L. Doc Cassidy Award Recipients

L. Doc Cassidy was general manager of the Kentucky State Fair in the late 1940s as the number of county fairs began to multiply across the Commonwealth. He realized the need to coordinate the work of those fairs and create a voice to encourage their growth and development.

In 1948, he called for a convention of fairs to be held in Louisville, leading to the formation of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows. Through the years, they've provided the training, coordination and voice of more than 100 fairs from across the state. The association has created classes at the World's Championship Horse Show and a high point award system for equine exhibitors and four different levels of pageantry to serve as a "state finalist" venue.

Cassidy went on to serve a term as president and 12 years as secretary-treasurer. Today, the association bestows an award in his name each year to a person contributing outstanding service and dedication to our association.