The Shake Up

Often the big things take precedence in our lives while the little things fall to the wayside.  But, sometimes stopping to acknowledge or enjoy the little things is more rewarding.  The last few days of the Fair are the perfect time to see some things you may have missed rushing to a show, performance or competition.  Here are eight things we think you shouldn’t pass up. 

1. The Kentucky Army National Guard Military Exhibit – Visitors can get an adrenaline rush at any one of the fun stations located in the South Wing Parking Lot.  Balancing on the high ropes course takes bravery.  The rock wall tests your strength and stamina.  A pugil stick duel tests your mettle and competitive spirit.  If adrenaline rushes aren’t your thing, you can explore the cool military vehicles and equipment featured in the exhibit.

2. Kraft Homestyle Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Tour – Who doesn’t love mac & cheese?  The taste taps into those sequestered childhood memories of lunch after a morning of running through sprinklers.  Free samples abound in the South Wing Parking Lot and you’ll want to run for a hotdog to complete the childhood flashback.

3. Competitive Entries – Everyone has a talent and everyone has a competitive edge.  Mix those together and you get the thousands of entries located in the West Hall, East Hall and South Wing A.  From perfectly scaled miniatures to Van Gogh’s made of color swatches, from dyed fabrics to sparkling stained glass and glowing fish tanks to rows of vegetables, the competition is broadly appealing.  

4. All the Autos – Who said research couldn’t include daydreaming?  The Dodge Challenger, Journey Crew and Ram are nestled between the Military Exhibit and Mello Yello Retro Cool Experience outside.  The Toyota Venza, Avalon and Camry can be found inside the South Wing B Lobby.  And the Ford Explorer, F350 and Lincoln Navigator are parked in front of the iconic manufactured house in the South Wing C commercial exhibit area.  You can sit in all the cars and daydream for as long you want, until someone else thinks they get to daydream, too.

5. BBQ from the Q – Seriously, best brisket I’ve had in a long time.  It was the perfect combination of smokiness and tenderness.  After you get your tasty BBQ, you can take a seat in the Kentucky State Fair Lawn Party Tent and enjoy some live music.  It doesn’t get much more summery than that.

6. Lemon shake ups – Because our blog is named after this tasty drink, we thought it only proper to include on this list.  If you haven’t gotten one yet, you are missing out on a Kentucky State Fair staple.  They’re perfect for washing down the BBQ and quenching your thirst after a long day.

7. Saddlebred Café – If your feet and stomach are protesting the lines at the food carts throughout the Fair, head over to the North Wing where a different Fair food experience awaits you.  Past the equine exhibit is the Saddlebred Café, a sit-down dining experience complete with waiters and table cloths.  Although some patrons may be well-dressed, you don’t have to be.  The café is open to any and everyone, not just horse showers.

8. Kentucky Proud Marketplace – Do you still think the Fair only provides diet-derailing food?  Organic fresh produce, spreads and drinks represent Kentucky’s local agriculture on the corner by the Midway.  Red Rooibos Tea, grilled corn, apples and garlic jam are definitely worth stopping for.

No doubt you’ve walked by many things, thinking, “I’ll come back,” or “When it’s not as crowded …”  Well, now’s the time to come back to them.