Deep-fried Twinkies, the welcoming smile of 18-foot-tall Freddy Farm Bureau, those slice-it-dice-it-veg-o-matic guys in South Wing C, Sugarland and Tim McGraw, an ugly-lamp contest, jams and jellies, heifers and hogs, carnival games and rides and sweltering temperatures.
Certainly you don't need three chances for a dollar to figure out that the spotlight is now on the Kentucky State Fair. The 2010 edition opens Thursday and continues through Aug. 29 on just about every indoor and outdoor square foot of the Kentucky Exposition Center.
While Main Street Kentucky, Heritage Hall, World's Championship Horse Show, Miller's Border Collies and other favorites are returning, the 106th fair boasts new exhibits, stage shows and roving entertainers plus a novelty sandwich that, no doubt, would make the surgeon general cringe.
Hankering for a Krispy Kreme doughnut with a hamburger chaser? Why not combine the best of both high-fat worlds and treat yourself to a Krispy Kreme doughnut burger? This cholesterol clogger entices with a fresh ground patty bulging between two glazed doughnuts — and an angiogram on the side.
Such gustatory indulgence awaits fairgoers daily in a kiosk in front of Freedom Hall. The doughnut burger costs $6.50 or $7 with cheese. A doughnut cheeseburger with bacon costs $8.
“What makes this unique burger even more appetizing are the toppings. People can complete it with ketchup, mustard, onions, mayo, tomatoes and even extra bacon and cheese,” said Kentucky State Fair Board spokeswoman Vicki Glass, a longstanding vegetarian who acknowledged that she prefers her Krispy Kreme Doughnut Burgers without the burgers.
Escape artist Kristen Johnson and her husband, master illusionist Kevin Ridgeway, are combining their powers of prestidigitation for several daily “Ridgeway and Johnson” shows in the South Wing C lobby.
Johnson, who bills herself as “The World's Premier Female Escape Artist” can hold her breath for more than three minutes — a skill definitely required for her signature routine: “The World's Only Full View Water Torture Cell Escape.” Unlike Harry Houdini's version, Johnson is chained and locked inside a water-filled tank in full view of the audience. Houdini maneuvered his escape while the water tank was covered by a curtain.
In March 2009, Inside Edition TV show profiled the couple and identified Johnson as “Lady Houdini” — a moniker she relishes.
“When I decided to attempt the Water Torture Cell Escape my goal was to create a unique presentation of Houdini's ultimate escape,” said Johnson. “It wasn't easy but, I believe we have a one-of-a-kind spectacle with our Full View Water Torture Cell.”
According to historians, Johnson said, Houdini attempted the water-cell escape about a thousand times over a 15-year period.
“It was not my intent when I started, but I will eclipse Houdini next year. I am currently at over 800 attempts in five years. The hard work has paid off,” Lady Houdini said.
Tucked away in a non-alcoholic area especially designed for teenagers in the West Courtyard, the new YOUng Adult Project Tent offers activities and entertainment for those ages 14-20. Highlights include Friday night dance parties, cornhole tournaments, a battle of the bands, a songwriter's contest and a photo booth where up to seven people can cram inside and have their photos taken.
If you become startled by a guy in a strait-jacket suspended upside down or juggling knives while his hands are on fire, he's none other than Greg Frisbee — yes, that's his real name. This jack of all oddball trades is one of the fair's two new roving acts.
The other is Break Shop, a high-energy team of high-energy, poppin', lockin' and head-spinning dancers who could teach participants on MTV's “America's Best Dance Crew” a thing or two.
Midway fans can still expect plenty of rides and games despite the closing of Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. As part of its contract, Thrillway operator, North American Midway Entertainment, must provide at least 10 additional rides if neighboring Six Flags is closed.
“Ride lovers have nothing to worry about. The ‘thrill' in Thrillway will definitely be on display this year with favorite rides returning and some new, exciting rides making a debut,” said Glass.
Down on the new Discovery Farm in South Wing B visitors — particularly you city folks — will learn a thing or two about agriculture and life on a Kentucky farm. This behind-the scenes exhibit, sponsored by Kentucky Pork Producers, features Interactive learning stations and a barn full of animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, cows, llamas and chickens.
Several new Mobile Tour Units will be stationed in the South Wing parking lot on certain days. They include:
AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour. A 38-foot bus has been converted into a mini health-screening clinic where visitors 18 and older can pick up educational information and have their blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, cholesterol, waist circumference and body mass index checked for free. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 21-24.
Breyers All-Natural Sundae Showcase. Enjoy free ice cream with toppings Aug. 21-22.
Dish Network Experience Tour. The experience touts high-tech equipment, several high-definition LED TVs, six “Experience Stations” and opportunities to play interactive games and win prizes. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Kraft Homestyle Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Tour. Everything you ever wanted to know about mac-and-cheese plus cooking demonstrations and free food samples are presented under a tent. Open Aug. 26-29.
PNC Virtual Wallet Tour. Play interactive games and pick up a few pointers on such money matters as online banking and high-yield savings accounts. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 19-22.
Reporter Ken Neuhauser can be reached at (502) 582-4204.
