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The World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) returns to Freedom Hall Aug. 19-26 and tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. The event is held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair.
Recognized as the richest and most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world, WCHS features 2,000 horses competing for Grand Champion titles and more than $1 million in awards. Saddlebreds take center stage during the show, with harness and hackney ponies and roadster ponies and horses competing in show ring as well. Divisions include three and five gaited, fine harness, Saddlebred pleasure, equitation, Hackney/Harness pony and Roadster.
Show days, hours, parking and ticket prices vary. Gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair is required for all performances: Show date Time Advance ticket After Aug. 17 Aug. 19 7 p.m. $14 $18 Aug. 20-24 6:30 p.m. $14 $18 Aug. 25 6:30 p.m. $20 $25 Aug. 26 7 p.m. $20 $25 Aug. 20-26 Morning Free, upper-level seating only Parking $5 $10
All-week seats are $192 and include Kentucky State Fair gate admission for all 14 performances, morning and evening.
Purchase tickets at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or download the advance tickets order form at www.kystatefair.org/wchs/prices.html.
The World’s Championship Horse Show offers pay-per-view coverage. Each day of the show is broadcast live and available for purchase at $25 per day or $150 for the entire week.
For more information about WCHS and a schedule of competitive events, visit www.kystatefair.org/wchs.
Competitors can register using the new online entry system or download the forms at www.kystatefair.org/wchs/forms.html. All entries are due July 1. The WCHS premium book is available online or by request: call (502) 367-5300 or email horse.show@kyvenues.com.
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.
With its new logo and tagline — Uniquely Kentucky. Uniquely Fun. — the Kentucky State Fair is encouraging Kentuckians to enter this year’s competitions for best apple pie, best homebrew IPA beer, best hand-pieced quilt and more.
“The Kentucky State Fair celebrates the best of the Bluegrass State,” said President and CEO Jason Rittenberry. “That not only includes its rich history and culture, but also its people and their unique talents. I invite everyone to consider submitting an entry and sharing their accomplishments with the 600,000 fairgoers this August.”
Competitors can choose from 32 departments — including antiques, field seed, livestock, photography and textiles — which are divided into 7,000 total classes of competition. All ages are welcome to compete for cash prizes and the more than 5,000 blue ribbons to be awarded. In fact, records show competitors have range in age from 4 to 92 years.
The Kentucky State Fair draws entries from across the country, with 18 different states represented in 2016 alone. Other years have seen entrants from around the world competing for Bluegrass blue ribbons. The 2017 Premium Book and entry form are available online at www.kystatefair.org/premiumBook.html. A print version is also available; to request a copy, contact the entry department at Entry@kyvenues.com or call (502) 367-5190.
Deadlines for Entries:
- General – July 1
- General (with late fee) – July 10
- Open and 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock – July 10
- Pigeon and Poultry – July 18
- Rabbit – July 18
- Open Livestock (with late fee) – July 25
- Extra Late Open Livestock ( with late fee) – August 3
For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org/premiumBook.html or contact the entry department at Entry@kyvenues.com or (502) 367-5190.
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.
The sounds of summer return to Freedom Hall in August for the star-studded Kentucky State Fair Main Stage concert series. Three nights of music, ranging from country to hip-hop, offers something for everyone at the annual summer festival.
“The Main Stage concert series starts off with fun music from the 90s, and closes with a unique country rock tour right on the dirt in Freedom Hall,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “With the tradition of Alabama and newcomer Tucker Beathard in between, we believe this is one of our strongest lineups for the Fair.”
Thursday, August 17 – I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice Featuring some of the most iconic names in rap, hip hop and R&B, this show brings the best acts of the 90s together for what Entertainment Weekly dubbed an “arena-sized dance party.” “I Love the 90s” features Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc and Young MC.
Dance to favorite songs including “Ice Ice Baby,” “All 4 Love” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The awardwinning artists have collected numerous accolades including honors from the American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Grammys. The celebration of 90s nostalgia begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $37.
Friday, August 18 – Alabama with special Guest Tucker Beathard Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music, blends traditional country music with a Southern rock sound. With more than 40 No. 1 hits, counting a 21 song streak on the top of the charts, Alabama is known for popular songs including “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Song of the South” and “Mountain Man.” Alabama has amassed more than 200 awards, making them the most awarded band in country music history. Up-and-coming country music singer Tucker Beathard is currently working on his debut album. Beathard has charted two singles, “Momma and Jesus” and “Rock On” and is gaining a following for his honest songwriting. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Sunday, August 27 – Southern Uprising Tour The Southern Uprising Tour features several defining stars of country music, including Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Lee Roy Parnell.
Between them, the artists have charted more than 50 songs and are known for recognizable hits such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Here’s A Quarter,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Can’t You See.” Set on the dirt of Freedom Hall, the boot stomping music begins at 6 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Tickets for all three headline concerts go on sale Monday, April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include Kentucky State Fair gate admission.
The Kentucky State Fair announces the lineup for its Turf Concert Series, which runs throughout the fair, Aug. 17-27. The series features a wide range of musical artists and there’s a different concert every night, for a total of 24 bands. All shows are free with paid admission to the Kentucky State Fair.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
- “Elvis Extravaganza” recreates the magic and music of the King’s live performances. Recognized as the country’s best Elvis tribute artists, these singers cover his entire career – from the hip-shakin’ 50s to the rhinestone-studded Vegas years. www.elviscontest.com
- Brian, Dale, Mike, Scott and Jamie fly their fan flag in Tribute to “The Statler Brothers.” This heartfelt performance honors the country giants whose careers spanned 47 years, 38 albums and countless music awards. www.therivercityboys.com
Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
- At 12 years old, Ginuwine was already performing with a local hip-hop group. Skip forward, and it wasn’t long before he had signed a deal with Sony Music. That’s all it took to launch a career filed with multiple double-platinum LPs and hit singles on R&B and pop charts. www.ginuwine.com
- Tony! Toni! Toné! helped define the R&B genre – and their classic songs continue to make rotation on radio stations more than 25 years later. Today the group can be found on the road, performing their hits across the U.S. and around the world. www.tonytonitonemusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
- Grammy-award winning Blues Traveler covers a lot of ground with their music – blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul and Southern rock. After selling millions of records and logging thousands of miles on the road, the band continues to deliver energetic, eclectic live performances. www.bluestraveler.com
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
- A country and gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys have been entertaining Kentucky State Fair audiences for 42 years. The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album; earned Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards; and were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. www.oakridgeboys.com
- Alaska and Madi, a country western duo from Tulsa, have been singing together since they were 11 and 12 years old. Members of “Team Blake” on season 6 of “The Voice,” they can now be found playing stages throughout the U.S. www.alaskaandmadi.com
Monday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.
- Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone hit the music scene in 2012 as For King & Country, winning fans and Billboard’s New Artists to Watch. If the duo looks familiar, they have performed on “The View,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” www.forkingandcountry.com
- A Christian singer and songwriter, Zach Williams was a member of Zach Williams & The Reformation before going solo in 2016. That same year he released his first single, which reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart. His first full-length album quickly followed. www.zachwilliamsmusic.com
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
- Hit after hit from the ’60s and ’70s, the Happy Together Tour unites some of the era’s top artists: The Association; Ron Dante of the Archies; The Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie; The Box Tops; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; The Cowsills and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
- Raised in Orange Grove, Texas, population 1,200, Chase Bryant has said there were 20 guitars in his town, and he owned all of them. The young guitar player, songwriter and recording artist produces his own music, including a single that landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. www.chasebryant.com
- One of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, Dylan Scott’s respect for traditional country, embrace of modern genres, unique voice and warm personality have made him a favorite with fans. His singles rank high on Billboard Charts, with millions of plays via social media and streaming. www.dylanscottcountry.com
- Chris Shrader rocks audiences with a contemporary style that has strong roots in traditional country. His wide range of influences can be heard in his songs and include: Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash; Smashing Pumpkins and Hank Williams; and Foo Fighters and Travis Tritt. www.chrisshrader.com
Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
- Kentucky-born cellist and composer Ben Sollee has performed at Carnegie Hall, and his music can be heard on TV shows such as “Parenthood” and “Weeds.” He also uses his music to raise awareness and has performed and spoken on sustainability at South by Southwest Music and TEDx San Diego. www.bensollee.com
- Capturing the smooth soul of the ’70s and the hot Miami sound from the early ’80s, Tony and the Tan Lines knows how to get the party started. From Hall and Oates to Huey Lewis and Gloria Estefan to Steely Dan, this group keeps the energy going till the last note is played. www.tonyandthetanlines.com
- 64West began as a duo when University of Kentucky students Aaron Weaver and Bill Yackey played rock, country and R&B shows in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. The two later added a bassist, guitarist and drummer; and moved from Lexington to Louisville, which is how the band got its name. www.64westband.com
Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
- Having spent last year on one of country music’s biggest tours – Carrie Underwood’s “The Storyteller” – Easton Corbin is back in the studio working on a new album. The Florida native is known for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. www.eastoncorbin.com
- A Kentucky native, JD Shelburne grew up on country, gospel and pop rock music. The young musician started playing small bars in Louisville and Lexington before taking the stage at events such as the CMA Music Festival, Quaker State 400 NASCAR Race and NCAA Women’s Final Four. www.jdshelburne.com
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
- Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman incorporates the musical styles of country and acoustic, postgrunge and alternative rock. The group has racked up eight Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Chart, with two singles reaching number one. www.theoryofadeadman.com
- Each member of Goldy lockS brings their own style to the group, for a fusion of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and heavy metal. They’ve shared the stage with a wide range of artists, including Nickelback, Ted Nugent, Collective Soul, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Maroon 5 and Grand Funk Railroad. www.goldylocks.net
Sunday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m.
- Matthew West is an award-winning Christian artist – Dove Award, American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year – plus an Emmy and four-time Grammy nominee. His music has sold more than 1.6 million albums. www.matthewwest.com
- A gospel performer from Tennessee, Colton Dixon started singing when he was 13 years old and placed seventh on the 11th season of “American Idol.” www.coltondixon.com
- Hawk Nelson is a Christian rock and pop punk band. The Canadian group has released seven albums and won multiple GMA Awards. Their songs have also been used in promotions for “American Idol,” the NFL, Nike, JCPenny and the Olympics. www.hawknelson.com
- A Christian performer, Sarah Reeves plays pop and worship style music and has released a number of albums with chart-topping hits. Her popularity is boosted by her YouTube channel which, at last count, had over 13 million views from around the world. www.sarahreevesmusic.com
The Turf Concert Series is held in Cardinal Stadium with seating on the field, which is first-come first-served. Gates open approximately an hour-and-a-half before the music begins.
The opening weekend of the Kentucky State Fair may be in the books, but there is a lot of Fair left to enjoy.
The Midway is open throughout the fair, which lasts through Sunday, August 28th. The midway is open for the duration for fair visitors who wish to try their hand at games of skill or seek some thrills on the rides. The indoor exhibits, including Main Street Kentucky, Health Horizons, Pride of the Counties, Heritage Hall, Gourmet Garden, the Product Showcase, and the Performing Arts Showcase also last through the end of the fair.
Also at various time throughout the fair are numerious free shows, which include Miller’S Border Collies, The Buck Trout Show, Cuzzin’ Grumpy’S Porkchop Revue, Neecha’S Amazing Dobermans Show, Lady Houdini, Chinese Acrobats Of Hebei, a simulated Trial By Jury, and The Magic Of David Garrard.
If those acts don’t satisfy your appetite for entertainment, there are also still several free Turf Concert Series shows left, including Newsboys with special guest 7eventh Time Down tonight, the Happy Together tour tomorrow, and Chris Janson, Brooke Eden, Dylan Schneider; Blood, Sweat & Tears, Bo Bice, Stephen Bishop; American Authors, Public; Rachel Platten, Jeffrey James; Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, Lauren Daigle, and Finding Favour later in the week. On the main stage, Chris Young and Brett Eldredge will be performing with special guest Chris Lane on the 28th.
For the animal lovers, different animals will be rotating into many of the spaces in the West Hall and Pavilion on changeover day today. Dairy goats, dairy cattle, poultry, pigeons, mules, and rabbits will be on display through tomorrow while today is the last day to see the meat goats. Tomorrow and throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to see the sheep, swine and beef cattle. This Thursday will feature the 4-H & FFA Sale of Champions and the Draft Horse and Mule Pull will be on Sunday the 28th.
Be sure to stay with Louisville Dispatch for more about the 2016 Kentucky State Fair online and on our Facebook Page – where you can see our photos from the fair and share your own.
The 2016 Kentucky State Fair is coming up on us quickly. The fair will run August 18th – 28th at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center here in Louisville.
Admission is $10 per person (children under 5 are admitted free) at the gate, but advanced tickets can be purchased online or at your local Kroger for $6. Any person who rides the city bus , TARC, from 4th St. downtown to Gate 4 during the fair will receive discounted admission at the gate. Parking is $8 per car and $20 per bus at the gate. Discounted parking can be purchased the Expo Center ticket office and Kroger for $5. There will not be any free parking available at the Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium this year. Some days will have special promotions:
- August 21 – Military Day: Free admission for active and retired military and their families, parking not included
- August 23 – Senior Day: Free admission for seniors 55 and older until 5;00 PM, parking not included
- August 24 – $20 Carload Day: $20 for every car, inlcuding parking
The Exhibition Hall opens at 9:00 AM daily and allows visitors to see a wide range of displays, including entries into the many contests, representatives from each county, LMPD, LG&E, and a flea market. Throughout the area, there will be daily shows, such as acrobatic performances, educational exhibits, BMX bike performances, music performances, dog tricks, cooking demonstrations, and even comedy shows. You can also watch people compete in the annual talent show, the World’s Championship Saddlebred Horse Show, Cheer & Dance Championship, and the cooking competitions.
No fair is complete without carnival rides for entertainment. The Midway will run throughout the entire fair, with rides opening at 12:00 PM on Friday – Sundays, and 2:00 PM on Monday through Thursdays. Rides do cost extra and wristbands are only good for one day. Wristbands can be purchased at the fair for: adults – $25 and children 12 and under that are also shorter than 56″ – $12. Discounted wristbands can be purchased online for $20 (no discount on child wristbands) through August 17th. During Military Day (August 21st), with proper military ID, military members and their families will be able to purchase wristbands for $10.
There is a large selection of food vendors to visit. Fried foods reign supreme, but you will be able to enjoy barbecue pork and beef from local farms and other fair treats, including hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, french fries, funnel cakes, and the donut burger. There’s even the opportunity to bid on prized-country hams during the 53rd Annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast and Auction on August 25th.
Admission also gives access to the nightly Turf Concert series, which will feature performances by ABBA, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chris Janson, Oak Ridge Boys, and Rachel Platten to name a few. There will also be three Main Stage concerts that cost extra, but the ticket price includes gate admission. These concerts will feature Reba McEntire, Jeff Dunham, and Chris Young and Brett Eldredge.
With over 600,000 visitors to last year’s State Fair, and the hope that this year will see an increase in attendance, the 2016 Kentucky State Fair will be a hot spot of activity this year.
The concert line-up for the 2016 KY State Fair has been announced. As usual, the Turf Concert Series are included with the paid gate admission and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All concerts start at 8:00 PM.
Thursday, August 18th: ABBA: The Concert with special guest Kazual
Friday, August 19th: Ashanti with special guest After 7
Saturday, August 20th: Kentucky Headhunters with special guests Black Stone Cherry
Sunday, August 21st: Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Martin Family Circus
Monday, August 22nd: Newsboys with special guest 7eventh Time Down
Tuesday, August 23rd: Happy Together Tour 2016
Wednesday, August 24th: Chris Janson with special guest Brooke Eden
Thursday, August 25th: Blood, Sweat & Tears with Bo Bice with special guest Stephen Bishop
Friday, August 26th: American Authors with special guest Public the Band
Saturday, August 27th: Rachel Platten with special guest Jeffrey James
Sunday, August 28th: Francesa Battistelli with special guests Building 429, Lauren Daigle, and Finding Favour. This show starts at 4:00 PM.
The Main Stage Concerts require separate tickets to be purchased at the KY Exposition Center ticket office.
The schedule is:
Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 PM: Reba with special guest Parmalee
Friday, August 19th at 7:00 PM: Jeff Dunham
Friday, August 28th at 7:00 PM: Chris Young and Brett Eldredge with special guest Chris Lane