The 2025 Kenton County Fair

July 14–19, 2025 | Independence, KY

Overview

  • Dates: July 14–19, 2025
  • Location: Kenton County Fairgrounds, 2836 Harris Pike, Independence, KY 41051
  • Organizer: Kenton County Fair Board, Inc.
  • Anniversary: 65th (since 1960)
  • Attendance: Over 20,000 visitors
  • Funding: Gate fees, donations, sponsorships, and Kentucky Department of Agriculture matching funds
  • Contact: President, Presidentkentoncofair@gmail.com, 859-356-3738

Key Events

  • July 15:
    • 9:30 AM: 4-H Market Lamb Show (Reg 8:30 AM)
    • 10:30 AM: 4-H Production Sheep Show (Reg 8:30 AM)
    • 5:30 PM: 4-H Beef and Market Steer Show (Reg 5:00 PM)
    • 6:30 PM: Open Beef Show (Reg 5:30 PM)
  • July 16:
    • 9:30 AM: 4-H Market Hog Show (Reg 8:30 AM)
    • 9:30 AM: 4-H Commercial Gilt Show (Reg 8:30 AM)
    • 6:30 PM: Miniature Buddies Special Needs Showmanship
  • July 17:
    • 7:00 PM: 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale of Champions
  • July 18:
    • 6:00 PM: 4-H Poultry Show (Reg 5:00 PM)
    • 6:30 PM: Open Poultry Show
    • 6:30 PM: Open All Breed Horse Show (Reg 5:00 PM)
  • July 19:
    • 7:00 PM: Contest Horse Show (Reg 4:00 PM)

  • July 15:
    • 5:45 PM: Miss Teen Kenton County Pageant
    • 8:00 PM: Miss Kenton County Fair Pageant
  • July 16:
    • 5:00 PM: Little Miss/Little Master Pageant
  • July 17:
    • 7:30 PM: Miss Pre-Teen Kenton County Pageant
    • 7:30 PM: Mrs./Ms. Kenton County Pageant

  • July 15:
    • 6:30 PM: Family Barnyard Fun Night (Reg 6:00 PM)
    • 7:00 PM: Barnyard Olympics (Reg 6:30 PM, $10/team)
    • 7:00 PM: Garden Tractor Pull (New for 2025)
  • July 17:
    • 7:00 PM: ATV and Motorcycle Obstacle Course Racing
    • 8:00 PM: Mutton Bustin'
  • July 19:
    • 7:00 PM: Children's Pedal Tractor Pull (Reg 6:45 PM, $1/child)
    • 8:00 PM: Demolition Derby
    • 8:00–11:00 PM: Live Music by High Road Band

  • July 15:
    • 6:30 PM: Quilt Making (Durr Building)
  • July 17:
    • 7:00 PM: Secret Ingredient Recipe Contest (Durr Education Center)
  • July 18:
    • 7:00 PM: Rabbits vs. Bunnies (Durr Education Center)
  • July 19:
    • 7:00 PM: Family Night Scavenger Hunt (Durr Education Center)
  • Horticulture & Master Gardeners Program (William E. Durr Exhibit Hall)

Food and Vendors

Food

  • Jayne's Funnel Cakes
  • Lucy's Tacos
  • Johnson's Country Ham
  • Donatos Pizza
  • Whit's Frozen Custard
  • Dan the Corn Man
  • Barnes Tater An Onions

Vendors

  • Kenton County Republican Party
  • Heritage Bank
  • CASA
  • Simon Kenton Band Booster
  • Local crafts and services

Logistics

  • Admission: $15 (includes rides). Free for children under 2 unless riding rides.
  • Hours: Gates open 4:00 PM, rides start 6:00 PM (subject to change).
  • Entry Registration: Online at kentoncounty.fairentry.com by July 7, 2025. Exhibitor numbers via Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service (859-356-3738).
  • Safety: No masks/face coverings (except health masks) allowed.
  • Website: www.kentoncountyfair.com

Community Impact

  • Supports 4-H/FFA youth development, with livestock sale proceeds funding education.
  • Promotes local agriculture, businesses, and community engagement.
  • Inclusive events like Miniature Buddies Showmanship ensure accessibility.
  • Self-funded model reflects community pride and independence.

New for 2025

  • 65th anniversary celebrations (details TBA).
  • Garden Tractor Pull event.
  • Mandatory online exhibit registration.
  • Phase III of memorial attraction (landscaping, lighting, benches).