View Full Version : Do you attend The Oklahoma State Fair?
Prunepicker 08-19-2014, 03:22 AM Ah 'jes wish they'd say they don't like it. They don't like it at allllllll.
The State Fair isn't as good as it was 20 years ago. Or 30 years ago.
Or 40, or 50 or even 60. I know. I've been there during all of the
decades.
The new State Fair sucks. I get in free with a military pass on one
day and a senior citizen pass on another. I wouldn't pay .50 cents to
enter the new State Fair. To tell the truth it's not worth the price of
any admission fee.
However, with the free passes. the price for a Corn Dog is worth a
free admission.
The bottom line is this, if I had to pay for admission I wouldn't attend.
Not even if my grandson had a winning hog in the running.
It's not worth the price and hardly worth free admission.
Go to the County Fair instead.
mikeareese 08-19-2014, 11:39 PM I like the fair. Never had any problems. I always get a corndog, corn, and try something fried. I don't play the games or ride any rides. Usually walk the buildings, listen to some music, and check out outdoor vending area.
Prunepicker 08-21-2014, 09:45 PM Sis and I just entered our products in the County Fair. She has some
crocheting and I have pickled beets and pear tomatoes.
This is the first year I was going to enter some pressure canning
products and had to take them home because they didn't have a
section for them. Go figure.
Prunepicker 08-21-2014, 11:17 PM Here are the Special Discount Days for the State Fair
Thursday, September 11:
Opening Day - $2
Monday, September 15:
School Kids' Day – FREE admission for all kids thru grade 12
Tuesday, September 16:
Super Saver Tuesday - $3,
Armed Forces' Day -
FREE admission for Armed Forces personnel and spouses
(Military I.D. required)
Wednesday, September 17:
Senior Citizens' Day – FREE admission for Senior Citizens 55+
(I.D. required)
I believe they've lowered the age for Senior Citizens.
Easy180 08-22-2014, 06:05 PM Actually taking a fair day from work. Will be sans kiddos for the first time in 6 years so looking forward to not having to herd my crew around crowds.
Prunepicker 08-24-2014, 09:20 PM Sis and I placed at the County Fair. She won 1 first, 2 third and a fourth.
I won 1st with my pear tomatoes and 2nd for pickled beets.
We had a great time.
bluedogok 08-24-2014, 10:22 PM I haven't been since the early 90's, the only times that I went to the Texas State Fair was for OU-Texas games of which the last one that I went to was 1998. I used to love the fair but as I changed and it did too I lost interest in it.
I am going today. The weather is perfect.
kevinpate 09-12-2014, 03:57 PM I am just glad it is time again for the fair. The yard was needing a good watering.
Easy180 09-13-2014, 01:50 PM Went Friday during the day. Weather wasn't too bad but was bad enough to keep everyone away. Felt kinda weird not having to wait at all for a Dan's Indian Taco.
The one thing that I found interesting was a guy who's company was converting railroad cars, not any specialty types just the kind you could store all kinds of dry good in, and they had made a decent living space for on or two people. Minimalist living but was pretty cool. Queen sized bed in one end, bathroom in the middle, Kitchenette just beyond that and then some living space in the other half. On tv in the bedroom and a bigger one in the living room. The outside was painted but you could rap on it and feel that solid steel. The inside had been sprayed with insulation and painted to look like adobe. Bolt and srap that thing down and I think it could survive a pretty good sized twister. Def no hail damage worries.
ctchandler 09-18-2014, 01:39 PM Well, I went to the fair yesterday, "geezer day" as some of you have called it (yes, I am a geezer) and I just want to warn all of you that plan to attend next year, AVOID GEEZER DAY LIKE THE PLAGUE! It's a dangerous place, I think there were more people on scooters, either personal or rented at the fair, wheel chairs, walkers, and other mobility assist devices (yes, I rode my scooter too) than those on their own two feet. If I go next year, I will pay the price. By the way, I'm not being critical of the physically disabled since I am one of them, just letting you know, it really was a mess. They were enjoying themselves and thats great and I'm glad they have the free day for them/us.
C. T.
RadicalModerate 09-20-2014, 08:59 AM We went to the fair for the first time in about three or four years. It was Thursday evening. When we got to the gate, I said to the lady, "We are so old and feeble that we forgot that YESTERDAY was Old Fogies Get In Free Day. Can you give us a break?" She just smiled and said: "Well . . . I won't charge you twice." I would have given her a high-five but she was behind bulletproof glass. Actually, between the roasted corn, the Indian taco, the Texas-sized cheese curds, the wine tastings, the fabulous ScotchBonnet jelly creations and the petting zoo for the new millennium I had a pretty good time. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be. In fact, it wasn't bad at all. Plus we brought home three bottles of Made in Oklahoma wine and I now have a lead on some of the best jelly/preserves ever.
PennyQuilts 09-21-2014, 08:42 AM I'd planned to go on geezer day but my best friend was working cattle and needed help so I missed it. Ctchandler, you made me feel much better about it.
PennyQuilts 09-21-2014, 08:45 AM The one thing that I found interesting was a guy who's company was converting railroad cars, not any specialty types just the kind you could store all kinds of dry good in, and they had made a decent living space for on or two people. Minimalist living but was pretty cool. Queen sized bed in one end, bathroom in the middle, Kitchenette just beyond that and then some living space in the other half. On tv in the bedroom and a bigger one in the living room. The outside was painted but you could rap on it and feel that solid steel. The inside had been sprayed with insulation and painted to look like adobe. Bolt and srap that thing down and I think it could survive a pretty good sized twister. Def no hail damage worries.
I know some folks who lived in a caboose for 11 years before they retired. It can be done. They bought a tiny little house on some beautiful land and feel like they are living in a castle by comparison.
Jeepnokc 09-21-2014, 07:52 PM The one thing that I found interesting was a guy who's company was converting railroad cars, not any specialty types just the kind you could store all kinds of dry good in, and they had made a decent living space for on or two people. Minimalist living but was pretty cool. Queen sized bed in one end, bathroom in the middle, Kitchenette just beyond that and then some living space in the other half. On tv in the bedroom and a bigger one in the living room. The outside was painted but you could rap on it and feel that solid steel. The inside had been sprayed with insulation and painted to look like adobe. Bolt and srap that thing down and I think it could survive a pretty good sized twister. Def no hail damage worries.
Went through it tonight and thought would be a cool little mountain or river cabin if you could get it in to where you needed it.
Plutonic Panda 09-26-2014, 02:27 PM Well, 42 did, and got a free ride out.
42 arrests made at Oklahoma State Fair | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/crime/42-arrests-made-at-oklahoma-state-fair/28265906)
Brett 09-24-2023, 05:36 AM I won't be attending anytime in the future due to the shooting last night.
SouthSide 09-24-2023, 08:00 AM Yes, went with friends Saturday (daytime hours) but insisted on leaving before the evening rowdiness.
MagzOK 09-24-2023, 09:09 AM We haven't been to the Ok State Fair in about 7 or 8 years and have not interest in going. It's expensive yet boring. That being said, we do get our fair fixes in at the State Fair of Texas each OU/Texas weekend. It's far superior anyway.
PhiAlpha 09-24-2023, 10:22 AM I won't be attending anytime in the future due to the shooting last night.
I mean it already happened, you think now that it’s happened once that it’s more likely to happen again? Security was already reasonably good with metal detectors at every entrance, I would imagine it will be even tighter now.
PhiAlpha 09-24-2023, 10:23 AM We haven't been to the Ok State Fair in about 7 or 8 years and have not interest in going. It's expensive yet boring. That being said, we do get our fair fixes in at the State Fair of Texas each OU/Texas weekend. It's far superior anyway.
Yeah the Texas fair is way better. I still hit up OKC and Tulsa’s every few years but usually get my fill of fair activities before/after the RRS.
Wonder how this gun got in?
Huge black eye for the fair.
mugofbeer 09-24-2023, 11:51 AM I won't be attending anytime in the future due to the shooting last night.
Then you just let the street sh*t win. You do realize shootings have happened virtually everywhere at some time or another.
mugofbeer 09-24-2023, 11:52 AM Yeah the Texas fair is way better. I still hit up OKC and Tulsa’s every few years but usually get my fill of fair activities before/after the RRS.
The Texas State Fair is in a class of it's own.
Jeepnokc 09-24-2023, 12:20 PM From the OK State fair Facebook page.......
"Starting at 5 p.m. daily, all minors, age 17 and under, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (21+) when entering the Fair. Parents, guardians, or chaperones may accompany no more than six minors 17 years of age and under."
"The Oklahoma State Fair will be open at 10a on Sunday, September 24. Your gate admission and any carnival ride armbands from Saturday, September 23 will be good for admission and carnival rides on Sunday. You can scan your gate ticket directly at any gate and replace your carnival ride armband at any carnival ticket plaza. The incident that occurred on Saturday, September 23 has been identified by the Oklahoma City Police Department as an isolated incident."
mugofbeer 09-24-2023, 12:35 PM From the OK State fair Facebook page.......
The incident that occurred on Saturday, September 23 has been identified by the Oklahoma City Police Department as an isolated incident."
And the police have arrested a suspect.
Dob Hooligan 09-24-2023, 12:59 PM Wonder how this gun got in?
Huge black eye for the fair.
I think it is all but impossible in a free society and a constitutional carry state to intercept every 4-5 inch square handgun. I'm amazed they do as well as they do, considering how many people go on the weekends and how spread out the perimeter is.
I love the Fair and all the staff does. But, I don't stay there after dark. Especially Friday or Saturday. I'm too old for that.
Shortsyeararound 09-24-2023, 02:51 PM Went Friday morning for the first time in 4 years. It was nice, not packed at all, and clean. Had I brought a backpack of beer with me then it would have been even better as the temps increased.
BoulderSooner 09-25-2023, 08:32 AM I think it is all but impossible in a free society and a constitutional carry state to intercept every 4-5 inch square handgun. I'm amazed they do as well as they do, considering how many people go on the weekends and how spread out the perimeter is.
I love the Fair and all the staff does. But, I don't stay there after dark. Especially Friday or Saturday. I'm too old for that.
i disagree with this ... clearly the gun did not come in from through a medal detector ..
this was people sneaking in with out paying .. (either jumping a wall of a fence
jn1780 09-25-2023, 09:02 AM i disagree with this ... clearly the gun did not come in from through a medal detector ..
this was people sneaking in with out paying .. (either jumping a wall of a fence
Well obviously someone is going to try to sneak past security if they have intent, thus the 'perimeter is too big" comment Dob made. I don't even think you would have to go through the effort of jumping a fence. All the gates around the livestock area seem less secure. The workers at those checkpoints are not exactly TSA or anything.
Well obviously someone is going to try to sneak past security if they have intent, thus the 'perimeter is too big" comment Dob made. I don't even think you would have to go through the effort of jumping a fence. All the gates around the livestock area seem less secure. The workers at those checkpoints are not exactly TSA or anything.
When I went last week, they waved me and a few others down a lane without a metal detector.
Jeepnokc 09-25-2023, 10:07 AM We went yesterday and was surprised a the lack of security. I would have thought there would have been stepped up presence. I had numerous friends there saturday night (vendors and visitors) and almost all said the response after the shooting was fast and efficient. One vendor who watched it as their booth was right there said it was a large group of young people all wearing either blue or red so they seemed to think this was all gang related.
aDark 09-25-2023, 10:20 AM To get back to the original question, no I do not go to the OKC state fair. Having been to fairs in several major cities, the OK state fair is just depressing.
As a child, the fair meant fun rides and foods you couldn't get anywhere else. As an adult, every ride looks like a liability and the food looks (mostly) disgusting.
Add to the experience the general fair population and I'd rather just skip the mess entirely.
I realize I'm in the minority on this opinion. My wife still likes to go. In recent years, she has come to the conclusion that is not safe enough for her to walk around with the kids. Other than Disney on Ice, they don't go anymore either.
Bellaboo 09-25-2023, 10:31 AM Have not in 35 years
As a child, the fair meant fun rides and foods you couldn't get anywhere else. As an adult, every ride looks like a liability and the food looks (mostly) disgusting.
Add to the experience the general fair population and I'd rather just skip the mess entirely.
It's hard to accept but state fairs are mainly a relic of the past in general, not just the one here.
I will say the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee is a very different experience. The fairgrounds are more compact but substantially nicer, they have more live music and there is the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, which they use for big-name bands; I see this year they had REO Speedwagon, Ludacris and other acts every night. Also, a good number of the food vendors are local and thus there is a lot of tradition about going to get a cream puff (pretty great) and some other things that are unique to the fair (do we have anything equivalent?). Many of the food places have permanent facilities with covered seating, not just trailers on asphalt.
However, what I realized the last time I went 3 years ago is that this event is 75% a big drink fest. They have tons of beer gardens and even during the day, you see lots of couples pushing strollers with both holding beers. Obviously, a big beer culture in Milwaukee but it has to be a rowdy scene once the sun goes down.
But at least in Wisconsin, they've found a way to stay relevant in a very fast-changing world. OKC sold out to horse shows a long time ago and the fair itself is a complete afterthought and it shows.
HangryHippo 09-25-2023, 11:50 AM Exactly why they should work to create something similar to the Kentucky Horse Park for shows and equitation in general. Especially with the river and Stockyards nearby.
TheTravellers 09-25-2023, 11:50 AM To get back to the original question, no I do not go to the OKC state fair. Having been to fairs in several major cities, the OK state fair is just depressing.
As a child, the fair meant fun rides and foods you couldn't get anywhere else. As an adult, every ride looks like a liability and the food looks (mostly) disgusting.
Add to the experience the general fair population and I'd rather just skip the mess entirely.
I realize I'm in the minority on this opinion. My wife still likes to go. In recent years, she has come to the conclusion that is not safe enough for her to walk around with the kids. Other than Disney on Ice, they don't go anymore either.
:yeahthat: :iagree: Except we don't have kids. We went once recently, in 2009 when we moved back here, but literally only to see The Black Crowes (with one of the Dickinson brothers guesting on guitar).
Bill Robertson 09-25-2023, 12:14 PM :yeahthat: :iagree: Except we don't have kids. We went once recently, in 2009 when we moved back here, but literally only to see The Black Crowes (with one of the Dickinson brothers guesting on guitar).
As a kid in the 60s my parents, at least one sister and BIL, often both, and I went at least once. Dad and I would go at least one other night for races. Then from the late 70s to the track closing in 2009 I went almost every night. Over those years I worked for the track, helped out with a couple cars and drove a little bit. Since then until I had bad hip problems starting in 2017 my wife and I went usually one afternoon to eat, walk through the buildings and catch a free concert. We've seen America, Air Supply, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Dennis DeYoung and some other old bands. We haven't been since 2017 because it's just not fun for me to be uncomfortable then and really pay for it the next day.
When I was growing up, schools closed for a day and students could attend free.
That was really fun because there were tons of kids your own age there.
Shortsyeararound 09-25-2023, 12:18 PM To get back to the original question, no I do not go to the OKC state fair. Having been to fairs in several major cities, the OK state fair is just depressing.
As a child, the fair meant fun rides and foods you couldn't get anywhere else. As an adult, every ride looks like a liability and the food looks (mostly) disgusting.
Add to the experience the general fair population and I'd rather just skip the mess entirely.
I realize I'm in the minority on this opinion. My wife still likes to go. In recent years, she has come to the conclusion that is not safe enough for her to walk around with the kids. Other than Disney on Ice, they don't go anymore either.
You can bring your own food and beverage in (not glass), so you don't have to buy theirs. We bought a turkey leg ($16 and dry as hell), 2 mini jugs of root beer ($16 and went warm fast), and a Dan's Indian Taco ($15 and good). So $47 total- that was most disgusting part. I laugh when I see people buying beer there (the cost of one is sometimes equivalent to a six pack price) instead of bringing in their own. We just walked the buildings and only stayed 2 hrs in morning daylight. It will suffice for another 4/5 years.
mugofbeer 09-25-2023, 12:31 PM You can bring your own food and beverage in (not glass), so you don't have to buy theirs. We bought a turkey leg ($16 and dry as hell), 2 mini jugs of root beer ($16 and went warm fast), and a Dan's Indian Taco ($15 and good). So $47 total- that was most disgusting part. I laugh when I see people buying beer there (the cost of one is sometimes equivalent to a six pack price) instead of bringing in their own. We just walked the buildings and only stayed 2 hrs in morning daylight. It will suffice for another 4/5 years.
But where else can you buy a beer and a turkey leg and stand around with it in public, one in each hand? :)
TheTravellers 09-25-2023, 12:41 PM When I was growing up, schools closed for a day and students could attend free.
That was really fun because there were tons of kids your own age there.
Yeah, forgot about that, I went a lot when I was a kid because of that.
Shortsyeararound 09-25-2023, 12:44 PM But where else can you buy a beer and a turkey leg and stand around with it in public, one in each hand? :)
True, true, true.
Bill Robertson 09-25-2023, 12:45 PM When I was growing up, schools closed for a day and students could attend free.
That was really fun because there were tons of kids your own age there.
I forgot about that too! It was one of the best days of the school year!
brunnesa 09-25-2023, 01:41 PM My family and I attended three different days this year. We love going! I think it is one of the best events that Oklahoma puts on every year.
TheTravellers 09-25-2023, 02:11 PM My family and I attended three different days this year. We love going! I think it is one of the best events that Oklahoma puts on every year.
Since I haven't been in so many years, I'm curious - what do you do each year, do you have certain things you see, eat, drink, ride, or just whatever strikes your fancy, music, ...?
Anonymous. 09-25-2023, 02:50 PM I had no idea you could bring in your own drinks (beer) into the fair until reading this thread. Has that always been a thing?
barrettd 09-25-2023, 03:01 PM When I was growing up, schools closed for a day and students could attend free.
That was really fun because there were tons of kids your own age there.
My buddies and I were talking about that this weekend. My dad used to take us as early as possible on Fair Day to get it over with before the masses descended. In high school, I remember going up there with my mom because she loved the Indian tacos and funnel cakes. Haven't been to the fair in probably 30 years.
brunnesa 09-25-2023, 03:09 PM Since I haven't been in so many years, I'm curious - what do you do each year, do you have certain things you see, eat, drink, ride, or just whatever strikes your fancy, music, ...?
We like to attend the concerts each night and usually go through every building at least once. We also eat many of our favorite fair foods like, cheese on a stick, corndog, meat candy on a stick, roasted corn and cinnamon rolls. I find it a great atmosphere to just sit back and watch the people. You see some interesting things at the fair!
BoulderSooner 09-25-2023, 03:21 PM I had no idea you could bring in your own drinks (beer) into the fair until reading this thread. Has that always been a thing?
outside food and drink are NOT allowed ..
https://okstatefair.com/information/faq
Can I bring my own food/beverages?
Outside food/beverages are not allowed unless it is needed for medical purposes. Formula, milk, and food for infants/toddlers is permitted.
fortpatches 09-25-2023, 03:50 PM But where else can you buy a beer and a turkey leg and stand around with it in public, one in each hand? :)
The annual Festival of the Arts, downtown? You can do that there.
Shortsyeararound 09-25-2023, 04:01 PM outside food and drink are NOT allowed ..
https://okstatefair.com/information/faq
They must have changed that for this year or since covid. I have been taking a backpack with my own beer (cans) for 20 years, along with food. State Fair Park sits on land that is deemed a State Park and by law you may bring your own food and drink onto state property. I have never had an issue. Like I said, I did not do it this year, but was tempted.
BoulderSooner 09-25-2023, 04:05 PM State Fair Park sits on land that is deemed a State Park and by law you may bring your own food and drink onto state property..
the OKC fair grounds are 100% property of the CITY of OKC ..
and just like the arena ... you have no "right" to bring your own food and drink ..
BoulderSooner 09-25-2023, 04:08 PM They must have changed that for this year or since covid. I have been taking a backpack with my own beer (cans) for 20 years, along with food. State Fair Park sits on land that is deemed a State Park and by law you may bring your own food and drink onto state property. I have never had an issue. Like I said, I did not do it this year, but was tempted.
from the FAQ 2013 state fair ..
https://web.archive.org/web/20130728105412/http://okstatefair.com/content/frequently-asked-questions
Can I bring my own food/beverages?
Outside food/beverages are not allowed unless it is needed for medical purposes.
Formula, milk, and food for infants/toddlers is permitted.
Ginkasa 09-25-2023, 04:13 PM I enjoy going once each year. I don't think there's enough there to justify two visits; particularly as not much changes year to year.
Bill Robertson 09-25-2023, 05:26 PM Odd. I just looked up OKC Fairgrounds and found this on the homepage of their website. Copyright 2023.
"OKC Fairgrounds is one of the largest and busiest event facilities in the country and is the center of Oklahoma City’s status as “Horse Show Capital of the World.” Other events include concerts, rodeos, auto racing, arts and crafts shows, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, and the annual Oklahoma State Fair, held in September."
There hasn't been auto racing since 2009. Who writes this stuff?
Shortsyeararound 09-25-2023, 06:23 PM from the FAQ 2013 state fair ..
https://web.archive.org/web/20130728105412/http://okstatefair.com/content/frequently-asked-questions
Fine- but why do you want to argue with me about something I have done since around 1996. Every year, they checked my bags, saw my beer, and let me in. Hell in 2005/2006 somewhere around then we even rolled in a cooler on wheels. I have never had an issue. If I can't anymore that is fine because I barely drink, but was told by a "city official" in 95 that I could the following year when I turned 21.
jn1780 09-26-2023, 08:47 AM Yeah they don't enforced the no food or drink. I told my wife she needed to finish her Stella Nova coffee, but they didn't say anything so she walked right in. I don't I even saw no food or drink signs. If they there were, its not super obvious like it is in the arena.
Again, total lack of security. Someone could hide explosives in a soft drink, beer, etc.
Shortsyeararound 09-26-2023, 01:38 PM Yeah they don't enforced the no food or drink. I told my wife she needed to finish her Stella Nova coffee, but they didn't say anything so she walked right in. I don't I even saw no food or drink signs. If they there were, its not super obvious like it is in the arena.
Again, total lack of security. Someone could hide explosives in a soft drink, beer, etc.
We did walk in with our Starbucks.
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