Suppose you have ever visited the beautiful Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. In that case, you probably remember the rotunda, featuring a statue of President Abraham Lincoln and other famous Kentuckians, such as statesmen like Henry Clay and pioneers like Dr. Ephraim McDowell. If you look above them toward the inside of the Capitol dome, you will see four murals, each of which unites elements significant to Kentucky’s history.

The murals represent the commonwealth’s Culture, such as music and dance, art, faith, law, and more; Industry, including our world-renowned industries, the state’s river and stream paddlewheel heritage, Kentuckians’ work ethic, and architecture; Civitas, or our shared civilization, progress, and strength; and finally, Nature, which naturally represents Kentucky’s rich agricultural history.

Kentucky’s agriculture industry is wide-reaching. It is at the foundation of our thriving farming industry that provides food for the store shelves of Kentucky small businesses and the tables of Kentucky families. Farmers in our commonwealth provide goods far beyond the borders of Kentucky. Products created locally can be identified by their “Kentucky Proud” logo.

Kentucky’s agriculture industry will be on full display starting this Thursday, August 19, at the 2021 Kentucky State Fair. The fair is hosted at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville at 937 Phillips Lane.

The Kentucky State Fair has served as a celebration and display for the agriculture industry for well over a century. The first official Kentucky State Fair was held all the way back in 1902 when, according to reporting by WHAS11 News from 2019, over 75,000 people attended and endured “ill” weather. In 1904, the fair was canceled after it had funds tied up in a lawsuit. Two other cancellations occurred in 1942 and 1943 at the height of World War II.  That happened to state fairs nationwide as fuel, tires, and space were conserved to support the war effort. Seventeen buildings at the fairgrounds were converted to house an ever-expanding requirement of Tube Turns for airplane and motor cylinder manufacturers.

As you can see, not only does Kentucky have a rich history of providing Kentucky Proud products and keeping bellies full, the history of our State Fair also includes providing direct assistance to the war efforts and defending freedom and liberty. This year’s state fair is an excellent opportunity to exercise our liberties and support Kentucky agriculture.

The State Fair will host several legislative Interim Joint Committee (IJC) meetings, including many I serve as a member. They will be broadcast live at ket.org/legislature. You can find the full schedule of meetings online at legislature.ky.gov by reviewing the Interim Calendar. Meetings I will be a participant in are as follows:

Tuesday, August 24
10 am: IJC on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection

Thursday, August 26
11 am: IJC on Local Government
1 pm: Joint meeting of the IJCs on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology

2:30 pm: IJC on State Government

Following COVID-19’s impact on last year’s State Fair, allowing for participants only and no members of the general public, I encourage you to help make this year’s Kentucky State Fair a glowing success. There is so much to do at the State Fair. Keep in mind that some mask requirements apply and may be subject to change.

The fair features rides; talent competitions; the World’s Championship Horse Show; animals such as dairy and beef cattle, goats, mules, and sheep;  and of course “AgLand,” which features 4-H programs, Future Farmers of America exhibits, and so much more.

Support Kentucky’s farmers and the agriculture industry while enjoying a great time with friends and family. You can find tickets by visiting kystatefair.org/tickets. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of Kentucky’s farmers. Their talents will be on full display during the Kentucky State Fair.

I hope you and your loved ones can enjoy a fun time at the Kentucky State Fair. Be safe. God Bless.

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Note: Senator Brandon Storm (R-London) represents Kentucky’s 21^st Senate District, encompassing Bath, Estill, Jackson, Laurel, Menifee, and Powell Counties. Senator Storm serves as vice-chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on  Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Local Government; State Government; Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology; and Transportation; and is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittees on Human Resources and Transportation. He is also a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee, the Child Welfare Oversight and Advisory Committee, and the Unemployment Insurance Reform Task Force.