FRANKFORT, KY (May 28, 2020) – Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles issued the following statement after the Kentucky State Fair Board submitted a draft proposal to Governor Andy Beshear to hold a modified Kentucky State Fair in August that respects public heath guidelines in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As Commissioner of Agriculture and a member of the Kentucky State Fair Board, I am proud of my fair board colleagues who have unanimously approved a reasonable and responsible proposal to hold the State Fair in a way that respects public health. Fair Board members are committed to putting public health first, and the draft proposal submitted to Governor Beshear’s administration is one made in good faith with an understanding that we need to be flexible on how we move forward.

"I am particularly pleased with the way the Fair Board has worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to hear the concerns of the agricultural community, who desperately wish to maintain great traditions like our livestock shows while respecting social distancing guidelines. We are fortunate to have a board and a staff who understand the importance of this signature event to our rural communities and Kentucky’s economy.

"I am optimistic the Fair Board will be able to enter into a meaningful back and forth with Governor Beshear and his Administration as soon as possible. I believe that if Kentucky can pull off a modified Derby, we can pull off a modified State Fair. I think I speak for the entire Kentucky State Fair Board when I say we all wish to work together to give Kentuckians something to look forward to this August.”