Kentucky's Fish and Wildlife Department will be present at the state fair, offering unique presentations, issuing licenses, and retail shopping opportunities.
The Kentucky State Fair, taking place from August 14-24, is not just about fun and games this year. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of wildlife education and conservation activities at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife booth, located in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
On Sunday, Aug. 17, Law Enforcement Day will see guests meeting Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens. The following Tuesday, Aug. 19, known as Kentucky Wild Day, focuses on the conservation of non-game Kentucky wildlife. Throughout the fair, fairgoers can spin the prize wheel for a chance to win Kentucky Fish and Wildlife merchandise.
Special programs at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife booth include educational workshops called "Hook and Cook," which involve both classroom and field portions teaching fish identification, biology, habitat, conservation, fishing techniques, safety, and cooking skills. All equipment and bait are provided, and participants must have a valid KY fishing license on the day of the class.
On Tuesday, August 19 (Kentucky Wild Day), visitors can meet biologists and learn about the conservation of freshwater mussels, bats, and pollinators. On Friday, Aug. 15, there will be a Salato Day, where fairgoers can encounter native Kentucky wildlife and learn about the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort.
Sunday, Aug. 24, marks the last day of the fair and offers hunting and fishing licenses, Kentucky Wild memberships, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife merchandise. On this day, a Cookwild Live! demo on the Farm to Fair Stage will teach attendees how to make a meal from invasive carp at 1 p.m.
Throughout the fair, Thursday, Aug. 21, is dedicated to Hooked on the Outdoors Day (R3), offering games, contests, and conservation conversations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, is Kentucky Afield Magazine Day, allowing visitors to meet the magazine staff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, is Wildlife Day, featuring private lands biologists discussing sustainable management methods from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, Kentucky Afield TV Day sees show host Chad Miles and the production team present. Tuesday, Aug. 19, also features the sale of Kentucky Wild merchandise, including T-shirts and caps.
Department staff will be available daily to answer questions about fish, wildlife, and boating in Kentucky. Fairgoers can enjoy special programs, educational opportunities, and interactive displays at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife booth. For details about programs and displays, visit fw.ky.gov and search "state fair." For admission, parking fees, gate hours, and other information, visit kystatefair.org. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife experience is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
- Visitors on Kentucky Wild Day (August 19) can learn about the conservation of various Kentucky wildlife species, including freshwater mussels, bats, and pollinators, at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife booth during the Kentucky State Fair.
- As part of the education-and-self-development opportunities at the Kentucky State Fair, fairgoers can participate in the "Hook and Cook" workshops, where they learn about fish identification, biology, habitat, conservation, fishing techniques, safety, and cooking skills, while obtaining a valid KY fishing license is required on the day of the class.
