Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.
Issue link: https://loumag.epubxp.com/i/853426
140 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 8.17 BOARD BACK While researching this year's Kentucky State Fair, I came across the book One Hundred Kentucky State Fairs: A Pictorial History. From its early days at Churchill Downs (the fair became official in 1902) and brief stints in nearby cities until 1908, the fair continues some longtime attractions (rides, farm animals, cooking contests), while others were retired long ago. Like this ostrich race (pictured) from 1953, the year Kentucky Gov. Lawrence Wetherby placed first on a bird named Calamity. Wetherby also crossed first during a mule race two years later. Earlier years featured fortunetellers, sword throwers, pipe-smoking contests and camel rides. Women in the '50s could learn "how to be a glamorous mother." Some of the bygone exhibitions wouldn't fly today: "midgets," minstrel shows, and aboriginal people from Asia or Africa on display, so Kentuckians could view "savages" in the flesh. Train collisions, auto shows and, in 1948, a TV- watching room all came and went. The 1908 fair featured an exhibit on the press. We might be a little biased, but we'd like to see that one come back. And the ostrich race. The Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 17-27, featuring everything from dairy cattle and rooster- crowing contests to fried candy bars and an I Love the '90s concert featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Vanilla Ice and Coolio. All's Fair — Mary Chellis Ausঞn