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SubscribeThe Kentucky State Fair runs Aug. 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center and is the largest summertime attraction in the Commonwealth.
The 11-day celebration stays true to its 113-year heritage, while each year offering fairgoers exciting new experiences, food, music, animals, exhibits, entertainment and more.
- New Kentucky State Fair App Fairgoers can make the most of their experience with the Fair’s new app, free on Google Play and the App Store:
- Tickets: save money by purchasing advance parking and admission
- Tastes of the Fair: find those once-a-year food favorites
- What’s Hot: see what’s “trending” at the Fair
- My Schedule: create daily schedules of “must-see” music and entertainment
- News: get weather, parking and news updates
- Now and Next: see what’s going on now, and later
- Main Stage: order tickets for I Love the 90s Tour, Alabama and Southern Uprising Tour
- Fun Photo Filters: use filters to create unique Fair photos
- Find Your Fun: check out which entertainers are on stage and what animals are in the stalls
- Thrill Ville New Name, Better Location The Midway has a new name – Thrill Ville – and a new location closer to the heart of the Fair.
- Easier access to rides, especially with free parking across from Gate 1 on weekends
- Closer to air-conditioned indoor space to cool off
- Quicker access to food and entertainment tents, and indoor exhibit areas
- New Food at the Fair All the old favorites will be at the Fair – corn dogs, ice cream, donut burgers, fudge, fried fish and more. But get ready to bite into some of the new arrivals this year:
- Alligator
- Fried mac ‘n cheese balls
- Farm-to-table burgers
- Frog legs
- Tator tots with toppings
- FAIRenheit 17 Mini Music Festival Feel the Louisville love and celebrate all things local at the first annual FAIRenheit festival Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6 to 11 p.m.
- Local food trucks: Fresh out of the Box, Smoking Cantina and Celtic Pig
- Local craft breweries, distilleries and wineries: Copper & Kings and more
- Local bands: Ben Sollee with special guests Tony and the Tan Lines and 64West
- Local aerialists and fire artists
- Local artisans
- New Acts, Animals and Awards From wallabies to Wallendas and mascots to the moon, check out new acts, events, competitions and more.
- Flying Wallendas perform the high-wire daredevil acts that’ve made them famous
- Aussie Kingdom introduces fairgoers to their native kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles and birds
- Total Eclipse Experience, Aug. 21, invites everyone to experience the biggest eclipse in American history
- Kentucky Remembers with a walk-through WWI barrack and educational displays
- Hip Hop Juggler from Harlem awes audiences with hip-hop music and juggling
- Cooks vs. Cons competition keeps audiences guessing – who’s the cook and who’s the con artist
- Blue Ribbon Stage features interactive, educational shows from the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, Kentucky Derby Museum, League of Mascots and more
- Kentucky Living presents its Best in Kentucky awards Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.
- Owsley Brown II Portable Planetarium brings stars and the galaxy to life
The 2017 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or its blog.
Photo: F1 ChampBoat Racing
International Outboard Grand Prix (IOGP) Powerboats will take control of Louisville’s waterfront on August 18-20 for the third race of the IOGP F1 ChampBoat Championship series racing season, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of racing, entertainment, and fun on the Ohio River in downtown Louisville.
Teams from across North America will converge on Waterfront Park to compete in the inaugural Louisville Regatta Grand Prix with the most-nimble power boats in the world that generate more G-forces than any other racing machine with top speeds of 150 MPH.
“We are excited to bring a world-class professional racing series to Louisville, and are very pleased with the enthusiastic reception we are receiving from Kentuckiana race fans,” said Mike Schriefer, president of IOGP. “The buzz in Louisville has been awesome. We know there are a lot of race fans and boaters in this part of the country, so we are excited about this event becoming one of our flagship races for many years.”
“Downtown Louisville on the Ohio River is the perfect ‘Natural Marine Stadium’ for IOGP and our kind of racing and entertainment,” Schriefer continued.
Greg Foster, who drives for Dillard Financial Services #53, comes to Louisville as the points leader in the IOGP F1 ChampBoat Series after a victory on August 6 at the EQT Three Rivers Regatta in Pittsburgh. He hopes to increase his lead with a strong finish in Kentucky.
“There is a huge coolness factor associated with this type of powerboat racing in the US and abroad, and our team at the Louisville Sports Commission has been working for 10 years to bring this event to Louisville,” said LSC President & CEO Karl Schmitt. “The accessibility of recreation on the river via Waterfront Park, a three-year commitment from the nationally recognized IOGP, and local residents’ affinity for boating were huge factors in making this event happen.”
The Louisville Regatta Grand Prix kicks off Friday afternoon with open practice for the F1 ChampBoats taking place from 3 to 5 p.m. Live music featuring Louisville-based “From Paris” kicks off the Regatta Festival. Saturday’s events include practice midday, heat races in the afternoon, and local rock band “Mary Mary” that night. In addition to great bands on Friday and Saturday night, DJFun will be cranking out the tunes throughout the day along with a late-night foam party scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
The F1 ChampBoat finals will run Sunday afternoon from 1-5 p.m.
Advanced tickets are available at www.LouisvilleGrandPrix.com or at the gate. Papa John’s is offering a $5 discount coupon when local residents order pizza delivery. The coupon can be redeemed at the gate.
The Kentucky State Fair runs Aug. 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. It’s the Commonwealth’s largest summertime attraction – and America’s largest indoor fair. The celebration’s popularity draws nearly 600,000 visitors for the once-a-year opportunity to experience fair food, music, animals, exhibits, entertainment and more.
The Kentucky State Fair offers money-saving discounts, promotions and programs to ensure all residents are able to enjoy the festivities.
- EXPRESS LANES: AUG. 17-27 Fairgoers save time and money by pre-purchasing both parking and admission tickets – only they can use the express lanes at Gates 1, 3, 4 and 6.
- ADVANCE DISCOUNT ADMISSION: ENDS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 Fairgoers of all ages – adults, children and seniors – pay $7 for advance tickets and $10 at the gate. Children five and under are free. Advance discount tickets are available on Kentucky State Fair’s new app and website until midnight Aug. 16, plus participating Kroger locations until 10 p.m. Aug. 16.
- ADVANCE DISCOUNT PARKING: ENDS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 Fairgoers pay $5 for advance parking and $10 at the gate. Advance discount parking is available on Kentucky State Fair’s new app and website until midnight Aug. 16, plus participating Kroger locations until 10 p.m. Aug. 16.
- FREE WEEKEND PARKING: FRIDAY 5 P.M. – SUNDAY From Friday at 5 p.m. through Sunday, fairgoers can park for free in the lot on Phillips Lane across from Gate 1, the main entrance to the Kentucky Exposition Center. Free parking is first come, first served.
- TARC RIDER PROGRAM: AUG. 17-27 Riders can take TARC to a regular stop at the Kentucky Exposition Center, ask the driver for a State Fair card, redeem it at the gate and pay only $7 admission to the Fair.
- ADVANCE DISCOUNT THRILL VILLE WRISTBANDS, ENDS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 at 5 P.M. Fairgoers save with advance Thrill Ville wristbands: $20 for adults and $12 for children 46″ and under. Advance wristbands are available on the Kentucky State Fair website. Onsite prices are $25 for adults and $12 for children.
- MILITARY SUNDAY SALUTE: SUNDAY, AUG. 20 A special ceremony honoring the military will be held during the Oak Ridge Boys’ concert Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. in Cardinal Stadium, featuring the presentation of colors, national anthem and guest speakers. Active and retired military and their families receive free passes for Aug. 20. There is a limit of four passes and parking is not included. Passes are available on the Kentucky State Fair website. Thrill Ville wristbands will be available to military onsite for $10 with military ID.
- SENIOR DAY (55 AND OVER): TUESDAY, AUG. 22 Seniors are admitted free before 5 p.m. Parking is not included. Seniors are invited to Heritage Hall for a free cup of a coffee – and singing, games, dancing, bingo, music and more. DirecTV (Streamline Communications) sponsors the day and will offer a free lunch from the Pork Producers to the first 1,000 seniors in Heritage Hall.
- ALL IN: CARLOAD DAY: THURSDAY, AUG. 24 Admission and parking are just $20 per vehicle before 5 p.m. Vehicles with 12 or more passengers pay $100.
The 2017 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or its blog.
Thousands of cyclists, walkers, canoeists and kayakers will hit the streets and the Ohio River on Labor Day, Sept. 4, for the 26th Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle at Waterfront Park.
“What better way to mark the end of the summer and the Labor Day holiday than in the company of your friends, family and neighbors, at our beautiful waterfront,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I invite everyone to come out, meet some new friends, and have fun!”
Subway Restaurants is the title sponsor of Hike, Bike & Paddle, with presenting sponsors, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Norton Healthcare and Neil Huffman Subaru and contributing sponsor, Academy Sports + Outdoors.
“SUBWAY Restaurants are proud to once again be the title sponsor of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle events. We will be distributing $2.50 gift cards to participants that can be used on their next visit to SUBWAY. Don’t miss this great family activity and a chance to explore the waterfront” said Doug Messmore, Louisville SUBWAY Board Chair.
“Coca-Cola Consolidated is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle activity on Labor Day. Coca-Cola strongly believes in providing consumers a variety of choices that fit their needs, which is why we offer many great-tasting beverages that are no or low calorie, in a variety of package sizes,” said Brian Outland, Vice-President of Retails Sales for the Coca-Cola Consolidated.
“Norton Healthcare is pleased to continue our support of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare. “This is a great event and a wonderful example of our shared commitment to improving the health and wellness of our community.”
“Neil Huffman Subaru, part of the Neil Huffman Automotive Group, is proud to be a seven-year sponsor of Mayor Fischer’s Annual Hike, Bike and Paddle. As a family-owned and operated business, we value the healthy initiatives the Mayor Fischer has taken to keep the community ‘on the move’ for years to come,” said Dow Huffman, Managing Partner, Neil Huffman Automotive Group.
Paddlers will begin their adventurous five-mile course at 10 a.m., taking their canoes and kayaks through the McAlpine Locks and Dam to the Jaycees Boat Ramp in New Albany. Participants will launch their canoes or kayaks at the ramp located at the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park. Paddlers can drop their boats off at the “Green” parking lot near River Road and Witherspoon Street from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Police and safety boats will be nearby during the paddling activity, and all participants will have assistance if needed in launching their canoe or kayak. Paddle participants must wear a life jacket and carry a noise making device.
After the event, TARC will offer a shuttle service for paddlers to retrieve their vehicles at the launch site.
For cyclists, a 9.5-mile route will leave Waterfront Park and go west through the Portland Stroll District and head back to Waterfront Park. Turnoffs will provide cycling routes as short as two miles.
The hiking route, which is wheelchair-accessible, will take walkers west along the waterfront, along portions of the Riverwalk and wharf to 10th Street and back. Walkers can bring their dogs on the hike, but must keep them on a leash and pick up waste, as required by law.
Louisville YMCA staff will lead the hike. Both the cycling and walking routes will be marked, and there will be water stops at the halfway points to refill water bottles. The Louisville Bicycle Club and Scheller’s Fitness and Cycle are providing “bike captains” to help cyclists obey the rules of the road.
“Bike doctors” will be in Waterfront Park before the ride and along the route to assist cyclists with any equipment problems. Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections, and the Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route. All cyclists are asked to remain behind the lead police vehicles.
More than 50 vendors and information booths will open at 8:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park. Again, patrons will have the opportunity to try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding until 1 p.m.
Yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba demonstrations will be offered, along with group participation.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. there will be 3,000 free T-shirts for those who arrive early and complete a brief survey. The Brain Injury Association will distribute 500 helmets to riders who don’t have one. Neil Huffman Subaru will be giving away a free bicycle and kayak at the event. Participants are encouraged to be “green” and bring their own water bottles which they will be able to fill at Waterfront Park and at various water stations along the routes, as part of Louisville Water’s Pure Tap To Go.
This is the 13th year for the Hike, Bike & Paddle events, which are held each Memorial Day and Labor Day. The events are part of the city’s Healthy Hometown Movement, created to encourage Louisville residents to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices. To view interactive route maps and for more information, go to hikebikeandpaddle.org.
Already know you’re coming? RSVP on our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!
Additional support is provided by River City Paddlesports INC., Outfront Media, 106.9 Play, Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling, Louisville Water Company and the YMCA.
“5th Annual CQ Jam for WaterStep” to be Held at Captain’s Quarters on September 9
The 5th Annual CQ Jam for WaterStep will be held at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille, at 5700 Captain’s Quarters Road in Prospect, on Saturday, September 9 from 2pm to Midnight. The fundraiser will benefit WaterStep, the local organization that works to save lives around the world with safe water, and will feature a performance by “The Gators” with lead singer of the Legacy Platters Lonza Bartlett and Motown artist AJ Mullins. The event has expanded to bring 10 full hours of music and entertainment to the waterfront, with doors opening at 2pm. The suggested donation is $20 per person. For more information, call (502) 568-6342 or visit www.waterstep.org.
Also appearing will be Kentuckiana’s newest and hottest bands including “The Dons” with a fast-paced and colorful set of great cover songs and family fun for all ages. Local singer-guitarist Jeff Walter will open the show, and The Moon Dogs, The Slyk Band and Louisville’s Rockin’ Rotary Band will also perform.
The Platters were one of the most successful vocal groups of the rock-and-roll era with 40 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 from 1955 to 1967, including 4 number one hits. The Legacy Platters were formed in the early 1990’s and now Lonza Bartlett has taken the center stage with this legendary group.
The Gators Show, formed by Bartlett and Mullins, is something very unique, especially if you like to dance to Michael Jackson, Prince, Bruno Mars, and Earth Wind and Fire. The Gators bring this renowned show north from Florida where it received critical acclaim. Joining Bartlett and Mullins on stage is instrumentalist Jordon Henry, who has developed a reputation as the one of the most skilled and versatile performers in the country.
“Having The Gators and their line up of singers and performers means this will be one of the best entertainment shows in Louisville this season,” says Andrew Masterson of Captain’s Quarters. “We are so fortunate and excited to host this event and have them be a part of it.”
New to the event this year will be performances by the Fleur-De-Lis Academy of Ballet of Louisville, performing to afro-Cuban, salsa, jazz, and modern styles of music throughout the day. Fleur-De-Lis Academy Director Ariadne McAuley noted, “We are excited to showcase the talents of our instructors and students at this amazing event on the Ohio River. WaterStep is such an important cause and we are proud to join in the efforts to make this a great event.”
Attendees are also encouraged to bring their gently used shoes to the event to donate to WaterStep. The nonprofit’s shoe program not only generates funds for the organization, but it also keeps tons of waste out of landfills by repurposing the shoes. Any size, style, and condition of shoes are accepted.
The CQ Jam is presented by Huffman Automotive, with additional support from Overhead Door of Louisville, Paradigm Yacht Sales, Harrods Creek Boat Owners Association, Louisville Magazine, BrightStrokes Painting, and McDonald’s of Prospect.
A talent contest to save a theater brings together a wide variety of talented animals performing popular song favorites when “Sing” closes out another great season of Free Summer Movies at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, August 12th at 8:00pm.
“This is a great movie to help close out ten years of the Free Summer Movie program that began as a way to showcase one of the best entertainment venues in the area,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “Once again, Iroquois Amphitheater has delighted audiences and introduced people to Iroquois Park.”
“Sing” focuses on the efforts of Buster, a koala, who tries to save his late father’s theater. He decides to hold a talent contest and a wide range of talented animals come forth to audition and save his father’s legacy. The 2016 American 3D computer-animated musical comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment stars the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, and Tori Kelly.
“We appreciate the support we have received from the Metro Council over these past ten years. With the Council’s help, we have enjoyed entertaining thousands of families at the Iroquois Amphitheatre with the Free Summer Movies program over that time,” says Seve Ghose, Director of Metro Parks. “We forward to their Council continued support over these next ten years and beyond.”
The Free Summer Movies program is made possible by several Metro Council members. For the 2017 movie season, more than 5,000 people attended the free films that were shown on Monday and Saturday nights. The final Monday night film will be The Legend of Tarzan on August 14th. Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors this year are Council Members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Dan Johnson (D-21) President David Yates (D-25), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Cindi Fowler (D- 14), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), Angela Leet (R-7), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Bill Hollander (D-9), Robin Engel (R-22), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Madonna Flood (D-24), and James Peden (R-23).
Concessions are available. No outside food is permitted. Iroquois Amphitheater is located at 1080 Amphitheater Road, off New Cut Road. To learn more about events at Iroquois Amphitheater, call 502-368-5865.
Don’t Miss the Last Day of the 2017 ComicCon in Louisville
The first two full days of vendors, panels, and celebrity guests at Fandomfest 2017 are over, but there is still one more day to head out to the ComicCon. The event has met with some challenges this year, but if they are preventing anyone – aside from several celebrity cancellations – from coming out to the event, it isn’t showing. The aisles and meeting rooms of the Jefferson Mall Event Center, formerly Macy’s, are packed with attendees, costumed and otherwise. Although the venue change was last minute, the new location offers many conveniences that were not previously available such as ample free parking and more affordable food options on site.
Attendees so far have been treated to a wide array of events, including a very interactive (and hilarious) Q&A session with Matthew Lillard, a trailer for an independent Star Wars film that will raise money for Norton’s Children’s hospital, Q&A panels with Paul Michael Glaser, Sean Gunn, and Brian Cummings, as well as more educational panels to help new authors, artists, and cosplayers, and much more.
There are plenty of vendors from all across the region sharing their art, books, toys, comics, memorabilia, costume pieces, and many other wares. If you walk around long enough, you may even see amazingly detailed, fully functional R2D2 or BB8 droids wandering the aisles, courtesy of the R2D2 and BB8 Builders Clubs.
Today marks the last day of the three day event and there is stilt plenty to see and do. There are more Q&A sessions including actors from the Kill Bill series, discussions about female superheroes, Supernatural, Star Wars, and Attack on Titan, a chance to see the aforementioned Star Wars trailer, and a children’s cosplay contest. Doors open at 11:00 AM. Continue reading
