Kentucky says state fair will be open to public this year

Kentucky says its state fair will reopen this year after being closed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kentucky State Fair Board voted Thursday for the event to take place Aug. 19 through Aug. 29, but details are still unknown at this point.

“The Kentucky State Fair is an important event for thousands of people around the Commonwealth and the economic activity created by the Fair will help Kentucky’s recovery. 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,” David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, said in an announcement.

We’re excited to begin the process for planning a safe and healthy 2021 Kentucky State Fair. See everyone in August! https://t.co/E4k4z6WS9Z

— Kentucky Venues (@KyVenues) April 22, 2021

The board said the fair will take place across 1.2 million square feet, including more than 300 acres of outdoor space.

“The safety of competitors, employees and visitors to the Kentucky State Fair is the highest priority. The event will follow the recommendations of the Kentucky Healthy at Work and Healthy Events initiatives as well as the Center for Disease Control and Jefferson County Health Department,” the announcement states.

Although guidelines are not set up yet, the announcement says those who go to the fair will have to abide by whatever health guidelines are put in place.

Tickets for the 117th Kentucky State Fair will go on sale in July.