The Shake Up

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!

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!

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.’”

What does Louisiville’s biggest rock star have in common with Steve Jobs? If you guesssed hair style, you’re dead wrong. Actually, they don’t really have anything in common, except for the fact that is he a downloadable App for Apple iPod touches, iPads and iPhones.

In just a little more than a month, Rockin Ted has taken the App Store by storm, and strummed and head banged his way into the hearts and electronic devices of fans everywhere.

Rockin Ted was given his big break by Louisville App creation company, 32 Leap. While this animated interactive guitar player has yet to make it onto the Billboard Charts, he has already graced the Top Paid iPhone Entertainment Apps List, as well as securing an impressive 23rd place in the What’s Hot segment of iPhone Entertainment Apps! Rockin Ted has already been downloaded in 20 countries, making him a world famous rock icon.

Even with all the media attention, Rockin Ted hasn’t lost sight of what’s important, and that’s the music. Unlike other performers in his genre, you can see Rockin Ted perform for just a $0.99 download at the App Store. Or, see him at the Kentucky State Fair Battle of the Bands competition in August. We have yet to confirm we can lock him down for a performance, but his people tell us he is pretty excited about the opportunity, as he is a huge fan of the Fair…

My life has been anything but ordinary. At age 1, when most cubs are barely learning to fish, I had already obtained a full-time job in promotions as the official mascot of the Kentucky State Fair. (Yeah, that’s how I roll.) They named me Fairbear, rather unintimidating, I know. But like all other newborns I had no input on what people would call me for the rest of my life - so UNfair. Reluctantly I’ll admit, like the thick brown fur all over my body, it grew on me.

It was not a bad gig either. Imagine walking into your office or school each day and having everyone want to take their picture with you and give you hugs and high-fives. Trust me it’s so awesome I wish everyone could try it. I’m like a regular celebrity around these parts.

Like any privileged golden cub I got to do a lot of traveling in my younger days. I went from fair to fair across this great Bluegrass State. My job was the absolute pinnacle of fun: giving people free stuff (who doesn’t love freebies!) and recruiting people to come enjoy themselves at the Kentucky State Fair. Believe me when I say that recruiting people to eat fried food, ride amazing rides, and listen to awesome music is just as hard as it sounds. About as hard as a teddy bear.

I can’t believe that I turned 34 this year. My beautiful and loyal companion of 30 years, Fairabear, and I often find ourselves sitting on the edge of our den and wondering where the time has gone.

But being middle aged hasn’t slowed us down a bit! It is almost Fair time again, which means I am more than ready to strap that big blue ribbon to my big brown belly and hit the road with my best girl by my side.  I want to meet you as bad as you want to meet me so I had my people type up my summer schedule to share with all of you. If you can’t catch me at any of your local fairs, you will get the chance to see me in a coveted performance at the Kidz Biz stage at the Kentucky State Fair. Not to scratch my own back on a tree, but I am a pretty big deal, so get there early for photo ops. See you there!

Fairbear and Fairabears’ Summer Schedule:

June 3rd, 2011 – Muhlenberg County Fair

June 4th, 2011 – Boyle County Fair and Horse Show

June 5th, 2011 – Casey County Fair

June 8th, 2011 – Carlisle County Fair

June 9th, 2011 – St. Matthews Area Community Festival and Taylor County Fair

June 13th, 2011 – Clinton County Fair

June 14th, 2011 – Woodford County Fair

June 15th, 2011 – Murray-Calloway County Fair

June 16th, 2011- Green County Fair

June 18th, 2011- Bullitt County Fair

June 20th, 2011 – Gallatin County Fair

June 21st, 2011 – Garrard County

June 26th, 2011 - Lexington Legends Baseball Game at 5 p.m.

July 30th, 2011 - Bowling Green Hot Rods Baseball Game at 7 p.m.

August 9th, 2011 - Louisville Bats Baseball Game at 7 p.m.

*All dates subject to change