2009 Kentucky State Fair brings thrills, concerts, animals and more

Whether it's professional live acts, thrilling rides, talented amateur performers, ooey-gooey treats, delicious food or even terrifying tigers or performing porkers, the Kentucky State Fair has what you're craving. More than 600,000 fair-goers are expected to descend on the Kentucky State Fair for 11 consecutive 16-hour days, from Aug. 20–30. 

Country-music superstars Keith Urban, the Oak Ridge Boys and Pam and Mel Tillis; American Idol alumnae Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift and 1970s and '80s stars Journey, Heart, Peter Frampton and the Commodores will perform at the 2009 Kentucky State Fair. Check here for dates and times for paid concerts. Some of the concerts will be free; check here for a listing of free concerts. You can view a Seating Chart for paid and free concerts.

You never know what to expect at the Kentucky State Fair: performing pigs (the Pork Chop Revue), talented kids from across the state of Kentucky, even a spine-tingling show of Bengal and Siberian tigers! Visitors will catch the aromas of foods from all over the world — from gyros to Asian cuisine, Western Kentucky barbecue and humble funnel cakes. Here's a list of 2009 attractions.

In addition, the State Fair includes the prestigious World Championship Horse Show, a competition which draws 2,000 saddlebred horses from around the globe. 

As usual, the State Fair also has unforgettable Thrillway attractions, whether at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom or the added midway rides.

During weekdays, both open at 2 p.m. Kentucky Kingdom closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at midnight on other days while the Thrillway continues to at least midnight. Be aware, though: You cannot use Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom season passes during the State Fair, and all Kentucky Kingdom rides will require at least two tickets. A 22-ticket strip costs $17 in advance and $25 during the State Fair. Park entry is included with state fair admission.

During the Last Blast, Aug., 30, you can buy a wristband for $24 at the Thrillway ticket booth.

Sure, there are still the cake, pie, quilt and other competitions — 30 in all — that are a cornerstone of state fairs across America. And Freddy Farm Bureau is still greeting visitors as he has for decades. The State Fair wouldn't have the same flavor without these mainstays! And the East Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center still has quite a few booths of interesting products, discounts and organization's materials.

Admission to the Kentucky State Fair costs $8 for adults and $4 for children 3–12 and seniors aged 55 and older. Children 2 and younger get in free. You can get a $2 discount on each admission when you buy your Discount Kentucky State Fair gate admission and display your Kroger Plus card.

The Kentucky State Fair's a big sprawling place. Why not download a map from here?

The Kentucky State Fair first began in 1902 at Churchill Downs, but the fair didn't move permanently to Louisville until 1908. The Kentucky State Fair mov

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