Kentucky State University is set to make a bigger impact than ever at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair, highlighting its commitment to community health and agricultural innovation. For the first time, one of the University's new mobile health units will be on-site, providing services to fairgoers, alongside a highly interactive Land Grant Program exhibit that taps into the surging popularity of the native pawpaw fruit.
A significant new addition to Kentucky State’s presence is one of the three mobile health units launched in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and other community health organizations. The units are designed to bring accessible healthcare and nutrition education directly to underserved communities. The unit at the fair will offer health information and services, demonstrating the University's commitment to breaking down barriers to wellness for all Kentuckians.
The long-standing Land Grant Program booth in AgLand has been redesigned to be the most engaging yet, thanks to a record number of staff volunteers. The interactive exhibit will showcase the Kentucky State's key research and Cooperative Extension initiatives, including:
- Pawpaws: Capitalizing on the fruit's raised profile from Ale-8-One's highly successful Pawpaw Ale-8, which became the most popular offering in its seasonal series, the booth will highlight KSU's world-renowned pawpaw research.
- Sustainable Farming: Demonstrations of aquaculture, aquaponics, and a vertical NFT hydroponic system will be featured.
- Pollinator Health: The vital role of honey bees will be on display.
- Agricultural Technology: The KSU hay testing lab in Barren County will be featured, complete with an impressive hay arch display.
- Community Nutrition: The Jesup wagon will showcase the university's nutrition and community development programs.
- Small Ruminants: A milking goat will be present, highlighting the university's work with meat and dairy goats.
“The Kentucky State Fair is one of our most important annual events, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with the people we serve across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Director of the Land Grant Program and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.
“This year, we’ve made a concerted effort to make our booth as interactive as possible to spark curiosity and conversation. We are incredibly grateful to our staff, who have volunteered in record numbers to share their passion and expertise," he added.
The popular Farm to Fair Cooking Stage will once again feature KSU’s culinary experts. This year’s schedule includes:
- Sheri Crabtree and Matt Behrends, demonstrating how to make delicious pawpaw ice cream.
- Mason Crawford, offering a modern twist on a Kentucky classic with a healthy hot brown demonstration.
- Dr. Bernard, showcasing a creative and flavorful chicken dish.
Beyond the booth, Kentucky State University faculty, staff, and researchers will be deeply involved throughout the fair, serving as judges for livestock and 4-H competitions and attending the prestigious Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast.
To better connect with visitors, the Kentucky State booth will feature a QR code for the first time, allowing fairgoers to easily engage with the University's Land Grant Program.