
If you can’t make it to the game, the tickets to the Kelly Clarkson concert are now offered at discounted prices. The concert is Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. in Freedom Hall. Admission to the show is $27.00 and $29.50 and includes admission to the Fair and a facility fee.
Tickets for Freedom Hall concerts available at the Freedom Hall and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at ticketmaster.com using ticketFast. Price includes a $2 facility fee and only includes gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair when purchased at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets subject to availability.
For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.
0
Discount Keith and Kelly Tickets
Want to have all the fun for nearly half the price? Who doesn’t? The Kentucky State Fair is now offering discounted tickets to see Kelly Clarkson with special guest Gavin DeGraw on Aug. 20 and Keith Urban LIVE with special guest Pat Green on Aug. 22. Both concerts will begin at 8 p.m. in Freedom Hall. Discount tickets are available from Friday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. until Wednesday, August 19. Grab your tickets now because “A Moment Like This” won’t last forever!
Kelly Clarkson with special guest Gavin DeGraw tickets are $27.00 and $29.50 and
include admission to the Fair and a facility fee. (Originally $47.00 and $52.00) Keith Urban LIVE with special guest Pat Green tickets are $29.50 and include admission to the Fair and
facility fee. (Originally $52.00) Lower arena seating is also available for the regular $67.00.
Former American Idol champion Kelly Clarkson will perform songs from her latest album, “All I Ever Wanted” and hits from her storied seven-year career, including songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You” and her recent No.1 smash hit “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Special guest Gavin DeGraw, who is no stranger to the spotlight, released his third album “Free” in March. DeGraw also got major radio-play for the songs “I Don’t Want to Be” and “Chariot.”
Don’t let the “Days Go By” on this Keith Urban concert deal! As a country music tour-de-force, Keith Urban has released a total of seven studio albums, charting more than 15 singles on the U.S. country charts, including 10 No.1’s. His latest hit “Kiss a Girl” is off his new album “Defying Gravity.” Special guest Pat Green will open for Urban, singing chart-rising songs like “Wave on Wave” and “Feels Just Like It Should.”
Tickets for Freedom Hall concerts available at the Freedom Hall and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at ticketmaster.com using ticketFast. Price includes a $2 facility fee and only includes gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair when purchased at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets subject to availability.
For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.
Kelly Clarkson with special guest Gavin DeGraw tickets are $27.00 and $29.50 and
include admission to the Fair and a facility fee. (Originally $47.00 and $52.00) Keith Urban LIVE with special guest Pat Green tickets are $29.50 and include admission to the Fair and
facility fee. (Originally $52.00) Lower arena seating is also available for the regular $67.00.
Former American Idol champion Kelly Clarkson will perform songs from her latest album, “All I Ever Wanted” and hits from her storied seven-year career, including songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You” and her recent No.1 smash hit “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Special guest Gavin DeGraw, who is no stranger to the spotlight, released his third album “Free” in March. DeGraw also got major radio-play for the songs “I Don’t Want to Be” and “Chariot.”
Don’t let the “Days Go By” on this Keith Urban concert deal! As a country music tour-de-force, Keith Urban has released a total of seven studio albums, charting more than 15 singles on the U.S. country charts, including 10 No.1’s. His latest hit “Kiss a Girl” is off his new album “Defying Gravity.” Special guest Pat Green will open for Urban, singing chart-rising songs like “Wave on Wave” and “Feels Just Like It Should.”
Tickets for Freedom Hall concerts available at the Freedom Hall and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at ticketmaster.com using ticketFast. Price includes a $2 facility fee and only includes gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair when purchased at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets subject to availability.
For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.
Friday, August 7, 2009
0
Sunday is Your Guide to Fun Day
For maximum fun on a minimum budget, plan your day from start to finish with our Kentucky State Fair Guide to Fun, available in this Sunday’s Courier-Journal.
Planning ahead saves you and your crew both time and money. With this guide you can find out where to pick up your favorite Fair food, when the free concerts start and what performances you don’t want to miss. You will spend more time having fun and less time figuring out what to do next while you’re at the Fair.
Whether you’re hyper-organized or just perusing your options, the Guide to Fun is sure to get you ready for the Kentucky State Fair. Inside is a listing of all of our events and attractions as well as the basic info you should know before you go. We even have all the inside scoop on what’s new, what’s free and what’s for dinner!
Look for your guide on Sunday, Aug. 9, inserted in the Courier-Journal. If your newspaper isn’t as convenient as your front porch, you can pick one up anywhere you’d buy a morning cup of coffee.
Planning ahead saves you and your crew both time and money. With this guide you can find out where to pick up your favorite Fair food, when the free concerts start and what performances you don’t want to miss. You will spend more time having fun and less time figuring out what to do next while you’re at the Fair.
Whether you’re hyper-organized or just perusing your options, the Guide to Fun is sure to get you ready for the Kentucky State Fair. Inside is a listing of all of our events and attractions as well as the basic info you should know before you go. We even have all the inside scoop on what’s new, what’s free and what’s for dinner!
Look for your guide on Sunday, Aug. 9, inserted in the Courier-Journal. If your newspaper isn’t as convenient as your front porch, you can pick one up anywhere you’d buy a morning cup of coffee.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
0
The Time is Ripe: Award-Winning Recipes Just in Time for Fair Season
The Kentucky State Fair is almost here and nothing puts you in the mood for Fair festivities like fresh fruit and produce that is reminiscent of Fairs’ past. Baskets at local farmers markets are overflowing with fresh produce from across the state, so cook up some tasty recipes that celebrate both the Kentucky State Fair and the Commonwealth’s growing power. Look for Kentucky-grown blueberries, peaches, strawberries and tomatoes, fruits that all boast a late summer picking season.
Check out these ribbon-winning recipes that feature the season’s best and then head to the State Fair Aug. 20-30 to see who takes the cake in 2009. Cooking competitions take place Aug. 21, 23-28 at 6 p.m. on the Gourmet Garden stage, while the culinary entries will be on display daily at the Fair.
BLUEBERRIES – Want a delicious breakfast that is as blue as our ribbons? Try Barbara Tenney’s 1995 blue-ribbon-winning blueberry muffin recipe that will sweeten up this season’s best blueberries.
Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
¼ cup shortening (softened) or oil
1 egg
1 ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup blueberries
½ cup milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream together sugar, shortening and egg. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, then add milk and vanilla; stir just until blended. Add blueberries, stir gently.Streusel Topping:½ cup brown sugar1 tablespoon flour1 teaspoon nutmeg1 tablespoon butterDirections: Combine brown sugar, flour, nutmeg and butter; blend well with fork. Pour batter into greased muffin cups, filling two-thirds full, then sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Yield: 8 large (or 12 medium) muffins.
PEACHES – Peaches and cream go together like the Fair and Freddy Farm Bureau, and with this 1995 blue-ribbon-winning recipe of Kathy Metzmeier, you’ll have a homemade snack that’s good to go.
Peaches and Cream Date Bars
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) chopped and pitted dates
2 cups chopped fresh peaches (finely chopped without skin)
1 stick butter1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon brandy
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Cream butter and sugar, add egg and flavorings. Sift dry ingredients together then add dates and peaches to coat. Stir in creamed mixture well and spread in an 11 ½” x 7 ½” glass baking dish (greased and floured). Add topping (recipe below) then bake at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes. When cool, cut into bars and drizzle with cream cheese icing (recipe below).
Topping:
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup English walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in food processor or blender.
Cream Cheese Icing:
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla½ teaspoon brandy
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Milk, if needed
Directions:
Beat all ingredients with mixer. If necessary add milk a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Yield: 32 bars
STRAWBERRIES – Want to mix savory with sweet in a gourmet salad that even kids can help make? Check out the 2008 Gourmet Garden blue-ribbon-winning recipe by Samantha Hall in the Kentucky Beef Cook-off “Kids in the Kitchen” Contest.
Fruit Skirt Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup Soy Sauce
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
½ tsp. Ground Cumin
2 lbs. Skirt Steak
Salad:
Mixed Greens
½ cup Mandarin Oranges
½ cup Sliced Strawberries
¼ cup Sunflower SeedsRaspberry Vinaigrette salad dressing
Directions:
In a large zip-lock bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Cut the skirt steak into manageable large pieces and add them to the bag of marinade. Allow the meat to marinade for at least 2 hours. Remove the meat from the bag and grill the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side- grill until desired doneness is achieved. Allow the steak to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Arrange the strips over the salad greens. Arrange the oranges and strawberries around the edge of the salad. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the salad. Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad.
TOMATOES – The two requirements to be a fair-favorite food: deep fried and on a stick. This fried green cherry tomato recipe of Rusty Portman from the 2008 Canolainfo.org “Stick with Canola Oil, Fry it for the Fair” Contest captures both the essence of the south and the deep-fried goodness of the Fair. Try this southern favorite with a twist at your next summer cookout.
Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
30-60 Cherry tomatoes
2 ½ - 3 cups cornmeal
3 tablespoons pepper
2 – 2 ½ cups flour
¾ cup milk
48 oz. Canola oil
Dip:
¼ cup horseradish
1 teaspoon tomato pesto
¼ cup ranch dressing
Directions:
In a stand mixer combine flour, eggs and milk for 5 minutes. In a Ziploc bag, combine cornmeal, salt and pepper. Spear 3 green cherry tomatoes on each skewer and dip in batter and roll in cornmeal and set on a rack until all are complete. Dip in batter and roll in cornmeal a second time and fry in Canola oil heated at 325 degrees for 3 minutes.
Check out these ribbon-winning recipes that feature the season’s best and then head to the State Fair Aug. 20-30 to see who takes the cake in 2009. Cooking competitions take place Aug. 21, 23-28 at 6 p.m. on the Gourmet Garden stage, while the culinary entries will be on display daily at the Fair.
BLUEBERRIES – Want a delicious breakfast that is as blue as our ribbons? Try Barbara Tenney’s 1995 blue-ribbon-winning blueberry muffin recipe that will sweeten up this season’s best blueberries.
Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
¼ cup shortening (softened) or oil
1 egg
1 ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup blueberries
½ cup milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream together sugar, shortening and egg. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, then add milk and vanilla; stir just until blended. Add blueberries, stir gently.Streusel Topping:½ cup brown sugar1 tablespoon flour1 teaspoon nutmeg1 tablespoon butterDirections: Combine brown sugar, flour, nutmeg and butter; blend well with fork. Pour batter into greased muffin cups, filling two-thirds full, then sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Yield: 8 large (or 12 medium) muffins.
PEACHES – Peaches and cream go together like the Fair and Freddy Farm Bureau, and with this 1995 blue-ribbon-winning recipe of Kathy Metzmeier, you’ll have a homemade snack that’s good to go.
Peaches and Cream Date Bars
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) chopped and pitted dates
2 cups chopped fresh peaches (finely chopped without skin)
1 stick butter1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon brandy
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Cream butter and sugar, add egg and flavorings. Sift dry ingredients together then add dates and peaches to coat. Stir in creamed mixture well and spread in an 11 ½” x 7 ½” glass baking dish (greased and floured). Add topping (recipe below) then bake at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes. When cool, cut into bars and drizzle with cream cheese icing (recipe below).
Topping:
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup English walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in food processor or blender.
Cream Cheese Icing:
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla½ teaspoon brandy
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Milk, if needed
Directions:
Beat all ingredients with mixer. If necessary add milk a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Yield: 32 bars
STRAWBERRIES – Want to mix savory with sweet in a gourmet salad that even kids can help make? Check out the 2008 Gourmet Garden blue-ribbon-winning recipe by Samantha Hall in the Kentucky Beef Cook-off “Kids in the Kitchen” Contest.
Fruit Skirt Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup Soy Sauce
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
½ tsp. Ground Cumin
2 lbs. Skirt Steak
Salad:
Mixed Greens
½ cup Mandarin Oranges
½ cup Sliced Strawberries
¼ cup Sunflower SeedsRaspberry Vinaigrette salad dressing
Directions:
In a large zip-lock bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Cut the skirt steak into manageable large pieces and add them to the bag of marinade. Allow the meat to marinade for at least 2 hours. Remove the meat from the bag and grill the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side- grill until desired doneness is achieved. Allow the steak to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Arrange the strips over the salad greens. Arrange the oranges and strawberries around the edge of the salad. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the salad. Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad.
TOMATOES – The two requirements to be a fair-favorite food: deep fried and on a stick. This fried green cherry tomato recipe of Rusty Portman from the 2008 Canolainfo.org “Stick with Canola Oil, Fry it for the Fair” Contest captures both the essence of the south and the deep-fried goodness of the Fair. Try this southern favorite with a twist at your next summer cookout.
Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
30-60 Cherry tomatoes
2 ½ - 3 cups cornmeal
3 tablespoons pepper
2 – 2 ½ cups flour
¾ cup milk
48 oz. Canola oil
Dip:
¼ cup horseradish
1 teaspoon tomato pesto
¼ cup ranch dressing
Directions:
In a stand mixer combine flour, eggs and milk for 5 minutes. In a Ziploc bag, combine cornmeal, salt and pepper. Spear 3 green cherry tomatoes on each skewer and dip in batter and roll in cornmeal and set on a rack until all are complete. Dip in batter and roll in cornmeal a second time and fry in Canola oil heated at 325 degrees for 3 minutes.
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Kentucky State Fair is hiring for 800 positions!
As many as 800 part-time positions will be available for those seeking employment during the Fair.
Applications for temporary workers for the 2009 Kentucky State Fair are being accepted beginning Monday, Aug. 10. Positions for hire include maintenance staff, grounds, housekeeping, admission gate keepers, tour guides and tram drivers. Wages start at $7.25 an hour, with some positions paying slightly more. The Kentucky State Fair starts Thursday, Aug. 20 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.
Those seeking to apply can do so at the Kentucky State Fair Employment Trailer located behind the Armory and Cracker Barrel (near Gate 4 of the Kentucky Exposition Center) off Crittenden Drive.
HOURS THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Mon., Aug. 10 – Mon., Aug. 17 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 18 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 19 – Thurs., Aug. 20 6 a.m. – Midnight
Fri., Aug. 21 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 22 6 a.m. – Midnight
Sun., Aug. 23 – Fri., Aug. 28 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 29 6 a.m. – Midnight
Sun., Aug. 30 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and apply in person. For additional information, call (502) 367-5235 for the Employment Trailer.
Temporary jobs will also be available after the Fair. Those interested in working after Aug. 30 can apply at Kentucky Exposition Center’s administrative office in the front of Freedom Hall.
For more information about the Kentucky State Fair, visit www.kystatefair.org.
Applications for temporary workers for the 2009 Kentucky State Fair are being accepted beginning Monday, Aug. 10. Positions for hire include maintenance staff, grounds, housekeeping, admission gate keepers, tour guides and tram drivers. Wages start at $7.25 an hour, with some positions paying slightly more. The Kentucky State Fair starts Thursday, Aug. 20 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.
Those seeking to apply can do so at the Kentucky State Fair Employment Trailer located behind the Armory and Cracker Barrel (near Gate 4 of the Kentucky Exposition Center) off Crittenden Drive.
HOURS THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Mon., Aug. 10 – Mon., Aug. 17 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 18 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 19 – Thurs., Aug. 20 6 a.m. – Midnight
Fri., Aug. 21 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 22 6 a.m. – Midnight
Sun., Aug. 23 – Fri., Aug. 28 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 29 6 a.m. – Midnight
Sun., Aug. 30 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and apply in person. For additional information, call (502) 367-5235 for the Employment Trailer.
Temporary jobs will also be available after the Fair. Those interested in working after Aug. 30 can apply at Kentucky Exposition Center’s administrative office in the front of Freedom Hall.
For more information about the Kentucky State Fair, visit www.kystatefair.org.
