We really do. The last time I went to the fair was several years ago...probably 3...and I do not remember there being anything that night I was there like what has been described here. It has been a fast-growing problem and it's sad that we've let it go so far before focusing any attention on it.

I would propose that we legalize duels to the death. At least that way we could ensure innocents were not killed by accident. Things could be done in a controlled arena, and we could even sell pay per view (proceeds going to improve the public schools).

How about it?

The Texas State Fair does have metal detectors at the entrances. I think it's a pretty smart move.

Thank God these are responsible gang members. With knives, there is no crossfire. Good for them. I can tell that public education investment we're making is really paying off!You ought to do stand up in your spare time...or do you? Or do you have any spare time? LOL

My wife and I went last sunday evening around 5:30-9:00 PM. We saw nothing bad going on and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food.

Too bad all this stuff happens after dark though.

Wonder how long those people are in jail before they are let out to inevitably do the exact same thing a few days/weeks later? How about we chain these people up and have them clean up and paint the neighbhorhoods they come from? Duels may be a little extreme, but public canings (cane-ings?) may be a better deterrent.

My wife and I went last sunday evening around 5:30-9:00 PM. We saw nothing bad going on and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food.

Too bad all this stuff happens after dark though.

Wonder how long those people are in jail before they are let out to inevitably do the exact same thing a few days/weeks later? How about we chain these people up and have them clean up and paint the neighbhorhoods they come from? Duels may be a little extreme, but public canings (cane-ings?) may be a better deterrent.I vote for making them clean up the fair grounds every night while listening to streaming karakoe via irremovable ear plugs.

CC must be having to do a lot of research to find the answer to Midtowner's question regarding the State Fair...LOL

And you haven't been to the state fair in 5 years?

What major item was removed in 2005 from the Fair?

We removed the monorail. A small section of it still exists as a monument on the east side of the campus.

I help put the fair together, but have no interest being around the thugs that attend.

My question is the same to you as to Keith, and I'm not trying to prove a point. (not this time, anyway). What would the ER stats look like on a regular weekend or say, 3 weekends making up two full weeks? I don't know the answer, I'm just looking to see how different this is than when the fair isn't going on. I can remember when ER at St Anthony's consisted of at least a couple of stabbings and a gun shot, 2 or 3 cardiacs, a couple of domestics, the results of several drunken fights, along with the deliberate self-abortions and the usual things for which they should be going to the Dr's office..and those who need a fix or a place to spend the night...that was a loooooooong time ago, just wondering what the stats are now.

Things are a lot different now than they were in the reference you make to the St. Anthony ER. All of the traumas go to OU Med Center now. Being that I've worked trauma weekends now for several months, I'd say traumas were almost double this past week than on normal weekends. Half of our cases this past weekend were fair-related.

We removed the monorail. A small section of it still exists as a monument on the east side of the campus.

I help put the fair together, but have no interest being around the thugs that attend.

Plausible. My apologies. We recently had an individual named "CowboyConservative" (note the similar name) who started off in a very similar way to you. A lot of us, I included believed you to be him.

I still find it absolutely fascinating that someone who is on the State Fair Board and who "helped put the fair together" would admit to not having attended in at least five years and would trash the State Fair. Perhaps, this board member could be more constructive with his role on the board and do something about it.

I wouldn't want someone with that view on the board of the state fair. Not much motivation to do anything about it with that viewpoint. Especially considering he hasn't even been to the fair in five years.

How is this board selected?

Plausible. My apologies. We recently had an individual named "CowboyConservative" (note the similar name) who started off in a very similar way to you. A lot of us, I included believed you to be him.Just because someone answered your question correctly, doesn't make them a fair board member..heck, ALL of us could have answered it, plus...surely our Conservative person has the ability to google. My question is: Why would anyone even want to sit on a board that directs the evolution of an event at which they obviously look down their nose?

Plausible. My apologies. We recently had an individual named "CowboyConservative" (note the similar name) who started off in a very similar way to you. A lot of us, I included believed you to be him.

Nope, the moderators knew exactly who CowboyConservative was. We're on top of things more than you think.

Patrick, you may be excluded from the "us" group, but if you'll go back and check some threads on some other forums, there was quite a bit of open speculation on the subject. Those who are "us" know who we are.

Patrick...I just read the question re: ER stats and addressed you as Keith...I have no idea why..although, Keith seems like a very nice person, so I'm sure that you weren't offended.

Patrick, you may be excluded from the "us" group, but if you'll go back and check some threads on some other forums, there was quite a bit of open speculation on the subject. Those who are "us" know who we are.

Oh, I suppose I can say who it is, since it is the story of the banning. OklaCity_75 asked to have his account deleted because he didn't like you guys, then he thought he could come on as another user and trash you guys.

Having attended with my family day and night, the crime is no different that any other location. Bricktown has a cerfew..does the fair? If things were really as bad as stated, people would not go at all.

I took my 11 yr old and 17 yr old out to the fair on the last Saturday they were having it. As the night went on you could see the prominence of thugs. They finally closed the rides at midnight due to all the fights and stabbings. I will go back as I do every year since I enjoy seeing the items that are displayed and of course the kids will want to go to the Midway again but this time we'll make it an afternoon not evening of it. And of course we all enjoy the people watching.

That's a good attitude.. I hate to see gang members dominate the fair which is truly a family event and ruin it for everyone..

I like Midtowner's Duel to the Death idea.. but I think they should Graffiti to the Death. have an art contest on some of the ugly buildings waiting to be demolished ..winner takes turf. It's a win/win..

Come to think of it, in all the (20 some) years that we attended the Kansas, and sometimes the Oklahoma State Fairs, we were ALWAYS there in the daytime, unless we went to a night show...we saw Charlie Daniels one time in Kansas and as the crowd was leaving, I panicked and left my husband (he walked with a cane and not very well either) and ran to the nearest exit. I got claustrophobic and just couldn't take it any more..but you are right in that there is a completely different crowd when it turns to PM.