The 104th Kentucky State Fair in Louisville begins 9 a.m. Thursday and will continue through Sunday, August 24th.  Many of the usual fair food favorites will be available, but for the best eating you really want to look for the Great Kentucky Cookout Tent.  Here you will find stands operated by the Kentucky Sheep & Wool Producers, Kentucky Poultry Federation, Kentucky Aquaculture Association, Kentucky Country Ham Producers Association, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, American Dairy Association of Kentucky, Kentucky Pork Producers Association, and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association.  Yes, association dining is the way to go at the Kentucky State Fair.

Some of the highly recommended food options for sale here: roasted corn-on-the-cob, country ham sandwiches, huge pork chop sandwiches, catfish sandwiches, lamb barbecue, and ice cream.  Also worth a visit: Mike Linnig’s tent (Roadfood.com review) for some of his famous fried fish, and the ham breakfasts, where Kentucky’s movers and shakers will bid on the Grand Champion Ham.

The World’s Championship Horse Show, one of the most prestigious in the nation, is held in conjunction with the fair.  ZZ Top, Brooks & Dunn, Trace Adkins, and Brad Paisley will be performing.  And don’t forget to check out one of our favorite state fair competitions anywhere: the Lynn’s Paradise Cafe Ugly Lamp Contest (see the photo above; Roadfood.com review).  See the fair website.