In 1902, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill stating the provision of "an annual state fair for the exhibition of agricultural, mechanical, horticultural, dairy, forestry, poultry, and livestock products be, and is hereby created to be known as the Kentucky State Fair." A governing body was needed to implement and maintain such an endeavor so, the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture took on the task from 1906 until 1938 when the decision was made to create a Kentucky State Fair Board. The board, comprised of governor appointments, elected members of university administrations, and pertinent associations, united prominent community leaders from around the state. Exceeding expectations, the Kentucky State Fair Board not only proved successful but continues to thrive as an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Since 1950, when the Fair Board began construction on the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Kentucky State Fair Board has been at the forefront of Kentucky tourism development. Today, the Kentucky State Fair Board operates two of the largest facilities in the state - the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center - in addition to producing three signature events annually - the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show and North American International Livestock Exposition.

To view the Kentucky State Fair Board's 2011 Annual Report, please click here.