Tulsa State Fair Brings Joy to Region
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
KICKING OFF: Representative from the Friends of the Fairgrounds Foundation will host the Cotton Candy Kickoff Party Sept. 16. From left are Aubrey Ringleb, Jono Helmerich, and Phil and Mece Eller with items representing this year’s event. For more information, visit www.friendsfdn.com.
KELSY LORIN TAYLOR for GTR Newspapers
The Tulsa State Fair will offer something for everyone to enjoy in Tulsa and surrounding areas Sept. 29 through Oct. 9.
Each patron will have the opportunity to have an enjoyable experience that is unique to their interests. “Those who plan the event hope to bring together a variety of interests through the 800 exhibits that will be featured,” says Amanda Blair, executive manager of sales and marketing.
In planning a day at the Tulsa State Fair, locations and times are sometimes difficult to remember. “To help, we have embraced technology this year. On our website, the Plan Your Day feature creates an itinerary for everyone to print and bring along. Also, a Tulsa State Fair mobile application will provide maps and a schedule of events for all to enjoy while making their way through the grounds.”
The midway will shine bright with fun and challenging games, adventurous rides and tasty foods. The traditional favorites such as the Ferris Wheel and Sky Ride will provide views of everything that the event has to offer. Many will also enjoy making their way to the competitive exhibits, which will feature appealing sites for the antique collector, art enthusiast, gardener and even for the sweet tooth.
The butterfly house will capture the imagination of children and their family while the antics of the Sea Lion Splash and Perondi’s Stunt Dog Show are sure to make everyone smile.
Though there are many different things to see and do during the Tulsa State Fair, everyone is encouraged to visit the agricultural exhibits. Blair explains that “Throughout the nation, fairs began with a focus on horses, cattle and other livestock. Those with the Tulsa State Fair hope to continue this tradition year after year.”
She continues, “We hope to do this by interesting even more patrons in agriculture through an exhibit in a new location of the fairgrounds. Surrounded by home and garden booths in the lower level of the QuikTrip Center, the exhibit will boast saddling lessons, troughs filled with different types of grain, and volunteers who will be ready to offer information.”
The Tulsa State Fair is the largest event in the region held throughout the year. Another way to create a unique experience for the family is by participating in the planned events that will help give back to the community.
This year, one way of doing this is by lacing up the tennis shoes for the first Corn Dog Classic 5K Run, which will be held Sept. 24. All of the proceeds will be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation and the Tulsa Chapter of the United Way. The course will weave below the Golden Driller statue, around the historic buildings and towards a finish line that will offer fun for the entire family to enjoy. Those participating in the Corn Dog Challenge will be given a cotton candy, lemonade and corn dog for each of the miles that they make. “This will be a lot of fun for all who attend. What a wonderful kickoff to the Tulsa State Fair,” adds Blair.
In addition, The Junior Livestock Auction will once again be held. Scholarships will be awarded to students through the funds that are raised during the evening. This is a special way to help those who are showing animals during the Tulsa State Fair continue on to follow their interests in college.
Kylie McMains of Tulsa and former intern says, “I always enjoy going to the Tulsa State Fair. There are so many ways to make the day a unique experience. My family and I love to ride a lot of rides and also eat corndogs. It is the one time of year that I actually like to eat them.”
For additional information about the Tulsa State Fair, visit www.tulsastatefair.com or call 918-744-1113.
Updated 08-30-2011
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