By AP
Louisville, KY – The Kentucky state fair's 100th birthday party begins Thursday. The eleven day fair opened in Louisville with the usual focus on blue ribbons, midway rides and deep-fried food.
But an educational exhibit and commemorative book also allows visitors to reminisce about past fairs.
The fair drew 625,657people last year.
Fair board president Harold Workman says surveys show most come from urban and suburban areas within 50 miles of the fairgrounds.
He says the surveys also show that the animal exhibits are among the most popular attractions.
Kentucky's state fair is a relatively young one. The first state fair was in New York in 1841, and Iowa is celebrating its 150th this month.