Does anyone recall why the fair demolished the Art Center and photo exhibition building that was on the Northside of General Pershing ave between 2005 and 2006? It seems the functions were moved to the former Kirkpatrick planetarium building after the planetarium had moved to the Omniplex. But I am unable to find any information on why they removed the building.

Anyone?

It was an outgrowth of the scorched-earth, destroy-everything policy undertaken by Fair leadership headed up by then-director Skip Wegner. During that time, Fair and some city leadership wanted to reinvent the the Fair and get it away from it's "funnel cake and corndog" image. To that end, they had a long range plan to essentially decimate most of the existing grounds or let them rot in place if replacement weren't feasible. Over the long haul, this resulted in the razing of many buildings, cementing of the fountains, shredding the 14 Flags plaza, and dumping the monorail. OKC had one of the most distinctive Fairs in the country, but most of that has been plowed over. It's really sad. A lot of those old buildings were plowed down for parking.

A lot of us tried in our own way to fight what was happening to the fairgrounds. I even managed to get a letter I wrote to KTOK read on-air (I think by Mike McCarville) one evening, a letter decrying the changes and hoping for some sanity be brought to the process...but it was not to be. As I said, Wegner left, but by then the damage had been done, and our Fairgrounds will never be the same.

The height of the stupidity for me was the year they actually tried putting in a "tea room" for the Fair, complete with effete funiture right down to the little round tables. It was embarrassing to walk past the thing and see all these empty tables and this absurdly out of place "attraction." At least they realized that was a mistake the folliowing year and didn't repeat it.

Yeah, I guess I'm a little bitter about the fairgrounds and what was done to it out of no small amount of plain old snobbery. We could have modernized the fair without destroying it.

It was an outgrowth of the scorched-earth, destroy-everything policy undertaken by Fair leadership headed up by then-director Skip Wegner. ...Over the long haul, this resulted in the razing of many buildings, cementing of the fountains, shredding the 14 Flags plaza, and dumping the monorail.

While agreeing with you that they shouldn't have done it "scorched earth", the monorail had to go. The cost to replace the trains alone was cost prohibitive. IIRC there was a thread on this a few years ago.

While agreeing with you that they shouldn't have done it "scorched earth", the monorail had to go. The cost to replace the trains alone was cost prohibitive. IIRC there was a thread on this a few years ago.

TBH, there are several threads about "whatever happened to the fairgrounds". Just scrolling down on this very topic shows similar threads titled "Where did our State Fair go?", "State Fair BS", and "State Fair?". That last one seems pretty similar to another thread (also listed on this very page) titled "Great State Fair of Oklahoma or just Ok County Fair".

It's a horse that's pretty much just a pulp after all the multiple beatings.

I am bitter about the fairgrounds as well. So much funky mid century architecture. I miss the grand stand. I miss the big jets and the b-52 bomber on stilts. I even miss 89er’s stadium, brick town can be such a hassle to catch a game. I remember you could pay something like a dollar to plop a blanket and sit on the embankment in the outfield.

Dallas has done a fantastic job keeping the old school feel at the Texas fairgrounds the cotton bowl even (mostly) the same from the approach after being upgraded to over 90,000 seats. They’ve got a modernized gondola lift.

What’s wrong with funnel cakes and corn dogs? Snobbery indeed. And the millennials go gaga for nostalgia and camp. Even if it was from half a century before they were born.

People argue about the noise from the grand stand and it was the main defense for razing it, but you know in a heartbeat the racers could put some muffleds on the exhaust.

It has always been the main goal of the Texas State Fair to keep it as a tourist destination. Most of the cattle, rodeo, horse shows in fort worth. They spent a lot of money on their new modern attractions.

The OK state fair went a different route and now it's about to be stomped on when that new Dickies arena gets finished in Fort Worth

People argue about the noise from the grand stand and it was the main defense for razing it, but you know in a heartbeat the racers could put some muffleds on the exhaust.

They actually did run muffler inserts, but the city was hell bent on shutting it down anyway. IIRC the noise curfew for the speedway was 11:00 pm, and on those nights when the features ran long, the State Fair just paid the fine. It was done that way for years.

It has always been the main goal of the Texas State Fair to keep it as a tourist destination. Most of the cattle, rodeo, horse shows in fort worth. They spent a lot of money on their new modern attractions.

The OK state fair went a different route and now it's about to be stomped on when that new Dickies arena gets finished in Fort Worth

Dallas is apparently getting ready to pay about $10-15 million a year to a private firm to take over daily operations of their fairgrounds. They also are wanting ways to reinvigorate the area; I'll never forget that J Jones offered to build the new Cowboy stadium on top of the old Cotton Bowl AND put in an entertainment district that would have made the area a viable destination spot for the next 20 years; he just asked Dallas to share the cost. They refused, because They Just Weren't Going To Give Money To A Billionaire, Because. The project was obviously scrapped, Jones moved to Arlington, and the Dallas Fairgrounds are still in a crappy, even dangerous, part of town, undeveleoped and likely to stay that way. Current Dallas leadership is finally seeing the value in preserving properties like a great Fairgrounds; I only wish ours had.

I know this is a dead-horse-beating topic, but the arrogance in the way our Fairgrounds was decimated by by essentially the tea and crumpets crowd will always be a sore spot for me. It was 100% avoidable. If only a reaching out had taken place to lay out a way to fix it's problems rather than just throw out the baby with the bathwater, we might not have merely the shell of what it once was. Lots of folks have wished OKC had a unique, signature spot, and I think the old Fairgrounds would have been a great candidate. Obviously, we'll never know.

Okay, sorry, rant over.

They actually did run muffler inserts, but the city was hell bent on shutting it down anyway. IIRC the noise curfew for the speedway was 11:00 pm, and on those nights when the features ran long, the State Fair just paid the fine. It was done that way for years.

We used to live in Linwood Place, just about a mile due north of the former grandstand, and enjoyed the sounds of the races every Friday night. It was one of those things we associated with summertime, and being outside, etc. For us, it was a pleasant association. We were sad when they ended. However, there were neighbor friends of ours who absolutely hated it and rejoiced in its demise.

Yeah. I just don’t get it. A lot of people just feel like they live on 150 acres and any sound, kids running through their yard, people parking in the street in front of their houses, neighbors bar b queing, as an affront. I tell ya, I’d be a regular at the races if it still existed.

Where is the action these days? I know about the track on I-44 near the Canadian river. But it looks like they only do sprint cars and it’s quite small. I would love to see motorcycles, late model, and dirt modified.

^ Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, & Tulsa, among others. Motorcycle Flat Track has been running at Reminton Park the last two years.


I remember living in Warr Acres back when they ran open headers and they could clearly be heard.

And being at the track, standing at the fence as the final lap of cars in “A” feature Super Modified crossed the finish line. .... ahh the good old days.

We had one of the fastest back straights in the nation.

From Sooner Dave, "It was an outgrowth of the scorched-earth, destroy-everything policy undertaken by Fair leadership headed up by then-director Skip Wegner. During that time, Fair and some city leadership wanted to reinvent the Fair and get it away from it's "funnel cake and corndog" image."


One of the more elegant ways of how I have always felt about what happened. They fixed it 'till it broke. I am older and a fixed income. There is very little left I want to go see anymore out there. I go for my Grandkids.

We used to live in Linwood Place, just about a mile due north of the former grandstand, and enjoyed the sounds of the races every Friday night. It was one of those things we associated with summertime, and being outside, etc. For us, it was a pleasant association. We were sad when they ended. However, there were neighbor friends of ours who absolutely hated it and rejoiced in its demise.

I grew up there and felt the same way about the racers.

It’s a good venue for horse shows, concerts and the State Fair due to highway access & expansive parking. But these are quick, in-and-out events with low visitor expectations for food & bathrooms. In order to attract visitors who stay longer and spend more money they’ll need attractions that are expensive to install and operate such as the Space Needle, monorail, archway, static airplane displays, restaurants & entertainment - what they had & lost. You’re describing a MAPS-type of investment to rebuild the State Fairgrounds, and I don’t see that happening.

It’s a good venue for horse shows, concerts and the State Fair due to highway access & expansive parking. But these are quick, in-and-out events with low visitor expectations for food & bathrooms. In order to attract visitors who stay longer and spend more money they’ll need attractions that are expensive to install and operate such as the Space Needle, monorail, archway, static airplane displays, restaurants & entertainment - what they had & lost. You’re describing a MAPS-type of investment to rebuild the State Fairgrounds, and I don’t see that happening.

Oh, entirely agreed. They got rid of the things they hated, and surely have no incentive to bring any semblance of them them back.

While agreeing with you that they shouldn't have done it "scorched earth", the monorail had to go. The cost to replace the trains alone was cost prohibitive. IIRC there was a thread on this a few years ago.

I just wanted to make it clear, I really didn't start the thread to rehash the felonious destruction of a beloved entertainment venue at the hands of heartless bureaucrats.

I started a project looking at the changes at the fairgrounds over the years, and in looking at aerial's of the fairgrounds, noticed the buildings glaring absence on a 2006 capture. In looking back I have been unable to find any documentation of the reason the building was demolished. Most of the major changes at the fairgrounds have been at least minimally documented in the newspaper, however, it was mum on this issue.

I am still amazed that such latitude has been given the fair board to make extensive changes with such little input from the public.

I just wanted to make it clear, I really didn't start the thread to rehash the felonious destruction of a beloved entertainment venue at the hands of heartless bureaucrats.

I started a project looking at the changes at the fairgrounds over the years, and in looking at aerial's of the fairgrounds, noticed the buildings glaring absence on a 2006 capture. In looking back I have been unable to find any documentation of the reason the building was demolished. Most of the major changes at the fairgrounds have been at least minimally documented in the newspaper, however, it was mum on this issue.

I am still amazed that such latitude has been given the fair board to make extensive changes with such little input from the public.

Here's your answer. It was demolished because of flooding. So similar fate to the stage center except it would be hard to make the case to save this building. The main tenant left to become what is now known as the OKC museum of art.

http://okcmod.com/architecture/rip/oklahoma-city-arts-center-at-the-fairgrounds/

Here's your answer. It was demolished because of flooding. So similar fate to the stage center except it would be hard to make the case to save this building. The main tenant left to become what is now known as the OKC museum of art.

http://okcmod.com/architecture/rip/oklahoma-city-arts-center-at-the-fairgrounds/


Thank you very much. Exactly what I was looking for.

Wesley H.

After a quick revisit, I have to admit. I do not like what the fair has become. I had attended OKLAHOMA CITY schooOKLuntil starting 7th grade at Jackson Jr. High in the 71-72 school year. Moved to Del city just after the school year started. For me as a kid, the State fair was the big point of the year. From 7th grade it was about pensive first dates. . .

But then I had moved to Tulsa and married and brought the kids down in the mid 90's without really knowing how things had changed. I had built the kids up for the trip down JUST FOR THE STATE FAIR. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS NOTHING LIKE IT HAD BEEN IN THE 60's and 70's. As far as the kids were concerned it was a bust. Never been back since. Never will either.

No grandstand, no working space needle, no seedy midway. . . but lots of overpriced food, mediocre exhibits, a significant disappointment. Even eEUyears later, I've not forgiven the fair board.

In the six or so years since this thread started, I look now at the OKC and Dallas fairs, and look at the divergent paths they've taken. I won't rehash what's lost, because obviously it will never come back. But I look at what Dallas *has* done to their fair and it just breaks my heart. They've spent **millions** on a contemporary skyway, and added an amazing new "21st Century" space needle ride. Despite the fact it is still in an awful part of town, and they had a shooting on grounds last year, Dallas is making a concerted effort to keep their fairgrounds relevant - and are starting a six-figure effort to renew the Cotton Bowl. I look at our fairgrounds by comparison and say, "What might have been..."

Excellent points all. While I've not seen the attendance figures for either the fair or the totality of the extreme AG conversions, I have to wonder if the changes Snippy Weagner started are actually paying dividends or not.

But it also occurs to me that the "Fair trust" has been anything approaching transperant with their financial situation or an accounting of their projects.

That needs to change!

One thing I've noticed in the last couple of years is fewer and fewer vendors in the buildings each year to where it is very noticeable.

^^^^
my business has been located 2 blocks from the Fairgrounds since 1982. 42 years. It is busy year round. It generates a lot of money. It is well managed and overseen. The State Fair trust has always been a group of successful businesspeople with deep ties to Oklahoma City. Those people are volunteers who think the Fairgrounds complex should operate like a business and trust the management to operate it in a manner that allows it to grow while enhancing visitation, spending, and the city's image. It does all of that well, stays very busy and makes money. I have never heard any person in OKC government complain about the operation and revenue of the Fairgrounds in this century. They are doing it right IMO.

The days of the Fairgrounds being the dumping grounds for any old trinket or relic that belongs to a business or government agency, and they don't want it, but can't bring themselves to throw it away, are gone. And should be.

The Fairgrounds were built in the 1950s, and were not built to be 100 year structures. They were built on the cheap. And the older, and original, buildings show it.

In the six or so years since this thread started, I look now at the OKC and Dallas fairs, and look at the divergent paths they've taken. I won't rehash what's lost, because obviously it will never come back. But I look at what Dallas *has* done to their fair and it just breaks my heart. They've spent **millions** on a contemporary skyway, and added an amazing new "21st Century" space needle ride. Despite the fact it is still in an awful part of town, and they had a shooting on grounds last year, Dallas is making a concerted effort to keep their fairgrounds relevant - and are starting a six-figure effort to renew the Cotton Bowl. I look at our fairgrounds by comparison and say, "What might have been..."
If we had 8 million people in our metro area then maybe we could and should do those cool things too.
Our fairgrounds is highly relevant too… just not in the way some would like it to be.

If we had 8 million people in our metro area then maybe we could and should do those cool things too.
Our fairgrounds is highly relevant too… just not in the way some would like it to be.

No, it's only relevant to the rich horse crowd that effectively controls it. Many of us consider it to have been "relevant" *to the entire city* the way it *was* until it was *pointlessly changed.* This city has proven what can be done with MAPS. We could have done almost exactly what Dallas did, on our own scale, with our fairgrounds. Instead, snobbish leadership thumbed their nose at it, plowed it under , and some try to pretend it never existed.

No, it's only relevant to the rich horse crowd that effectively controls it. Many of us consider it to have been "relevant" *to the entire city* the way it *was* until it was *pointlessly changed.* This city has proven what can be done with MAPS. We could have done almost exactly what Dallas did, on our own scale, with our fairgrounds. Instead, snobbish leadership thumbed their nose at it, plowed it under , and some try to pretend it never existed.

These are 100% innocent questions. No secret "gotcha" or hidden meanings. I am basing them on the current set up at the Fairgrounds, because that is where we are, and what would change. Again, no hidden meanings.

1. What do you miss from the Fairgrounds?

2. What would you add?

3. How often do you attend The State Fair Of Oklahoma?

4. How often do you attend other events at the Fairgrounds?

I understand there are other issues and emotions involved. As a 42 year business neighbor, the Fairgrounds is top of mind for me on a daily basis. And I understand that is not the case for the vast majority of people.

1. The Monorail, The helicopter rides. Bobo the clown (dunk tank), The Speedway.
2. I wish there was something similar and more modern to replace the Monorail.
3. I go to the fair once every year on Senior Day.
4. 1-2 other events each year. I just went to the Remodel and Landscape show a few weeks ago.

1. The Monorail, The helicopter rides. Bobo the clown (dunk tank), The Speedway.
2. I wish there was something similar and more modern to replace the Monorail.
3. I go to the fair once every year on Senior Day.
4. 1-2 other events each year. I just went to the Remodel and Landscape show a few weeks ago.
This is a great response. Thank you!

No, it's only relevant to the rich horse crowd that effectively controls it. Many of us consider it to have been "relevant" *to the entire city* the way it *was* until it was *pointlessly changed.* This city has proven what can be done with MAPS. We could have done almost exactly what Dallas did, on our own scale, with our fairgrounds. Instead, snobbish leadership thumbed their nose at it, plowed it under , and some try to pretend it never existed.

Your anti snob snobbery completely ignores the value of the horse industry and all the people it supports. You confuse it with polo or high level thoroughbred race horse owners. Lol. Turning the fair into some kind of class struggle is misguided.

Debt,

I started the thread and did not see your reply till now. My thoughts

1. I miss the gritty midway of the 70s and the exhibits of old. My thoughts are that the fair board rushed headlong into remaking it, and in doing so, destroyed its character. If the want to have a separate Vocational Agricultural fair fine. But for most people under 30, such a fair is boring. As I noted before, I have NOT BEEN BACK, since bringing the family down from Tulsa in the mid. Nineteen eighties. (!@!%! Auto correct!)

Nor will ever attend again. Yeah, it was that off putting.

These are 100% innocent questions. No secret "gotcha" or hidden meanings. I am basing them on the current set up at the Fairgrounds, because that is where we are, and what would change. Again, no hidden meanings.

1. What do you miss from the Fairgrounds?

2. What would you add?

3. How often do you attend The State Fair Of Oklahoma?

4. How often do you attend other events at the Fairgrounds?

I understand there are other issues and emotions involved. As a 42 year business neighbor, the Fairgrounds is top of mind for me on a daily basis. And I understand that is not the case for the vast majority of people.

1. Miss some of the smaller local vendors like Lewis Beef and recently Sammys that stopped coming because of either higher fees or in case of Sammys....not allowing vendor beers sales anymore taking away the added profit.
2. The are adding it this year and that is the Octofest. Would bring back some type of monorail.
3. We get the season pass and go daily. We also shut the office down one day for "staff training" at the fair
4. We go to most home shows/auto shows if we are in town

I love the size of the new Bennett building but they have consolidated everything to it making the other building less exciting. Each building used to have its own vibe that seemed not to be there last year. Would be nice for the new car section to get built back up. A lot of the brands stopped coming.

Your anti snob snobbery completely ignores the value of the horse industry and all the people it supports. You confuse it with polo or high level thoroughbred race horse owners. Lol. Turning the fair into some kind of class struggle is misguided.

It's also reality. It isn't my fault a prior mayor literally said he wanted the fair to get away from it's "funnel cakes and corn dog image." That's a quote. It was widely publicized and part of a newspaper article, and was prelude to the scorched earth nonsense that destroyed the fair. It was literally *driven* by wealthy elites who didn't like it. Don't turn this on me for one second. Blame the mayor who started it.

It's also reality. It isn't my fault a prior mayor literally said he wanted the fair to get away from it's "funnel cakes and corn dog image." That's a quote. It was widely publicized and part of a newspaper article, and was prelude to the scorched earth nonsense that destroyed the fair. It was literally *driven* by wealthy elites who didn't like it. Don't turn this on me for one second. Blame the mayor who started it.
Argue that you don't want to give up your childhood, but this class warfare crap is lame. Wanting to raise the profile above a small county fair image isn't a class thing, it’s an alternative vision. The bitterness towards people who have been more successful than you doesn’t make it class competition.

These are 100% innocent questions. No secret "gotcha" or hidden meanings. I am basing them on the current set up at the Fairgrounds, because that is where we are, and what would change. Again, no hidden meanings.

1. What do you miss from the Fairgrounds?

2. What would you add?

3. How often do you attend The State Fair Of Oklahoma?

4. How often do you attend other events at the Fairgrounds?

I understand there are other issues and emotions involved. As a 42 year business neighbor, the Fairgrounds is top of mind for me on a daily basis. And I understand that is not the case for the vast majority of people.

1. The racetrack, mostly... but also the space needle and the monorail, as well as the historical artifacts that used to be scattered around the grounds. Like, what happened to that old Titan II missile?
2. Buildings and attractions that could drive year-round traffic from more than just the animal agriculture industry; things like a modern racetrack, or monthly farmers' markets (with appropriate shade structures), or BMX/Skateboard park type facilities, or even an outdoor multipurpose stadium of some variety.
3. Usually once or twice per year.
4. Never, outside of the occasional gun show or auto show. I wish I had more incentive to visit more often!

How much revenue does the Texas Fair park generate in revenue the other 11 months of the year? The Texas Fair Park was designed to be a tourist attraction, OKC built its tourist attractions closer to the core and that was a direct impact from MAPS.

The sad reality is that we now live in an over stimulated society that is difficult to entertain. Even Disney is demolishing the riverboat, river and Tom Sawyer island for a "cars land". Those are things that Walt himself suggested.

How much revenue does the Texas Fair park generate in revenue the other 11 months of the year? The Texas Fair Park was designed to be a tourist attraction, OKC built its tourist attractions closer to the core and that was a direct impact from MAPS.
.

I was curious so did a quick google search, Can't answer your question but was surprised at the differnce in the websites for Texas and Oklahoma State Fairs. IMHO, TSF is lightyears ahead of our website in design and information. Speaking of transparency, Texas has their financial statements and audit posted on their website. Both are 501 (C)(3),

https://bigtex.com/
https://okstatefair.com/

The grounds themselves are completely different animals. The State fair Park had "over 5.3 million people visit Fair Park annually attending over 1200 special events, sporting events, concerts, performances and the State Fair of Texas." "Fair Park, the most visited attraction in Texas, is home to five museums and ten performance and sporting venues that include the Music Hall, Dos Equis Pavilion, Band Shell, Texas Discovery Gardens and the Cotton Bowl Stadium." https://www.dallasparks.org/242/Fair-Park

I was curious so did a quick google search, Can't answer your question but was surprised at the differnce in the websites for Texas and Oklahoma State Fairs. IMHO, TSF is lightyears ahead of our website in design and information. Speaking of transparency, Texas has their financial statements and audit posted on their website. Both are 501 (C)(3),

https://bigtex.com/
https://okstatefair.com/

The grounds themselves are completely different animals. The State fair Park had "over 5.3 million people visit Fair Park annually attending over 1200 special events, sporting events, concerts, performances and the State Fair of Texas." "Fair Park, the most visited attraction in Texas, is home to five museums and ten performance and sporting venues that include the Music Hall, Dos Equis Pavilion, Band Shell, Texas Discovery Gardens and the Cotton Bowl Stadium." https://www.dallasparks.org/242/Fair-Park Keep in mind, Fair Park in Dallas has those beautiful art deco buildings too. Nice architecture for them, where OKC is very basic in their fairground design.

These are 100% innocent questions. No secret "gotcha" or hidden meanings. I am basing them on the current set up at the Fairgrounds, because that is where we are, and what would change. Again, no hidden meanings.

1. What do you miss from the Fairgrounds?

2. What would you add?

3. How often do you attend The State Fair Of Oklahoma?

4. How often do you attend other events at the Fairgrounds?

I understand there are other issues and emotions involved. As a 42 year business neighbor, the Fairgrounds is top of mind for me on a daily basis. And I understand that is not the case for the vast majority of people.

I miss the Speedway although it was worn out. The monorail is more of a nostalgic memory that I miss because it was a glimpse of the future when it opened.

Here is what I don't miss, The old worn-out smelly bathrooms. I love the Bennett Center and am looking forward to the OG&E Arena taking us into the next era.

Keep in mind, Fair Park in Dallas has those beautiful art deco buildings too. Nice architecture for them, where OKC is very basic in their fairground design.

Dallas hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition (World's Fair in 1936); they've maintained the upkeep on those buildings ever since. Many countries come in a build their own expositions--Dallas is a classic example of that.

When there was talk of a World Fair Exposition in OKC prior to 1989, we opted to pursue the Olympic Festival OK89--it turned out to be a great festival for the metro. Paris' was also looking into hosting the World's Fair in 1989 to mark 100 years since the Paris 1889 World's Fair--that's probably why OKC backed away from a World's Fair.
IIRC there was another attempt for 2007 to host a world's fair in OKC celebrating Oklahoma's 100th statehood anniversary.

Our fairground is on 435 acres; when there was interest in a World Fair exposition--some people didn't think our fairgrounds was large enough to host a world exposition. Knoxville's World's Fair in 1982 barely exceeded 68 acres.

We've got to keep thinking big.

1. Ditto gil's response plus the showcase of vehicles and farm equipment. I also miss the hometown feel and sense of security. The kidnapping of two young women, violence in the midway and the recent shooting have all contributed to my reluctance to ever attend the State Fair again.
2. I would like more days added to the schedule but I don't think that will ever happen. I believe that after the first week, most are gearing up to go to Dallas for the State Fair of Texas.
3. My attendance has dwindled over the years due to the removal of attractions with no new additions and it becoming "lame". The increased cost of ticket prices is also a factor. I think it was either 2018 or 2019 when I last attended the State Fair.
4. I used to go to the new car show at the Bennett Event Center but stopped when most manufacturers stopped showing up an they started charging admission for the event. I attend the free Farm Show but I have missed it the last couple of years.

The kidnapping of two young women, violence in the midway and the recent shooting have all contributed to my reluctance to ever attend the State Fair again. ​

Brett, I suppose you are talking about Cinda Pallett and Charlotte Kinsey? I remember it very well, and it was tragic, but it was in 1981. Forty Three Years Ago!

Go back to that time in 1981. Now, go back forty three years before that. Can you imagine if you had heard an older person back in ‘81 say they wouldn’t go to some event because of something that happened back in — 1938? Granted, you mentioned other things, but for one of your three things to be from that long ago… I think time has got away from you in this case.

I think it was either 2001 or 2002 I and a friend were standing just outside the O'Connels tent pavilion watching and listening to the karaoke when not more than 15 ft from where we were someone got their throat slashed with a knife. It was pretty late maybe between 10 and 11 o'clock. A commotion ensued and in less than 30 seconds multiple OCPD were on scene and at least 10 OCPD on horse back arrived to keep the crowd back. We were not sure what actually happened at the time but within about 10 minutes the fair started shutting down and everyone was told to leave. We were more amazed about where all the OCPD on horseback had come from so suddenly. I think we found out the next day on the news what had actually happened. It did not deter me from attending the fair the next year or anytime after that.