The Oklahoma State Fair has been an exciting event for the state of Oklahoma since 1907. The annual event encapsulates the essence of Oklahoma’s culture, traditions, agriculture, and entertainment. The fair draws in thousands of visitors from all over because of its unique blend of experiences offered to people of all ages.
This year, the fair ran from September 14th to September 24th. One of the attractions they offered was the Disney On Ice production of “Frozen” and “Encanto.” This show brought exciting ice skating performances of two popular Disney movies with the lesson of teaching families and friends about embracing their own gifts and being true to themselves.
There were also performances by singers of all genres, from classic rock to R&B and country, such as Motley Crue’s lead singer Vince Neil. Some other performances included three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups: The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, and The Platters. For the country fans, they brought in Tracy Byrd and American Idol singer, Alex Miller. Many more artists performed adding to the already entertaining live music acts.
The fair included many displays, such as booths from various community organizations and educational exhibits of agriculture, technology, and more. There were also family-friendly activities such as animal encounters like AGtropolis, which allows children a first-hand look at the farm to market process.
Now, it wouldn’t be the Oklahoma State Fair without the rides, games, and the unique food. Rides that the fair offered this year included a carousel, bumper cars, and the always popular Giant Ferris Wheel. Graduate Student at SNU, Lauryn Reither, was all smiles as she described her time at this year’s fair saying, “I loved going to the fair this year. But, this year especially was fun from going on the ferris wheel, to the food and games.”
The fair had all the classic games and rides for people of all ages. But, it also included an assortment of fair food for everyone to indulge in such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, and the infamous fried fair foods. Junior, David Omosigho, enjoyed the food the most saying, “You can’t go wrong with a funnel cake or fried food from the fair.” New foods for this year’s fair included meat candy on-a-stick, cookie dough parfait, and even cotton candy lemonade.
The agriculture, exhibits, and competitions are a large part of the Oklahoma State Fair as well. Farmers, breeders, 4-H groups, and FFA groups come to the state fair and display their livestock, projects, and other entries. People could also come and learn from farmers about the birthing process of animals in the Barnyard Birthing Center. The fair also included a creative arts exhibit where crafters and artisans displayed their beautiful handmade exhibits, such as pottery and metal-sculpting. On top of all of that was an Auto Show, where cars were on display for car-lovers to admire.
After 10-days of activities and entertainment, the Oklahoma State Fair has completed another successful run. It has been an embodiment of everything Oklahoma, and it continues to bring to light vibrant traditions and grow community within the state of Oklahoma. Overall, it is a lively event that brings people together, and allows everyone to appreciate heritage and tradition, while also having fun and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash