KRS 247.140: Functions of State Fair Board.

(1) The State Fair Board:

(a) Shall have the custody and control of such property as now is under its

custody and control, and of such property as may hereafter be placed under its

control or transferred to it by the State Property and Buildings Commission,

for any purposes mentioned i n this section and the physical properties so

under its custody and control or transferred to it are hereinafter referred to in

this section, and in KRS 247.150 and 247.160, as the "state fairgrounds and an

area in a city of the first class to be used as an exhibition center";

(b) May erect and repair buildings on the state fairgrounds and exhibition center,

make any and all necessary or proper improvements, and generally carry on a

program of development and extension of facilities designed to accomplish

the objectives defined in this section;

(c) Shall promote the progress of the state and stimulate public interest in the

advantages and development of the state by providing the facilities of the state

fairgrounds for agricultural and industrial exhibitions , public gatherings,

cultural activities, and other functions calculated to advance the educational,

physical, and cultural interests of the public and by providing the facilities of

the exhibition center for conventions, trade shows, public gatherings, an d

other functions calculated to advance and enhance the visitor industry,

economy, entertainment, cultural and educational interests of the public;

(d) Shall hold an annual fair on the state fairgrounds, for the exhibition of

agricultural, mechanical, hort icultural, dairy, forestry, poultry, livestock,

mineral, and all other industrial interests of the state, and prepare premium

lists and establish rules of exhibition for the fair;

(e) May purchase liability insurance for the members and executive officers

exempted from the classified service of the state by KRS 18A.115; and

(f) Shall own and operate shows and expositions that include but are not limited

to the:

1. North American International Livestock Exposition, including its North

American Championship Rodeo;

2. Kentucky State Fair and World's Championship Horse Show; and

3. National Farm Machinery Show and its Championship Tractor Pull.

(2) The State Fair Board may take, acquire, and hold property, and all interest therein,

by deed, gift, devise, bequest, lease, or eminent domain, or by transfer from the

State Property and Buildings Commission, and may dispose of any property so

acquired in t he manner provided by law. In the exercise of its power of eminent

domain it shall proceed in the manner provided in the Eminent Domain Act of

Kentucky.