Why the simple pineapple whip is still a favorite: Your 2025 Kentucky State Fair food guide
It was born that way.
As the Frazier Museum showcases in the 'Tasty Kentucky' part of its Cool Kentucky exhibition, Libbertt Concessions' popular pineapple whip is one of the oldest items sold at the Kentucky State Fair.
The light and fruity custard originated in 1932 out of a need for a cheap treat during the Great Depression. It was made to cost less than a quarter and could've gone for five cents. Even though the inventor hails from Indiana, the iconic dish has stood the test of time as a Kentucky State Fair favorite.
In honor of the pineapple whip purveyor's 103rd year at the fair, every 103rd scoop per day will be free to customers, according to Libbertt Concessions co-owner Anita Carroll.
And, though simple, the little dessert carries a mighty tradition that is still sweetening.
More: Cheetos corn dog and ostrich burgers: new foods to try the 2025 Kentucky State Fair
Take, for example, Carroll's view on things.
'So, funny story…' she told the Courier Journal, before launching into a fair love story of sorts.
Her dad is said to be the inventor of the elephant ear, large, thin, and irregularly shaped fried dough that is another inescapable fair staple. She grew up around fair families, like the one belonging to Carl Wagoner, the grandson of the inventor of the pineapple whip. As kids, they played together around many fairgrounds. About three years ago, they started dating and, now, a couple in their early 50s, have combined forces under 'the same unique world,' Carroll said.
'His family is known for the pineapple whip, and my family is known for the elephant ear,' she said. 'It's kind of crazy.'
Together, they're 'taking it over as a new generation.' And that means keeping the standards up and the fair food flowing.
'We want to keep the recipe like everybody remembers,' she said of the pineapple whip. 'And we want it to be consistent. I'm a firm believer of not changing something like that. If it's working, don't change it.'
More: From concerts and rides to fried food & more, 10 things to do at the Kentucky State Fair
The pineapple whip goes for $6 in a cup and $8 in a waffle cone these days, and is still made with real pineapple juice. And the fair staple attracts plenty of regular customers who say "they come here every year for this' or just wander over for a refreshing reprieve from hot days at the Kentucky State Fair.
'Everybody loves it,' Carroll said. 'The pineapple whip is really known at the Kentucky State Fair.'
Read on for what other food to find at the Kentucky State Fair, from the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association's ribeye sandwich to mac-and-cheese balls and other dishes.
The 2025 Kentucky State Fair will be held Aug. 14-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, in Louisville. Hours and special discounts or promotion days can be found on its website. Tickets purchased during the State Fair are $12 for admission and $10 for parking. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
All vendors within this tent are Kentucky Proud members serving Kentucky products. It will be located outside South Wing C in Lot A.
More: 2025 Kentucky State Fair: From animals to concerts & more, here's your complete guide
The following vendors, presented in alphabetical, order can be found outside the Kentucky Exposition Center:
More: Here are the past 5 'Your Favorite Cake' winners, recipes from the Kentucky State Fair
Located inside South Wing C:
Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.
WHAT: The 121st Kentucky State Fair includes dozens of entertainment acts, including the Texas Roadhouse Free Concert featuring Blue Öyster Cult, Sawyer Brown, Sister Sledge and more. The 11-day event also features the best in Kentucky livestock, crowning the Five-Gaited World's Grand Champion at the World's Championship Horse Show, award winning blue ribbon exhibitions, loads of your favorite fair food, a Beerfest, a Latin Festival, Courier Journal Day at the State Fair on Aug. 15, social discount days and dozens of other iconic activities.
WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: Aug. 14-24
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