KENTUCKY — In 2020, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing June 19, as Juneteenth, in the state of Kentucky.

In the year 2021, Juneteenth will be recognized as an official state holiday.

Juneteenth is the celebration of the freedom of African American slaves. For some, the holiday takes on added meaning, as it lands in the middle of nationwide protests for equality and systemic change. 

"It is one that truly recognizes our past for what it is, and also hope makes us reflect like many of our holidays do on being better. I think it shows inclusivity, that if this country is truly a country of all of us, we got to recognize both the good and the bad for when we have and have not lived up to that," says Gov. Beshear. 

Kentucky State Fair — August 19-29

Last year, the Kentucky State Fair was closed to the general public due to COVID-19 and there were also fewer competitors plus reduced operating hours.

In 2021, the annual fair is ramping back up, to its pre-pandemic levels with live music, events and much more.

"I'm proud that last year we were still able to have a state fair, especially for our agriculture sector. We were one of the only states to be able to do it. And we did it safely, thanks to the Department of Health and the Governor's office teaming up with the State Fair Board, which at that time we were directly connected, to make it happen, mentions Gov. Beshear.