By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

The Alexandria Fair & Horse Show starts Wednesday with rides, horse shows and even a chicken rodeo.

Depending on who you talk to, it may be the oldest fair in Kentucky, but "There's some argument about that,'' said Jean Neiser, president of the 2003 fair.

Neiser, who will be attending her 72nd consecutive Alexandria fair this year, said the event started in 1856, but took a two-year hiatus for the Civil War.

The fair in Georgetown is believed to have started soon after Alexandria's and is the oldest in terms of consecutive years.

This year's fair starts Wednesday evening and runs through Labor Day. It kicks off at 6:45 p.m. with the 147th Anniversary Parade, beginning at the McCormick Vocational School and ending at the fairgrounds.

"There will be between 100 and 125 displays in the parade,'' said Linus Schack, vice president of the fair.

"And the roads will be lined with people from start to finish.''

Events Thursday through Monday include rides, pageants, 4-H shows, horse shows, cattle shows, a chicken rodeo and a greased pig contest.

There also will be a children's farm, demolition derby, craft tent, exhibit hall and karaoke.

New at the fair this year is the cattle barn, a 200-foot, $80,000 structure with a sales ring and show ring.

More than 60 volunteers on 30 committees have organized the event that is expected to attract between 20,000 and 30,000 people.

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E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com