The Shake Up

Amidst the deep fried Kool-Aid and Krispy Kreme burgers, sandwiched between some talented pups and an armor of camouflage, you will find a band of pirates in the South Wing Parking Lot.  I wandered there expecting to see a high dive show, but what I found was an adventure. 

Sinbad invites you to accompany him on a journey to find the fabled Golden Pineapple. The crowd is quickly acquainted with an unusual band of gold-seekers from the quirky Joe to the daring Bobby and Sinbad’s monkey! And these pirates prove they have all the right moves in and out of the water as they pump up with crowd with some impressive trampoline tricks.

The show should come with instructions upon arrival, no blinking and you will be memorized. From synchronized diving to hand-stands, the crew performs impressive dives from two 12 foot boards before surfacing with unexpected treasures from the water below. And just when you think there couldn’t possibly be another dive you haven’t seen, two crew members plunge from a 15 foot platform together followed quickly by a mass dive of five different crew members leaving from variable heights at the same time!

When the crew docks at the island of Louisville, Kentucky a slap-stick comedy ensues as Sinbad attempts to clean up the ship and make repairs. When the mayhem subsides and the Golden Pineapple is still nowhere in sight, Sinbad looks to the audience for advice on what to do. The crowd enthusiastically points to the 80 foot platform and begins chanting for the climatic dive. Crew member Bobby exceeds expectations when he not only climbs to the top, but performs a difficult dive before plunging to the water below. Imagine traveling 55 miles per hour down the highway and having nine and a half feet to come to a complete stop. Did he survive the plummet and recover the treasure?

Well that’s for me to know and you to find out. This cast of colorful characters couldn’t agree on just ONE reason you should come out to the Kentucky State Fair and see their show. So whether it’s the “great looking bunch of pirates” or the self-proclaimed “awesome flying monkey” that draws you to the Sinbad High Dive Show, you are sure to be entertained from the moment you get there!

Catch this spectacular show daily at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Kentucky State Fair has always been synonymous with blue ribbons and award-winning entertainment. But topping its repertoire of things that draws more than 600,000 patrons each year is the unique cuisine specific to the Fair. Though the tradition of funnel cakes, BBW sandwiches and lemon shake-ups will continue, a new assortment of innovative and eclectic food items will be available this year.

Last year’s Krispy Kreme burger at the Kentucky State Fair caught everyone’s attention and is back by popular demand at the front of Freedom Hall. Its success has this year’s vendors and food connoisseurs looking for the “next big thing” in fair fare.

The deep-fried derby pie, a uniquely Kentucky confection, will make its debut this year. The traditional famous bourbon pie will be dipped in funnel cake batter and fried to perfection in the Sivori tent, located in the South Wing C Parking Lot. But, it is not the only addition to the Fair’s fried food group.

Fried Kool-Aid has been a topic of interest since creator “chicken” Charlie Boghosian introduced it to fairgoers at this year’s Sand Diego Fair, proving once again there is nothing you can’t deep-fry. Made on location, this unusual sensation is a combination of funnel cake batter and cherry Kool-Aid powder that dissolves as it is heated.

Curious Kentucky State Fairgoers can find deep-fired Kool-Aid at booths in both South Wing C and the South Wing parking lot. Eminence Elementary School principal and food entrepreneur Mike Doran said he expects a big return on his investment in additional equipment and staff he acquired to supply the treat.

“I think this is going to stick around,” Doran said. “I hope it becomes a staple like fried Twinkies and fried snickers.”

The odd concoction will share the spotlight with a few other unlikely desserts, including the Maple Bacon Sundae. The sundae is a bizarre combination of butter pecan ice-cream, maple syrup, and bacon that fans claim is worth a try. Anthony Allega, owner of Big Kahuna, said that the sundae has already been a big hit at several fairs this year. Allega will also offer frozen chocolate-dipped bananas, strawberries and cheesecake. 

Patrons simply looking for a balanced meal will also have a place to indulge. Vendors in South Wing C will be offering traditional breakfast foods, hot deli favorites and inner classics such as spaghetti and salad.

For a more formal experience, the Saddlebred Café offers find dining and gourmet desserts as well as a full-service bar serving soft drinks, coffee, wine, beer and cocktails.

The 107th Kentucky State Fair will be held August 18-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information and continued updates on the 2011 Kentucky State Fair, visit the official website at www.kystatefair.org.

What’s better than mouth-watering smoked barbeque from the The Q? Mouth-watering smoked barbeque from the Q and awesome live music. What’s better than that? Well, nothing. We think you’ll agree once you check out the Lawn Party Tent Sponsored by The Q at the Kentucky State Fair.

 What do you get when you blend jazz, blues ragtime, swing and original music with washboards, washtubs, kazoos, jugs and various other sundry hardware? Nothing less than the strange concoction called the Juggernaut Jug Band, back for their ninth year at the Kentucky State Fair. You won’t be able to help but enjoy this infectious music born during the Progressive Era right here in Louisville, KY!

 And keep the beat going with Artie Dean Harris, he has all the right moves to keep you wanting more. But this is no toe-tapping show, think Merle Haggard, Tom Cruise and a world-famous circus act all rolled into one young cowboy crooner. 

 True to their name, the Horizontal Boogie Band will have you dancing and singing all night long to your favorites from the 80s and 90s. Their set list includes songs from the likes of Rick Springfield, Duran Duran, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, ZZ Top and many more!

And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed trying to decide what your favorite music is, well that’s ok. You’ll hear it all from country to classic rock when Trick Nickel hits the stage delivering a crowd pleasing performance every time!

 You’ll also be able to catch Lamont Gillispie rocking out as well as Kirby’s Dreamland playing your favorites. So don’t deny yourself a good time, indulge at the Lawn Part Tent Sponsored by The Q, located across from the West Courtyard. We’ll see you there!

Go to any summer cookout in the Bluegrass and you’ll find the finest steaks on the grill and a country crooner playing in the background. After all, if there is anything Kentucky knows it’s country music and grilled food. So we thought, why not bring the two of them together in one place to make our patrons feel right at home? And with a little help from our friends at Sivori Catering that’s exactly what we did!

Local superstar, J.D. Shelburne is returning to the Sivori Country Music Tent. This Taylorsville, Ky. native has garnered enough recognition from his debut album that he was featured in the March 2009 edition of Country Weekly Magazine, earned global airplay on the legendary 650 WSM Nashville Station, made numerous television appearances, and played countless gigs that include The Wildhorse Saloon, The Bluebird Café, Churchill Downs, Waterfront Park and Louisville Slugger Field. But Shelburne is no stranger to fame, sharing the stage with some big names opening for the likes of Kellie Pickler, The Kentucky Headhunters, Joe Nichols, and John Michael Montgomery.

Speaking of fame, Society Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Entertaining Bluegrass Act of the Year nominee Kentucky Blue will grab your attention with the first note of their energetic performance featuring great music and comedy. With great two, three and four-part harmonies accompanied by red hot blazing instrumentals, this group will leave you wanting more.

And more Bluegrass is exactly what you will get when the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys take the stage.Hailing from the backwoods of Pewee Valley, Kentucky, this band will have you stomping your feet to the beat and singing along to classics from Roscoe Holcomb, The Stanley Brothers, and fiddle legend Tommy Jarrell as well as some originals.

The perfect blend of new and traditional country mixed with your favorite Southern Rock dance tunes will have you pulling up a seat and staying a while in TwangTown. With a kickin’ country groove, their high energy show definitely covers some ground and takes you on a ride you never expected!ith the perfect ‘time tested’ blend of New and Traditional country mixed with your favorite Southern Rock dance tunes, and some

Can’t get enough Southern Rock? Then get down and dirty with Black Mudd as they perform both original music and some of the most popular country and Southern-rock tunes of yesterday and today.

But that’s not all! You’ll also hear from Louisville native Olivia Henken, the White Russians, MacDaddies and Junction Creek. So go ahead and make Sivori Country Music Tent your home away from home at the largest cookout you’ll be invited to this summer, the Kentucky State Fair! After all, we have so much more to offer than that guy from next door and you don’t even have to bring a dish!

The ability of a textile to tell a story is often overlooked but our history can be seen woven into each thread just as clearly as it is written in the books. Pick up a depression-era quilt and behind the breathtaking artistry lies the embodiment of a struggle to hold a family together. Study the photograph of a US soldier during World War II and you’ll see a grim face who’s only defense against the cruel North European weather was an Olive-drab wool uniform.

And the history of the Kentucky State Fair is no different.

A textile category was established beginning with the first Kentucky fair in 1816. The non-agricultural classes were defined as “women’s” categories in the early days, but they were so much more than simple diversions to entertain farmers’ wives.  Exhibitors were serious about their entries and fair patrons were equally interested in viewing the displays. When the Kentucky State Fair was established in 1902, the antique craft continued and more than 3,000 entries of “housewifery” were submitted.

The textile category has progressed generously through 107 years. From such entries as a sweater knitted from thread dyed in Kool-Aid to a purse made by a 6-year-old from pot holders, the talent displayed each year is anything but mediocre.

But according to textile superintendent, Susan Hoferkamp, nothing compares to the generations of talent that are represented and the young children who return to compete year after year.

“It’s so rewarding to see a little girl holding her grandma’s hand come walking up with an entry in her hand,” Hoferkamp said, “ To me that’s more memorable than the entries themselves,” 

An associate at Louisville staple Dee’s Crafts, Hoferkamp likes to think of herself as the “air traffic controller” of the textile division. From recruiting judges and volunteers to encouraging patrons to compete, you could say she does a little bit of everything. She has been with the Kentucky State Fair textile division for over ten years now serving as a volunteer and assistant superintendent before gaining her current title. 

But when it comes to the coveted blue ribbon, the entries are what it is all about. Each category is judged by local individuals selected for their expertise in the field, with the exception of the quilt category in which certified judges are brought in from out of state.

However, with a category as broad as textiles, judging criteria can sometimes be a bit fuzzy. While every element is carefully considered by the judges, the skill level exhibited is what really matters.

“The judges may consider the color scheme or artistic features of an entry, but the true component of a textile piece lies in the entrant’s ability,” stated Hoferkamp.

 The craftsmanship of a textile entry is the foundation for the whole article, much like the performance of an Olympic diver or gymnast depends on technique.

The secret to submitting a good entry lies in using all the resources available to you as competitors. The premium book has been carefully constructed to educate those interested in a particular category to learn all they can about the contest before entering. Many helpful hints can be found between the lines of the general guidelines.

Beginners don’t be discouraged! If you are just testing the waters of the textile industry try starting with a small project such as knitting a scarf or embroidering a pillowcase. You may even find that you have a niche for this centuries-old craft.  If you are challenged by the simple task of reattaching a button, try the “Greetings from the State Fair” category designed specifically for those whose artistic ability lie elsewhere. This category is not concerned with skill level at all but rather how you tell a story. Contestants enter a small quilt with a top layer depicting their interpretation of the fair whether it is done by paint, sketch or another medium. Let your imagination run wild! Click here for more information.

And even if textiles aren’t your thing, make a point to walk by the showcase featured in the textile area during the fair. It doesn’t take a textile enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of a true piece of art. Or history!

It sits in waiting, shining brightly in all its tightly-threaded glory adorned with that coveted 1st place stamp on its glossy front. People have slaved over it and fought over it and lost sleep over it! It is a symbol of recognition, sure to bring jealously to those whom do not claim its ownership. But for those who do, it is point of extreme pride. It is a royal blue reminder of their dominance over the competition, their success at their craft, and their place in the Kentucky State Fair’s rich history. It’s a blue ribbon for a winning entry. Let celebration ensue! Funnel cake anyone?

FOODIES UNITE!

Culinary is an art. Like picking between “Mona Lisa” and “The Starry Night”, finding a legitimate winner amongst a sea of deliciousness is a difficult task. Blood, sweat and tears, hopefully not literally, go into every cake, cookie, pie and pickle. Sure, they are all tasty in their own right, but what does it take for them to be a true blue winner?

Luckily, seasoned food veterans like Steve Lee are available to lend a helping taste in deciding who the best of the best is by following specific criteria for each category.

Lee, superintendent for the past 8 years, includes in the judging criteria texture, flavor, appearance, creativity, artistry, proper ingredient handling, and other categories depending on what type of food is being judged. The owner of “Cooking at the Cottage” on Lexington Road has had extensive culinary experience during his career. He is accompanied by 24 judges whom he picks based on their experience in individual fields.

“I work closely with the University of Kentucky Extension office,” said Lee. “They help me bring in judges from regions all over the state and surrounding areas.”

 Herbs and spices are Lee’s specialty and he said his particular joy lies in savory foods. Though he only judges during a tie-breaker, Lee admits there are certain events he tends to be present for.

“You can always find me hanging around the Benedictine Cheese Spread table during judging,” he said half-jokingly. “That is definitely one of my favorites.”

If Benedictine Cheese is not your thing, or you don’t know what Benedictine cheese is, go for one of the more popular categories.

“The most hotly-contested categories would have to be ‘My Favorite Cake’ and the ‘Salsa’ competitions,” Lee said.

There are two salsa categories, one with peppers and one without, but both are mainly dominated by male competitors. My favorite cake lets the participants creativity shine through with a unique recipe of their own.

“We once had a cake [topped ] with Jell-O and whipped cream,” Lee said.

Competition is plentiful in all the categories. But to win, you must make sure you are even considered. Lee said number one thing to consider when making an entry is easy to remember and basic as basil. In fact, you probably learned this helpful hint back in grade school:

“Read the rules,” Lee said. “We have so many entries that have to be disqualified each year simply because they did not read the rules.”

Imagine! Your tasty sponge cake sitting idly by on the table, watching all the other sponge cakes being judged and enjoyed simply because its pan circumference was an inch too large. So do yourself and your sponge cake a favor by familiarizing yourself with the restrictions.

There is a new host in town; we hear Mario Lopez is crushed. It has recently been announced that famous rock n’ roll iPhone icon, Rockin Ted, will be the official host/mascot for the YAP Tent at the Kentucky State Fair. It had been unclear if Ted would be able to make time in his busy schedule for the gig, but it has now been confirmed that contracts have been signed.

Rockin Ted was originally set to audition for the Battle of the Bands competition. However, due to his recent rise to celebrity status, a move to official mascot seemed to be App-tly appropriate.

“I’m just really excited man,” said Rockin Ted. “I couldn’t believe I was picked to be official mascot, it’s pretty wicked.”

When Rockin Ted hit the App circuit earlier this year, he was quickly downloaded by fans from all over the state, country, and the world. But as a Louisville native, Ted is staying grounded by showing his support for up-and-coming local bands competing in this years competition.

“It’s just so cool that YAP gives a place for these sweet bands to show their stuff,” Rockin Ted said. “When they asked me if I could find some time to be the mascot I was like,’ Yeah, totally sounds awesome.’”

 It’s about that time again. The pies will be tastier, the pumpkins will be bigger, the competition will be fiercer, and the bragging rights will be more extensive. August will bring hot weather and heated competition with the general entries contests at the Fair.

If you think your creation has what it takes to beat out the best in the state, get your clicking finger ready.  General entry deadline for all categories is Friday, July 1st, (except commercial wine) and all entries can be made online by visiting www.kystatefair.org and filling out our online entry form. Little did your great-grandmother know her prized antiques would one day be entered through an online writable PDF that can be e-mailed?

Antiques not your thing? Don’t you fret! With more classes for general entries than last year, everyone can find their niche! More than 30 departments of almost anything that can be baked, made, grown and sewn can be found in our premium book, also online as PDF. Late general entries will be accepted with a fee until Monday, July 11th.

Here’s a little rundown on some specific entry deadlines:

For Open and 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock as well as Pigeon and Poultry - July 11th.

Rabbit applications  - July 18th.

Late entries for open livestock, with a fee - July 25th.

Extra late open livestock, with a fee - August 5th.

Whew! Got all that?

If you are still not sure if you should enter, let our premium book convince you with the complete list of prizes in each category. However, the real reward lies in the satisfaction that comes with that royal blue satin piece of proof that you are, in fact, the champion.

The Kentucky State Fair…Stroking egos since 1902!

 Lady Antebellum is doing their namesake justice by cementing their place in country music history. The band is swooping up awards left and right, most recently the Group Video of the Year Award at the CMT Awards on June 8^th. They followed with a killer performance at the show, reminding fans once again why they are consistently on top of the Billboard Charts:

http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/662102/2011-cmt-music-awards-just-a-kiss-kiss.jhtml

Luckily, we don’t have to wait until next year’s CMT’s to see them again. Tickets for their performance at the Kentucky State Fair will be on sale Monday June 13^th at 10 a.m. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com or at the Kentucky Exposition Center ticket office if you feel so moved to come visit us, we would love to see you. 

The band got together in 2006 after middle school friends Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley found Hillary Davis, daughter of country music star Linda Davis. The talented trio went about making their first album which was an instant hit. They then began their second album while balancing a thick tour schedule. However, all their hard work has really seemed to pay off, with more than 40 award nominations and No.1 hit after No. 1 hit. We see no need to title drop here, you know their songs.

We hope to see a lot more of this group in upcoming years. And if past is any indication of future, we don’t think they’re going anywhere.

…Hank Williams Jr. and John Mayer had a lovechild?

I’m from a small town, so it’s easy for me to relate to songs about “Red dirt roads and big tire toys, country girls and redneck boys” (Sumter County Friday Night) But even I was a little stumped when I came across this question researching country singer and songwriter Lee Brice. But with his music reflecting traditional honky tonk sounds while teetering on the edge of contemporary rock and roll, it’s easy to see Brice filling those shoes.

Raised in Sumter, S.C. on his momma’s gospel, Lee Brice was what you would consider “musically sheltered” before being exposed to various genres in high school. So it’s ironic that today he draws inspiration from a list of artists that would challenge even Pandora to unite:  Garth Brooks, Hank Junior, Coldplay, John Mayer, Brian McKnight, Tom Petty, 3 Doors Down, Whitney Houston, Edwin McCain and Ray Charles. Aside from hitting shuffle on Lee Brice’s iPod, this list could only be complied by a shoplifter making a grab and run at the local music store. But inspiration united these unlikely companions in Brice’s mind as the definition of greatness.

“They’re all great, which appeals to me because I want to make every song I do as great as I can too. I’m not comparing myself to them in any way, but I want the same thing that I love in what they do: They all make music that you can believe in.”

But it’s been a long road from Sumter, S.C. to Freedom Hall. After his football career at Clemson University ended prematurely following an injury, Brice walked away from a civil engineering degree to pursue his true passion; music. Shortly after moving to Music City, he met Doug Johnson, sharpened his writing skills and was soon writing two and three times a day with heavyweights in the industry. His career received a major boost when his song “More Than a Memory” was picked up by Garth Brooks in 2007. As a singer, his breakthrough came in 2009 with the release of his single “Love Like Crazy” which made a slow consistent build to the top of the Billboard charts. Since then, Brice released his debut album Love Like Crazy in 2010.

Beginning with his very first single “She Ain’t Right” in 2007 he has proven that with simple lyrics, he has the ability to make memories come alive. And at the 2011 Kentucky State Fair you’ll have the opportunity to travel through the dirt roads of Sumter County as Brice kicks off the Main Stage Concert Series, opening for Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” tour on August 18 at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 13 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, KFC Yum! Center and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.