Fairgoers at the Kentucky State Fair are seeing a fresh layout in the Expo Center’s South Wing. After more than five decades in the West Wing Barn, Alan Miller’s Border Collie herding demonstrations have been relocated to South Wing C, giving the popular act a larger ring and improved seating for visitors.
“They decided they would try us over here,” Miller said. “We have a little bit bigger ring, we have better seating, and so far, so good.” The move reflects the fair’s effort to modernize its facilities while preserving beloved traditions that draw families from across the state.
New slot‑car attraction adds excitement
Another newcomer to the South Wing is Mike Russ’s slot‑car track. Russ, a veteran of the fair’s entertainment lineup, set up a competitive racing circuit that has quickly become a crowd‑pleaser. “It gets very intense,” he explained after a recent race. “Yesterday we had a child who didn’t win, thought she had won, but crashed at the very end. She then took the car off the track and threw it, so yeah, people get very upset sometimes.” The high‑energy races have attracted both young participants and nostalgic adults, adding a dynamic, family‑friendly option to the fair’s schedule.
Both attractions benefit from the unusually mild August weather that has characterized this year’s fair. Miller believes the pleasant conditions will help the fair break attendance records. “This is going to be a record breaker for the state, I do believe,” he said. “The weather has been too good, and I believe they will break an attendance record.”
Thursday is also designated as WLKY Day at the Kentucky State Fair, offering additional programming and local media coverage that highlights the fair’s role as a community gathering place.
What this means for families and the community
The upgrades underscore the fair’s commitment to providing safe, engaging experiences for families. Larger performance spaces allow for better crowd management and visibility, while the slot‑car track offers a structured, supervised environment for children’s competitive play. Both elements align with the fair’s broader mission to celebrate Kentucky’s agricultural heritage, crafts, and entertainment in a setting that supports family values and community pride.
Fair officials have not announced any changes to ticket pricing or operating hours related to the South Wing renovations, but they encourage visitors to arrive early to secure seating for popular acts like Miller’s herding demonstration. As the fair continues through the weekend, organizers will monitor attendance trends and weather conditions to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.
Overall, the South Wing’s new configuration reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, offering longtime fans familiar attractions in an upgraded setting while introducing fresh entertainment that appeals to a new generation of fairgoers.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
