First Time Exhibitor Hot Tips

At a Glance

You’ve decided to enter the Kentucky State Fair. GREAT! Whether it took years of coaxing or you’re simply entering on a whim, we’re excited you decided to be a part of the Kentucky State Fair this year. 

Never entered before? The Kentucky State Fair premium book can be a little overwhelming. First: It’s BIG. Second: It’s full of rules and regulations, which are necessary to keep the competition fair.

Pro-tip: Save time and only read what’s necessary in the premium book. Don’t read the whole book. A lot of work goes into creating the book, but there’s a reason you don’t see it on the best sellers list. 

So what do you need to read?

1. The general rules which are the first 19 pages of the premium book. 
2. The section related to what you’re entering. For example: You create a fantastic handwoven scarf that deserves a blue-ribbon. Go to the the Premium Book, and use the Table of Contents or search for "Textiles." Here you will find some overall information about the textile department and some basic rules. From there find the more specific type of textile arts and see if there are any additional rules. 

What's the Lingo?

• Superintendent – Head honcho for the department you’re entering. They’re the go-to expert on your department, the rules and the premiums or prizes. 
• Department – The Fair is divided into departments to help make the rules and information more specific. It’s the broader category you’re entering. For example Textiles is a department.
• Division – Within departments there are divisions. For example, rugs and quilts are different divisions. Divisions can be based on type of entry, experience level or age of the exhibitor.
• Class – Within divisions, there are classes. It’s the specific competition you are entering. For example, a hand-quilted piece is a different class than machine-quilted entries. This allows everything to be judged fairly.
• Exhibitor – You! Exhibiting your talents at the Kentucky State Fair, whether it’s showcasing your animal in the show ring or displaying your quilt in the East Hall, makes you the exhibitor. 
• Premiums – Prize money. In the premium book, this is often identified simply as 1st – 4th with the corresponding dollar amount.
• General Entry Departments – Are all the fun and interesting departments that aren’t livestock. 

Deadlines & Entering

For most departments, the deadline to enter is July 10 with a late deadline of July 17. If you enter after the first deadline, there will be an additional fee. Some departments have varying entry dates, so be sure to double-check that information in the Premium Book. For Junior Livestock and Poultry, Pigeons & Rabbits, there is no late entry deadline.

Entering Online

The only option for entering is online. We try to make it as easy as possible for you. You'll find the links for your specific department on our Livestock & General Entries page. You’ll know you are in the right or wrong area in step two of the entry system by looking at the entry options. If you don’t see your department, you’re on the wrong site.

1. Register – You will register using your first and last name. Accounts must be created each year. If you entered previously, you will still need to register again. 
2. Create a password and add all your details. You do not need a 4-H/FFA affiliation unless you are competing in those classes. 
3. Add your entries. This is where you’ll select for the department and class you found in the premium book. You will also select a division, based on your age and experience level at the Kentucky State Fair. Have more entries? Click the “add different entry” button and add anything else you want to enter.
4. Now you can add your exhibitor tickets and any other items you need to purchase to your cart.
5. Review your entries and double-check you didn’t miss anything.
6. Pay for your entries and print the confirmation (just for your records).
7. Relax! Or if you’re ambitious enter a different part of the fair.