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Driving down May Avenue this morning, I noticed that the Grandstand has been torn down. I thought I read in OKCTalk that the powers that be had decided not to tear it down.

Driving down May Avenue this morning, I noticed that the Grandstand has been torn down. I thought I read in OKCTalk that the powers that be had decided not to tear it down.

The demolation has been planned for several months, several articles were in the paper and stories on local news re: such.

When the right someones wants something knocked down, generally speaking, it'll happen.
Could it have been rehabbed? The official word was rehab of the space was not economically feasible.

Some will miss it, others won't. I don't recall what, or even if anything specific, is already planned for that spot.

It needed to come down! It was an ugly eyesore. I do not feel it had any redeeming value, but that is my personal opinion.

It wasn't rehabbed because it didn't have anything to do with horses.

I remember many years ago I went to see Tracy Lawrence and Terri Clark in concert there (for 5 dollars!) during the state fair. Terri was the opening act and she was very good. Then Tracy came out and sang 3 songs before he suddenly said he had voice problems and would have to cancel the rest of the concert. Terri came back out and sang at least 30 more minutes. A few days later Tracy got arrested for beating up his Dallas Cowboy cheerleader wife (in another state). Though he didn't get any jail time, it pretty much knocked him off country radio for many years.

I remember when the fair got a new president and he changed a lot of things. I hated the changes. The fair has not been the same to me since, but I have become more accustomed to its current set up. It is going to look weird to not see the grandstand there this year. I wish they would replace those old wooden seats in the arena. They are not very comfortable. I like the Roman architecture of the arena but on the inside it is a very depressing looking building. I love the State Fair. I hope they can make some improvements to make it more modern, but keep the carnival atmosphere.

Bigray in Ok

Interesting coincidence: it cost $25,000 more to tear it down than the cost to fix the "electrical problem" ($400,000 mol). Yes there were going to be other costs to refurb it and make it ADA compliant, but unless those requirements have changed, the State Fair Board had plenty of time to resolve the issues (the ADA Act passed in 1990).

Don't know specifically what is planned for the area since only $60M is earmarked in MAPS 3, but it could be this...

Oklahoma City’s State Fair Park could see $79.5M expo hall (Oklahoman, 4/12/09)


A proposal to build a $79.5 million exposition hall at Oklahoma City ’s State Fair Park has been submitted to the fair’s board of directors as part of a master plan developed by one of the nation’s foremost fairgrounds building design firms.
The focal point of the master plan developed by HOK Smith Forkner is a massive 407,778-square-foot exhibition hall that would include 300,000 square feet of flex...

complete story here (if you have access)
http://www.newsok.com/feed/oklahoma-citys-state-fair-park-could-see-79.5m-expo-hall/article/3360873?custom_click=pod_headline_news

It didn't fit the "Vision". Everything else was just convient excuses. I wonder how long until they decide they don't want the space needle anymore and implode that?

It didn't fit the "Vision". Everything else was just convient excuses. I wonder how long until they decide they don't want the space needle anymore and implode that?

I agree. The airplanes are gone. The monorail is gone. The western town is gone. The helicopter rides are gone. The race track is gone. But there is lots more buildings, parking, concessions for the horse people.

The grandstand/ speedway had to go, why spend money to rehab a facility that was used app. 1/3 of the the year. Build something that will bring in much needed revenue.

Having read articles of its upcomping dismantling--I was caught totally off guard when I was talking all of my old computer stuff to the recycling area Saturday morning.

The Great Grand Stands will be missed, last year I watched them tear down old "Moses Miller Stadium," the original Grand Stand (Douglass High School was built on the site of the original fairgrounds) which was our Douglass High School football stadium and it just seems like big chunks of Oklahoma City are being demolished and my memories (sad as it may seem) are being replaced.

Let's see what this grand entrance to Fair Park is going to look like when it is completed. ...To be continued...

Last year the fair seemed like it was kind of slow and vendor were scarce compared to earlier years. Many of the vendors had booths in every buidling. I know the ShamWow and the Waterless Cookware presentations were going on in all three exhbit halls.

The wife and I decided last year that we are only going to go once this year if we go at all. Around this time last year, we bought four tickets at OnCue because we were going to walk the buildings one day and watch some of shows on the other day. The shows were the exact same thing they were last year. We walked through two of the buildings, grabbed a bite to eat and left. We came back on the second day thinking we would share a couple of our favorite fair treats and kill a few hours walking through all the buildings and maybe pickup a couple of odd ball things. Long story short we left two hours later because we had seen everything. If we hadn't stopped to watch Drunk Tank Karaoke at Obrien's, we would have left an hour earlier.

In the years prior to all the changes, I spent quite a bit of time waiting in line various places. Last year, most of the foods booths were no waiting or the line only took a few minutes. One of those days was on a Saturday afternoon with nice weather and both OU and OSU were on a bye week.

I am wondering how many regular Grand Stand customers will skip the fair entirely this year.

I agree. The airplanes are gone. The monorail is gone. The western town is gone. The helicopter rides are gone. The race track is gone. But there is lots more buildings, parking, concessions for the horse people. Out with the old, in with the new! Change can be a great thing! These buildings at the FG were not historical or had any redeeming value to them they were outdated and they were not aethestically pleasing to the eye. If OKC wants to truly become a big league city, then it will need to change with the times.

How is the state fair and fairgrounds leadership chosen?

Out with the old, in with the new! Change can be a great thing! These buildings at the FG were not historical or had any redeeming value to them they were outdated and they were not aethestically pleasing to the eye. If OKC wants to truly become a big league city, then it will need to change with the times.

More horse barns = Big league City?

At some point they need to define the ultimate purpose of the State Fair Park and rename it to reflect that purpose.

Maybe the "Business Expo and Convention Park: Featuring Horses" :LolLolLol

So what is the proper use of a fairgrounds for a city? What facilities should be provided by the city and what should be left to private enterprise?

So what is the proper use of a fairgrounds for a city? What facilities should be provided by the city and what should be left to private enterprise?

The purpose can be whatever we make it, we just need to state that purpose clearly. Obviously, private enterprise isn't going to build convention space unless its a big casino or hotel.

I'm just saying that if they intend to turn it more into a business convention setting they need to change the name because their is a certain stigma attached to the word "fairground" that doesn't sound very "Big City" if that's what were trying to become.

4 or 5 years back I saw on the news drawing for the updated fairgrounds a huge grand intrence and parkinglot was planed for that sit

Horse shows bring in millons every year in out of State / City money, if they choose to call it Horse Show Park, that's OK with me.

So, the Dallas Fairgrounds isn't "big city".

I don't think the horse shows are out of the scope, nor do they dominate. They have however provided lots of funds for major improvements at the whole fairground site. Just because you don't happen to fancy them doesn't mean they aren't important or what the fair authority should be targeting. They actually pay for themselves and I don't think that is the case for everything that goes on at the fairgrounds.

BTW, if the city loses the dirt track racing that is fairly outdated and moves up to the Grand Prix level, I think that is a fair trade-off. Lemans series is a little higher profile than dirt track racing.

The horse shows provide a lot of economic impact on our community.

I remember in February 1967, Oklahoma State Fair was proposing a 100,000-seat sports stadium (look at Oklahoman archives) which would have taken $5 -$7 million to build; now a stadium half that size would cost $50-$70 million without all the amenities.

I was told at the time that the State Fair was a money maker and all I've seen lately is MAPs financial incentives paying for construction, upkeep and building the much needed barns to keep Oklahoma City in-the-mix.

The horse shows provide a lot of economic impact on our community.

I remember in February 1967, Oklahoma State Fair was proposing a 100,000-seat sports stadium (look at Oklahoman archives) which would have taken $5 -$7 million to build; now a stadium half that size would cost $50-$70 million without all the amenities.

I was told at the time that the State Fair was a money maker and all I've seen lately is MAPs financial incentives paying for construction, upkeep and building the much needed barns to keep Oklahoma City in-the-mix.

I have no problem with the horse economy, that is our niche after all. Rover mentioned the Texas Fair Park, well the the Texas Fair Park has a lot of unique exhibits and items. Oklahoma State Fair Park has been gradually removing all the unique exhibits and items. What should replace the State Fair Speedway that is unique and generates revenue? A convention center maybe? Except a convention center all the way to the west of downtown OKC does not really fit with the rest of Core to Shore. Maybe we need to expand on the horse economy, somehow? Maybe RcJunkie is on to something calling it a Horse Fair Park.

On a side note: My original comments are mostly in response to progressiveboys change is good comment. I agree, change can be good and that something needed to be done to the State Fair Grand Stand and I was just making an observation about the city making "convenient excuses." However, it would be nice to know what that change is going to eventually look like and if it gives OKC an edge over other cities.

Yes, the improvements did make us more competitive for the horse shows. I believe that was part of maps also, btw, so they did tell us what was going on and we approved, I believe.

Curious, what exhibits have been removed from the OKC fairground in the last few years?

Yes, the improvements did make us more competitive for the horse shows. I believe that was part of maps also, btw, so they did tell us what was going on and we approved, I believe.


Horse Fair with business exhibit space and it is then. That clears it up for me.


Curious, what exhibits have been removed from the OKC fairground in the last few years?

Exhibit probably wasn't the right word, unique attractions maybe? We don't have that many left except for the space needle, but I suppose we don't really need that either.

What "unique" attractions are gone, then? Seems to me they have just added more and more to the value of the fairgrounds. I know it is unfashionable to think that anything can actually progress and get better and to think maybe a public project is actually improving something, but I fail to remember anything there being socially or historically significant being eliminated. The fairgrounds seems cleaner, busier and bigger than ever.

I agree. I'm fairly young and I don't know what the fair was really like with all of these "now-lost amenities", although I do remember riding the monorail once when I was a kid before it was torn down. I could live without ever riding that hot and and outdated machine again, but I feel there should be a replacement of some sort.

The fairgrounds are getting better every year if you are in the horse business. The same can't be said for the fair portion of the fairgrounds.........imo.

How is the state fair and fairgrounds leadership chosen?

Couldn't find anything definitive on it but think many are appointed, some are there automatically because of there elected position (i.e., Governor). The Board of Directors apparently votes on other members of the Board etc. Discovered a common thread with the State Fair...Clay Bennett, "chairman of the Oklahoma State Fair board of directors" has been in that position for at least the past 10 years.

I agree with a previous post that the Great State Fair of Oklahoma started to go downhill when Skip Wagner was General Manager (2000-03) and he began his reign of destruction. Had hoped things would turn around when they replaced him with Tim O'Toole (2003-current) but it has been more of the same. Some areas have been improved as you mentioned and attendance is up (but only after going downhill). They shortened the Fair from 3 weekends down to 2, astronomically raised the vendor fees (where non-profits and the like that had been at the Fair for decades could no longer afford it). Articles in the Oklahoman stated average daily attendance went up, but not enough to make up for the shortened run (and a full weekend). Many vendors were upset at it and said they wouldn't be back. They cut back on the number of vendors and games etc. Yes there was duplication, but that meant shorter lines etc.


Yes, the improvements did make us more competitive for the horse shows. I believe that was part of maps also, btw, so they did tell us what was going on and we approved, I believe.

Yes, we were told improvements would be made to horse facilities and the like (and no criticism of the horse industry related improvements), but were voters aware that the items already mentioned would be removed? Did the voters approve the removal? Were voters told during MAPS 3 that if passed it would mean the demise of the Grandstand? The campaign info was largely silent. Obviously the "massive" new building would have to go someplace, but they seemed to indicate that the new building would be replacing the smaller, unconnected exhibit buildings. Then suddenly after MAPS 3 passes, the announcement is made for the Speedway's demise.


Curious, what exhibits have been removed from the OKC fairground in the last few years?
Go back and read the thread, other people have already provided some of the things.

Some of the exhibits was those that was doing old-time style of displaying humans, such as the dwarf woman and half woman/half snake, etc. I remember when I saw the booth for the dwarf woman, I misunderstood when I actually thought 2" real woman, so out of curiosity, I paid to enter only to discover the 2' woman sitting there waving.

They have also reduced the amount of rides....which is really stupid.

I have to agree on the rides they are lousy and overpriced. The wristband days make it reasonable if you like taking your family to hang out with the unemployed taxpayer supported thugs from across the metro. I am to the point to where I am just going stop going to the OK State Fair and go to the fair in Tulsa or better yet wait until October for the Texas State Fair.

The grandstand was rickety--but--aren't they all at Fairgrounds? It wouldn't be the same experience if there was not some danger of collapse. I miss the freak shows more than anything...and watching alcoholic carneys get into fist-fights of some duration while you were being spun to death on an aging and battered-up Tilt-A-Whirl. And Club Lido--fat ladies with body acne sweating it up on a hot day. I am glad I was able to see the Boop-Tee Woman, Lobster Boy and Baby Flo--who drank a huge bottle of water. The Sword Swallowers were pretty amazing as well. Went a few years ago to the Fair...all paved now--no dirt around...everything to eat/drink was $5...a cleansed, prefunctory dry experience with better rides...no shows to speak of. Sure glad the politically correct saw fit to doom all "freaks" to no source of income but welfare for all eternity. Even Lobster Boy got murdered by his wife--but--he was a bad abuser, so I guess he deserved it. Times change, but, what a trip it used to be to go to the State Fair in the 1950's and 60's.

I agree. I'm fairly young and I don't know what the fair was really like with all of these "now-lost amenities", although I do remember riding the monorail once when I was a kid before it was torn down. I could live without ever riding that hot and and outdated machine again, but I feel there should be a replacement of some sort.

That God-forsaken monorail was as hot at the gates of hell inside! I think after Disneyland put one up...some traveling salesman hit State Fairs around the nation selling these ersatz contraptions all over the nation. They rode like Conestoga Wagons...and were the kiss of death for anyone with claustrophobia. I say--put big jet airplanes everywhere on Fairgrounds...it is what little boys dream of...and let kids crawl on them--they used to be in parks everywhere--before the lawyers eliminated them by liability lawsuits along with every diving tower/board in the nation. I still remember the unusual and highly seductive smell of an out-of-service jet in a park--just there for a kid to crawl on and sit in the cockpit. I shot down many a MIG from the cockpit of the Navy F-9 Panther in Lions Park in Norman.

We didn't have TV until 1956 and our phone arrived a decade later. So what I knew of the world back then was what I was able to read and understand from the newspaper that the mailman delivered and the books I could get from the Bookmobile that came once a month. Otherwise I learned of the world from eavesdropping on adult conversations, school, and radio. That left rather large areas of knowledge to be completed by imagination.

So the fair was a glimpse of a larger world full of exotic places and animals and a keyhole to a world of people so many times more numerous than our little farm communities.

But now we all have seen the world and much of what it has to offer because we have satellite and cable and 50" screens and can experience the world in rather marvelous ways from our own living rooms. And we know about freaks and the difference between centripetal and centrifugal and just about anything else anyone has ever thought about. And we all moved to towns which made them a lot bigger even here in our little state.

Then our marvelous cars and highways lets us drive a few minutes and see the latest from John Deere or Ford or GM anytime we feel the urge so there's not so much new to see at the fair.

But jmarkross I love how you recall the feel and smells and textures of the fair from those days and the sense of wonder we were still able to experience then. Pretty heady stuff for a little barefoot Oklahoma farm boy.

We didn't have TV until 1956 and our phone arrived a decade later. So what I knew of the world back then was what I was able to read and understand from the newspaper that the mailman delivered and the books I could get from the Bookmobile that came once a month. Otherwise I learned of the world from eavesdropping on adult conversations, school, and radio. That left rather large areas of knowledge to be completed by imagination.

So the fair was a glimpse of a larger world full of exotic places and animals and a keyhole to a world of people so many times more numerous than our little farm communities.

But now we all have seen the world and much of what it has to offer because we have satellite and cable and 50" screens and can experience the world in rather marvelous ways from our own living rooms. And we know about freaks and the difference between centripetal and centrifugal and just about anything else anyone has ever thought about. And we all moved to towns which made them a lot bigger even here in our little state.

Then our marvelous cars and highways lets us drive a few minutes and see the latest from John Deere or Ford or GM anytime we feel the urge so there's not so much new to see at the fair.

But jmarkross I love how you recall the feel and smells and textures of the fair from those days and the sense of wonder we were still able to experience then. Pretty heady stuff for a little barefoot Oklahoma farm boy.

It was a great meeting place...I was somewhat of a city person from Norman (27,000 in those days) but I enjoyed meeting all the rural folks who you just never got to see otherwise. It was tremendous melting pot of local cultures...I actually got to meet guys who raised animals and find out what they did and what it was all about. It was a different era...but I am glad I was around to see it. Barefoot is a lost thing as well...I went barefoot from the last day of school in the Spring to the first day in the Fall every year--in two weeks my feet could withstand most pointy things--except goat-heads, and one learned quickly to remember *exactly* where they grew. Children now are raised in sanitary vacuums...I never knew anyone who was allergic to anything--like today--and I worry how they will ever be able to compete with kids from around the world who have much tougher feet. After a day at the old State Fair...your sox would be drenched in dust and dirt from the Midway--and the toes of your shoes would have mustard from hot dogs...

More horse barns = Big league City?

At some point they need to define the ultimate purpose of the State Fair Park and rename it to reflect that purpose.

Maybe the "Business Expo and Convention Park: Featuring Horses" :LolLolLol

Oklahoma City Equestrian, Exhibition, and Entertainment Complex or just '3EC' for short. The facility shouldn't be name after an event that only takes place 10 days a year (i.e State Fair Park).

Guess I just don't understand the jealousy over the horse industry which nets the most for this city of anything done at the fairgrounds.

You all can't be serious about bringing back the "freak" shows where subjects were usually taken advantaged of and treated as quasi slaves since they couldn't find other work, often because of the biases of society. There is a difference between frivolous political correctness and just plain correctness. Thank God we have progressed (somewhat).

BTW, previous poster is correct...YouTube has replaced the freak shows. Wii replaces carney games that rip you off over and over. And a bajillion fast food places replace the junk food. Today is very different than 50 years ago and the "good old days" weren't always so good.

Also note that the OKC State Fair is one of the best attended in the country. I went and looked up attendance numbers and OKC does well compared to most states...especially considering there is another "state fair" in Tulsa (which draws 25% less than OKC)

Oklahoma City Equestrian, Exhibition, and Entertainment Complex or just '3EC' for short. The facility shouldn't be name after an event that only takes place 10 days a year (i.e State Fair Park).

Sounds good, I like it.

Guess I just don't understand the jealousy over the horse industry which nets the most for this city of anything done at the fairgrounds.

You all can't be serious about bringing back the "freak" shows where subjects were usually taken advantaged of and treated as quasi slaves since they couldn't find other work, often because of the biases of society. There is a difference between frivolous political correctness and just plain correctness. Thank God we have progressed (somewhat).

BTW, previous poster is correct...YouTube has replaced the freak shows. Wii replaces carney games that rip you off over and over. And a bajillion fast food places replace the junk food. Today is very different than 50 years ago and the "good old days" weren't always so good.

Also note that the OKC State Fair is one of the best attended in the country. I went and looked up attendance numbers and OKC does well compared to most states...especially considering there is another "state fair" in Tulsa (which draws 25% less than OKC)

One could argue this forever--I suppose--but numerous documentaries done by these folks have shown them discussing how they did not hate the lifestyle...and made a decent living. They viewed it as a job and still live communally in Florida. Their big complaint was these do-gooders came in, threw them out of a job and dropped them off at the welfare office for life. Typical left wing crap where THEY know what is best for you--don't bother to ask...just rely on dimmycrats to decide how everyone ought to live. Not unlike freeing the mentally ill from the heartless incarceration in institutions and introducing them to the joys and pride of living under a freeway in a cardboard box in a big city...where they are raped murdered every day. To help them...you see...

One could argue this forever--I suppose--but numerous documentaries done by these folks have shown them discussing how they did not hate the lifestyle...and made a decent living. They viewed it as a job and still live communally in Florida. Their big complaint was these do-gooders came in, threw them out of a job and dropped them off at the welfare office for life. Typical left wing crap where THEY know what is best for you--don't bother to ask...just rely on dimmycrats to decide how everyone ought to live. Not unlike freeing the mentally ill from the heartless incarceration in institutions and introducing them to the joys and pride of living under a freeway in a cardboard box in a big city...where they are raped murdered every day. To help them...you see...

Tell me this is tongue in cheek. Great satire! Thanks for giving us a laugh on an otherwise quiet night.

Rover:

I don't think anyone is "jealous" of the horse industry. The improvements to keep and attract the money making events seem to have been worth it from that point of view. No disagreement there at all. That said, it seems to have been at the "expense" of the rest of the Fairgrounds (especially the State Fair of Oklahoma and the Speedway). It is good to hear that attendance is fairing well (sorry, couldn't resist) compared to other states. But if not mistaken, attendance for the entire industry is generally down. Think I read a while back that some State Fairs are getting canceled completely. Ultimately, I think that is the goal of Mr. Bennett. Drive the State Fair out of business and let the State Fair Park be used exclusively for the horse, gun, antique and "Affair of the Heart" type events (nothing against any of those events). Again, average daily attendance may be up and it may even be trending higher over the past couple of years, but that was after thy shortened the Fair and the added daily attendance didn't make up for the business lost when they cut out a week/weekend. Similar to sales tax collections being up over projections and previous year. While great news and we hope it continues, we still have a big hole to fill in to get back to where we were.

On a side note, this is the STATE Fair of OKLAHOMA, how much money does the State contribute? Why is the City putting up the money (some improvement money is coming from out of staters thru the Hotel/Motel tax). If the horse industry is the economic engine (profit making) venture that everyone seems to be in agreement that it is, why is it getting taxpayer paid for facilities. Why aren't they paying for it themselves out of the profits?

I suppose the same could be said for the Convention Center. If it is going to bring in the jobs and all the economic benefits that the Chamber claims, why doesn't the Chamber just take up a collection from it's members and fund/build the thing them selves?

It was a great meeting place...I was somewhat of a city person from Norman (27,000 in those days) but I enjoyed meeting all the rural folks who you just never got to see otherwise.

I'm not trying to change the subject but I didn't realize you were a Norman boy. I was a farm boy who lived outside of Norman and went to school there in the 50's and 60's. Maybe I'm one of the rural folk you're talking about. LOL
Did you ever go to the Cleveland County Fair? I exhibited there a few times in my youth even if there wasn't much to it.

Tell me this is tongue in cheek. Great satire! Thanks for giving us a laugh on an otherwise quiet night.

Just reporting what others have seen...now--go fetch--Rover! Nancy and Barack will be tossing the ball on the WH lawn among the victory gardens the minions are attending...

I'm not trying to change the subject but I didn't realize you were a Norman boy. I was a farm boy who lived outside of Norman and went to school there in the 50's and 60's. Maybe I'm one of the rural folk you're talking about. LOL
Did you ever go to the Cleveland County Fair? I exhibited there a few times in my youth even if there wasn't much to it.

I lived near the fairgrounds--went all the time. I was in the 4-H club at Wilson elementary in the 1950's-60's...closest I came to farming--but--I did knew a few dairy people and some who had connections with places outside the city limits.

The sad reality is that for many places fairs no longer serve a purpose. I grew up in Northern California and we had the Silver Dollar Fair. As a kid it was great. The midway was a big hit because it was the only place that had rides. I even enjoyed the exhibits to see the latest cookware and get a free sample of food. We only ate out about 1 or 2 times per month and we dressed up for that so getting a sample of some kind of chicken at the fair while wearing shorts was a big treat. Times were simpler then. Those days are gone.

If we want to ride something we go to Orlando and Valdosta, GA. People in OKC go to Frontier City or Six Flags in Dallas. It is cheaper, safer, and the rides are better. We now eat out 5 days a week and no one cares what you wear other than you have to have shoes and shirt (unless it is the drive thru). Everything that is for sale in the exhibit halls can be bought at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Costco, the Internet, or on late-night infomercials. Some people call it progress, but I don't know if it is better. Given the choice between the world I grew up in and the one my children are growing up in I would pick mine.

Fairs will have to go the way of the Circus...they will need to be reinvented to survive in today's environment. Fairs were exotic places where the unusual and rare could be seen and experienced once a year when the public had no other ways to partake. Now, what is at the fair is the usual, not the unusual. And, as we have shifted from the agrarian economy the livestock shows are less important. The way Cirque de Soleil reinvented circus as entertainment, someone will reinvent fairs and they will grow. Otherwise they will continue to be a monument to an outdated time.

We should take a poll to see what age groups want the fair to stay as it was 5-10 years agoi and which age groups are happy to see the change. I bet (after reading this forum) that the vast majority of our older readers are very upset about the changes and the younger contributors on this site want it to change.

Why is that? Probably because when our older reader went to the State Fair growing up everything was new and exciting. The State Fair and all its glamor had an appeal that kids would dream about...that dream is no longer happening with today's generations. The buildings/structures are decades old, rusty and ugly. The fair (as it has been for the last 15 years) hasn't offered the entertainment to today's generation as it did in the 60's.

I see nothing wrong with the change the Fair has undergone and hope they continue to revamp it until it becomes a destination again, as it was in the 60's. My generation didn't get to experience the Fair like our older generations and that is why I welcome the change. I don't want the next generation to have to go through the same Fair I went to. So, for all the older contributors on here, try to see it from a younger generation's point of view. I see it from your point of view and I can see the nostalgia and understand not wanting to see old structures of your childhood being knocked down for something new to be built...but why can't the future generations of OKC have it's own nostalgia in the decades to come?

We should take a poll to see what age groups want the fair to stay as it was 5-10 years agoi and which age groups are happy to see the change. I bet (after reading this forum) that the vast majority of our older readers are very upset about the changes and the younger contributors on this site want it to change.

Why is that? Probably because when our older reader went to the State Fair growing up everything was new and exciting. The State Fair and all its glamor had an appeal that kids would dream about...that dream is no longer happening with today's generations. The buildings/structures are decades old, rusty and ugly. The fair (as it has been for the last 15 years) hasn't offered the entertainment to today's generation as it did in the 60's.

I see nothing wrong with the change the Fair has undergone and hope they continue to revamp it until it becomes a destination again, as it was in the 60's. My generation didn't get to experience the Fair like our older generations and that is why I welcome the change. I don't want the next generation to have to go through the same Fair I went to. So, for all the older contributors on here, try to see it from a younger generation's point of view. I see it from your point of view and I can see the nostalgia and understand not wanting to see old structures of your childhood being knocked down for something new to be built...but why can't the future generations of OKC have it's own nostalgia in the decades to come?

Everyone wants to re-capture all of the happy times they have had in life...and it is only natural to think that if you can re-create all the same surroundings--youth will return. Well--it won't. It is an important concept to realize. My view is to "share" past memories for others to read--enjoy--dislike--or whatever. Matters not to me. Having been born sometime during the Pleistocene...I am of the opinion that the world of today belongs to those who are affected by and participate in it. I had my time in this life...I, too, have been young, vigorous and healthy--even good (hot?) looking before--just like all the younger folks here who are so *excited* by it. Been there--done that. It does not really last very long...enjoy things along the way...smell a few roses...make a few people smile...

Fairs will have to go the way of the Circus...they will need to be reinvented to survive in today's environment. Fairs were exotic places where the unusual and rare could be seen and experienced once a year when the public had no other ways to partake. Now, what is at the fair is the usual, not the unusual. And, as we have shifted from the agrarian economy the livestock shows are less important. The way Cirque de Soleil reinvented circus as entertainment, someone will reinvent fairs and they will grow. Otherwise they will continue to be a monument to an outdated time.

So this must be the new sideshow material

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I saw many of these in grade school! Thought they were pretty bogus--even in the 1950's! Broadcast TV was just the same...Father Knows Best...but--they did portray the ideal of a good many people. They were made to make a profit--no one took them seriously.

I am 56 and like changes...guess I am one of the youngsters. :)

guess I am one of the youngsters.

Comparatively speaking--yes...

I have alot of great memories of the old Fairgrounds Grandstands but, it's gone so, let's press on for the good.

I lived near the fairgrounds--went all the time. I was in the 4-H club at Wilson elementary in the 1950's-60's...closest I came to farming--but--I did knew a few dairy people and some who had connections with places outside the city limits.

I too went to Wilson and was in the 4-H club and was in the 6th grade in the 59-60 school year.

We should take a poll to see what age groups want the fair to stay as it was 5-10 years agoi and which age groups are happy to see the change. I bet (after reading this forum) that the vast majority of our older readers are very upset about the changes and the younger contributors on this site want it to change.

Why is that? Probably because when our older reader went to the State Fair growing up everything was new and exciting. The State Fair and all its glamor had an appeal that kids would dream about...that dream is no longer happening with today's generations. The buildings/structures are decades old, rusty and ugly. The fair (as it has been for the last 15 years) hasn't offered the entertainment to today's generation as it did in the 60's.

I see nothing wrong with the change the Fair has undergone and hope they continue to revamp it until it becomes a destination again, as it was in the 60's. My generation didn't get to experience the Fair like our older generations and that is why I welcome the change. I don't want the next generation to have to go through the same Fair I went to. So, for all the older contributors on here, try to see it from a younger generation's point of view. I see it from your point of view and I can see the nostalgia and understand not wanting to see old structures of your childhood being knocked down for something new to be built...but why can't the future generations of OKC have it's own nostalgia in the decades to come?

As always you have some good points and I don't think anyone is against replacing old, worn-out with new ones. Such as is proposed with the MAPS 3 funds. Although some of the previous improvements (to exhibit halls) have been purely from the facade.

My question is what "nostalgia" are "future generations" going to enjoy?

The monorail is gone...what was it replaced with?
The planes are gone...what were they replaced with?
The Speedway is gone...what is it being replaced with?

The list can go on but you get the idea.

My question is what "nostalgia" are "future generations" going to enjoy?

The monorail is gone...what was it replaced with?
The planes are gone...what were they replaced with?
The Speedway is gone...what is it being replaced with?

The list can go on but you get the idea.

Larry - that is a darn good point and it is true for things other than the State Fairgrounds.

Any chance the Space Tower can be moved near downtown once it is removed.

Great points, Larry. I don't think I have any good answers for that.

The space needle needs to stay as it has served as an iconic structure off the interstate for decades.

Does anyone else think the fair (past 5-10 years) has seen a higher adult to child ration than in decades past or is it merely that I'm starting to notice it more? Te last few years it seems more and more that people (adults) are going to the fair mainly for beer and enormous food rather than children coming for the rides...I'm sure that adults have always come to "party" at the fairgrounds but the ratio of "partiers" compared to children-related events seems to have shifted IMO

Great points, Larry. I don't think I have any good answers for that.

The space needle needs to stay as it has served as an iconic structure off the interstate for decades.

Does anyone else think the fair (past 5-10 years) has seen a higher adult to child ration than in decades past or is it merely that I'm starting to notice it more? Te last few years it seems more and more that people (adults) are going to the fair mainly for beer and enormous food rather than children coming for the rides...I'm sure that adults have always come to "party" at the fairgrounds but the ratio of "partiers" compared to children-related events seems to have shifted IMO

It is because you are getting older Casey. If you were a little kid doing little kid things with other little kids, it would give the appearance of a high ratio of little kids.

It is because you are getting older Casey. If you were a little kid doing little kid things with other little kids, it would give the appearance of a high ratio of little kids.

Not unlike when you think all the horny toads and hop toads are gone now...harder to see them from about six feet up than when they are within a tiny squat's reach...and you tend to hang out in different places as well... :tiphat:

Not unlike when you think all the horny toads and hop toads are gone now...harder to see them from about six feet up than when they are within a tiny squat's reach...and you tend to hang out in different places as well... :tiphat:

That is what I meant by 'getting older'. There are also a lot more adults at Chuck E. Cheese than I remember as a kid.