Construction Underway at Tulsa State Fair
By RON PETERS
Tulsa County Commissioner
OVERSEEING PROGRESS: Present at the construction at the Tulsa State Fair are Amanda Blair, Tulsa State Fair manager and Expo Square COO, and Mark Andrus, president and CEO of Expo Square. In the background is construction for the greatly expanded Oklahoma Stage. Other improvements include the new Mega Barn, Pavilion exterior updates and improvements to the Tulsa State Fair entrance gates.
GTR Newspapers photo
Nothing announces the beginning of fall in Tulsa County like the Tulsa State Fair. Running this year from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7, the Tulsa State Fair is Tulsa County’s largest family event, providing educational experiences and entertainment during an 11-day span.
This historical event is based upon heritage, family values and quality entertainment for all ages. With the goal of providing an educational and entertaining experience to the community, it has more than 100 years of history and continues to stand out as one of the top fairs in the country.
The Tulsa State Fair is expected to draw more than a million visitors, which will pump millions of dollars into the local economy. This puts the fair at the top of the list along with the Center as one of the most popular attractions in our region.
Thanks to the citizens’ support for Vision Tulsa, the Tulsa Fairgrounds is seeing $30 million in improvements. This year’s Fairgoers will see the new Mega Barn, Pavilion exterior updates, the greatly expanded Oklahoma Stage and improvements to the Tulsa State Fair entrance gates.
Fairgoers will be glad to see the return of some of their favorite attractions, including the Sea Lion Splash, All Star Dog Challenge, Sarah the Cheese Sculptor, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show, and Kachunga and the Alligator Show.
Joining these popular attractions are two new acts: Pogo Fred and Farmer Phil. And, of course, Disney on Ice, which runs Thursday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 30. This year’s theme is “Dare to Dream.”
For many Fairgoers, the main attraction is the wide variety of food found no place else but at the fair. Each year, new foods hit the midway, and this year is no exception. New foods this year include the bubble waffle wrap, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled cheese donuts, double chocolate funnel cake and the bacon onion bomb.
One of the more exciting new additions to the fairgrounds is the larger Oklahoma Stage. This permanent structure will attract high-quality entertainment all year long. Bringing the stage alive for the fair are 11 acts, which include Colt Ford, Easton Corbin, Black Stone Cherry, Granger Smith, Seether, Roots and Boots plus many others.
Fireworks will kick off each concert at the Oklahoma Stage, starting at 7:30 p.m.
To help fairgoers hit the midway without worrying about traffic or finding a place to park, the Fair Transit System () is the best way to get there. pick-up locations are Nathan Hale High School, -Tulsa, Tulsa Public Schools Service Center and Tulsa Promenade Mall. All shuttles drop off and pick up at the Pavilion near the northwest section of the fairgrounds.
The Tulsa State Fair has been Oklahoma’s “gathering place” since 1903 when it was known as the “Tulsa County Free Fair.” We hope you will continue this great tradition by joining your family and friends there this year.
Updated 08-14-2018
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