Kentucky State Fair Board officials say attendance at this year's state fair reached 599,854, narrowly missing the 600,000 mark it's passed the last three years.
Organizers said Wednesday that the 11-day showcase was a success, with higher attendance during the first five days, before Jefferson County schools reopened.
Attendance figures were down less than 1 percent from last year's total of 605,565. The 2010 total was 602,897, while 621,795 attended in 2009.
The fair board said the drought didn't faze the number of agriculture entries, which remained steady. The 4-H and FFA Sale of Champions auction drew its second highest sum in 33 years with $127,300.
There were also increases in mammography, hearing and vision screenings and sold-out exhibitor and vendor space for the Aug. 16-26 event.
