At the Kentucky State Fair, all is fair in food and, well, more food.
From turkey legs to elephant ears and other deep-fried fare, you’ll find more than a fair amount of classic options for feasting.
But that doesn’t mean the menu will be the same as years before.
Just as is tradition for many state fairs, food vendors set up in Louisville will put on a show with some new and unusual dishes. At the recent Ohio State Fair, visitors could try espresso-flavored deviled eggs and the World’s Largest Gummy Bear. And at the ongoing Iowa State Fair, lobster corn dogs and bacon cheeseburger egg rolls are available.
One standout at the Indiana State Fair? An over-the-top bloody mary loaded with a miniature corn on the cob, a cheeseburger slider, fried mac-n-cheese, fried pickles, waffle fries, a hotdog slider, and, just to round it out, a miniature apple pie.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
How will the state fair (Kentucky version) stack up with must-try foods?
Read on for details about four new culinary offerings at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair, set for Aug. 15-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane. For more information, visit kystatefair.org.
Two new dishes from a staple standat the Kentucky State Fair
Sivori Catering, based in Louisville, annually appears at the Kentucky State Fair with a blend of classics and creative concoctions. In 2023, the outdoor stand served the BBQ Sundae, basically a barbecue dinner in a cup.
Previous memorable items include the Totcho, including tater tots smothered in ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, bacon and banana peppers with diced grilled chicken and a bourbon glaze.
This year, Sivori will debut the Chili Cheese Corn Dog, complete with a hand-dipped and fried corn dog, filled with chili and topped with cheese. Another newcomer is a BBQ Pork Pizza with pickles and red onions.
You can find Sivori Catering outside near the Midway at the Kentucky State Fair.
The ‘Smoke Show’ and campfire vibesat the Kentucky State Fair
After 53 years at the Kentucky State Fair, Louisville-based International Catering is still having fun with funnel cakes and beyond.
After previously debuting chicken and dumplings, deep-fried coffee cake, lobster rolls, the Kentucky Klucker, a fried chicken sandwich with hot sauce and pimento cheese, and the Chicken Bacon Donut Sandwich, International Catering owner Mike Baron maybe felt pressure to keep switching things up.
“There are people who come to the fair just to experience food they are not going to get every day,” Baron told the Courier Journal. “There are people who seek those things out.”
This year, the huge area inside the Kentucky Exposition Center that Baron and his family members occupy as International Catering will again serve some showstoppers with the hope of keeping the “thrill” alive for fairgoers.
The new items include the Smoke Show, a smoked meatloaf sandwich with pepper jack cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet and spicy fried pickles, all served on a brioche bun.
Plus, they will introduce deep-fried marshmallows with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.
Baron, 73, enjoys adding new items but he’s also adamant about keeping the classics around. The menu includes 50 choices, including a special one for him.
“We’ve kept the tradition of the real elephant ear,” he said.
That’s because certain customers have come to rely on International Catering for their go-to Kentucky State Fair food-themed experience.
“You get to know the people and the other vendors,” he said. “I love the people and the energy and the atmosphere of the fair.”
An example quickly comes to mind for Baron.
“There’s a lady named Margaret, who I bet for 25 years comes every year,” he said. “And she says, ‘Mike, honey, I want my elephant ear.’”
He's sure she'll be back this year.
Here's what else to know about the 2024 Kentucky State Fair:
When is the Kentucky State Fair?
The Kentucky State Fair runs for 11 days, this year from Aug.15-25.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair?
The 2024 Kentucky State Fair is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane inLouisville.
What are the hoursfor the Kentucky State Fair?
Outside:
- Thursday, Aug. 15,10 a.m. to10 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday,Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inside:
- Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 18,10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission to the fair and sale of all unlimited ride wristbands ends one hour before posted outside closing time. Fairgoers under 18 years old entering after 6 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate.
Where do I park for the Kentucky State Fair?
Parking for the Kentucky State Fair will be in Parking Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?
Tickets purchased Aug. 3-25 are $10 for admission and $10 for parking. Visitkystatefair.org/ticketsfor details.
Thrill Ville wristbands are available now through Aug. 14online, at participating Kroger stores, and at the Kentucky Exposition Center box office for $30.
Thrill Ville wristbands cost $35 starting Aug. 15. Kentucky State Fair admission and ride wristbands are available online via Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. Visitkystatefair.org/ticketsfor more details.
Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hanco*ck at ahanco*ck@courier-journal.com.
 - Teaching Expertise)