Louisville,
Ky., October 12, 2008 � The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), the largest purebred livestock show in the world, returns for its 35th consecutive year to the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) this November 8-21. Attracting exhibitors and entrants from 48 contiguous states and six continents, NAILE draws more than 22,000 entries, 200,000 visitors and an estimated economic annual impact of $11.6 million to the state.
With nearly $700,000 in premiums and awards on the line, NAILE competitors choose from ten divisions of livestock entries: dairy cattle, dairy goats, llamas and alpacas, quarter horses, draft horses, market swine, beef cattle, Boer goats, mules and donkeys, and sheep. The futures of young competitors are enriched, as seven judging contests are incorporated into the lineup to help prepare the next generation of livestock breeders.
The wild excitement of the North American Championship Rodeo brings the invitational circuit finals for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association to Freedom Hall on November 13-15. The Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo Finals showcases top cowboys and cowgirls, competing for more than $80,000 in prizes and the title of Regional Champion from a nine-state region, including Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
NAILE's other activities include browsing through the Giant Country Store and the annual Farm/City Luncheon, held November 11 at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon, produced by Louisville's Agribusiness Industry Network, features the presentation of the �Agribusiness of the Year� award and the �Wing Tip Rodeo,� a light-hearted roping competition between business leaders and their agribusiness colleagues.
Education is always a central focus of the exposition. Last year more than 4,800 students participated in interactive learning stations through the show's field trip program. It provides a unique learning experience for students about how the livestock industry affects our everyday lives. NAILE also hosts to all of the world's major youth, 4-H and college livestock judging contests.
NAILE utilizes much of Keck's 1.2 million square feet of temperature-controlled indoor space. In fact, KEC is the fifth largest facility of its kind in the United States. This prime location puts NAILE minutes away from the Louisville International Airport, at the intersection of three major interstates and near more than 18,000 hotel rooms.
Admission to NAILE is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. A pass for the entire two-week run is just $25. Parking is $6 each day, or visitors can purchase a parking pass good for the duration of the show for $25.
For more information about the North American International Livestock Exposition, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
