Changes at the OK State Fair

[MadMonk]

Well, I went to the Fair today. It was so crowded. I was there from 10:30 to around 2:30. We spent most of our time in Kiddieland, but went through most of the buildings and even took in the bear show. One thing I noticed is that, although the Int'l building looks nice, the inside seems so much smaller now. Its a lot darker in there now too. I miss the light airy-ness of the place.

Good stuff:
- Mini-doughnuts. These little jewels are dusted with sugar & cinnamon and are awesome!
- "Fat balls". These are deep-fried pastries with various fillings to choose from. Chocolate, Bavarian cream, cherry, lemon. I had one with cherry and Bavarian cream. Great stuff!

Not so good stuff:
- Kiddieland. Even my 3yr old was bored after the 3rd ride. It seems that 90% of the rides there consist of going around circles in cars that only differ in their outward appearances. Bees, Hang-gliders, Jeeps, Whales, etc. The best ride was in the race cars that actually whip you around a little.

- Crowds! I ran over a guy's foot with my kids stroller because he jumped in front of me and I didn't have time to stop. I apologized, he just shook his head. Only the fact that my kids were present kept me from telling him what a dumba$$ he was. Five minutes later, my foot was was run over by another person with a stroller. No big deal, but I didn't even get a "sorry". She must have thought it was a speed bump or something. Also, I just don't get why someone would stop their entire group to chat directly in front of entrance and exit doors. Get the hell outta the way!

All in all, its not a bad fair so far. We'll probably go back next weekend; this time in the evening.

[Keith]

I was at the fair yesterday from 5 pm. until 1:30 am. this morning. I worked in the safety center in the police command center dispatch office, and watched as they brought in men and women that they arrested for various things.

There were at least 10 people that were brought in for public intoxication. They took them over to detox. There were those that were arrested for underage drinking, fighting, assault, interfering with police investigations, and possession of drugs. They also arrested a vendor for selling alcohol to a minor. All of these were transported to the county jail.

From 5 pm until around 10 pm, it was rather quiet, except for the few public drunks they brought in. After 10 pm., things really started hopping. They finally shut the ferris wheel down at 12:15, which is the sign that they were closing down the fair for the night.

I'll be back there Tuesday evening at 5 PM., working in dispatch again. Friday evening, I'll be back there at 5 PM., working in the booking area, where they pat down the suspects after they have been arrested.

All in all, it's actually pretty safe at the fair this year.

[jbrown84]

Nobody's been stabbed yet? That's good.

[Karried]

I just got back from the fair -started with $200 - left with $40 - started at 10:30am left at 9:00pm - the crowds really changed as the evening progressed. As I was just there with my kids and mom.. I didn't feel safe as the evening wore on. There seemed to be a criminal element feel to the crowds the later it got - I noticed quite a few groups of people who seemed hell bent on being nuisances. It was Saturday night though and during the day it was fine.

Other than that, we had a blast! It was a little pricey. Four wristbands at $25.00 each, but that is the only way to go, the tickets are worthless. You would go through 20 bucks in 10 minutes and ride maybe 2 -3 rides.. this way we rode rides all day over and over. It was fun, of course, I was petrified that the bolts screwed in by a traveling carnie would come undone while I was 20 feet in the air going 90 miles an hour, but alas, we survived.

The food I thought was 'okay' .. I tried an Indian Taco but I guess I had really high expectations. It was really a glorified pita with chili beans and lots of shredded cheese and lettuce... but still, not bad. Later in the night I had a Turkey leg.. that was good although I couldn't help but think I paid 6 bucks for a leg?? Sheesh, my whole Thanksgiving turkey cost 6 bucks, ha,ha - it was the ambience .. I didn't have a funnel cake although I looked for it. Just never got around to it.

The kids loved it. The game area is a rip off - dropped 10.00 bucks in about 1 minute - no prize. Fun anyway.

We watched the Native American dancers and the wood/logging show.. watched the pig races..and saw a chick hatch. The displays and animals were nicely done. One lady screamed at us not to touch the horse because it bites and didn't we see the sign on the door ??? duh, I always put my hand out to a biting horse - 'my what big teeth you have, here's my thumb' - dumb broad..if we would have seen your microscopic sign, we wouldn't have come near your horse...

anyway, other than that the day was really fun and the kids loved every second. They both got pocket knives ( because as we all know, every kid needs a sharp implement to play with) and laser glass souvenirs.

The weather was gorgeous, the people interesting to watch and the displays very well presented. I'd do it again just to see the kids enjoying it so much... next time, I'll hunt down a funnel cake or at least a cinnamon roll.

[metro]

Don't know if anyone noticed lately. Looks like all but two of the old tin buildings that were blue/white striped are now painted a tan color as of 3 days ago. Also looks like the roof is off another building. Must be ready to put a new green metal roof on? I love the more environmentally friendly look they are going with. You can see the master plans for the State Fairgrounds at www.fsb-ae.com

Now, I wish we would raise our hotel/motel tax again to around 8 to 10 cents on the dollar like most large cities do. We are currently charging way under the national average. We could use the extra money to fund public transportation. This is not money out of locals pocketbooks but mainly tourists.

[Patrick]

I looked on the site metro. Where are the plans? I couldn't find them.

[metro]

Looks like they may have moved it. If you skip the intro and then click Projects and then the little "planning" icon, you can scroll down and see a small master layout photo. That is all I can find at the current moment. I was informed that was the site for the master plan. I just wanted to inform everyone that might not get a chance to drive by, info on the new round of changes taking place at the fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more.

[metro]

I noticed another weird observement while driving down 10th street. There are still the 4 tall, large beams that used to hold up the old scoreboard from All-Sports Stadium stuck in the ground. There has been nothing attached to them for over a year. It baffles me as to why they are still there with all the improvements that have been going on lately? They recently just put up a nice iron fence that borders the now parking lot(formerly ballpark) site.

[metro]

Dear xxxxxx:

Good Evening. We are in receipt of your recent e-mail. Those large I-beams were left in place so that we could mount a large "reader board" sign including an EMC (electronic message center). We are in the process of shopping that sponsorship package. It is a very expensive package therefore, it is taking a while to secure the deal. I hope that, in the end, you will be pleased with what we ultimately do in that area. Thank you for your interest in State Fair Park. We are in the process of creating a 21st Century entertainment and exhibition complex, second to none, for the people of Oklahoma.

I hope that this answers your question. If not, please feel free to contact me directly with any further questions.

Take care.

J. Scott Munz
Assistant General Manager
Marketing & Public Relations
Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.

[ETL]

Glad to hear that he wants us to be the best in the nation. I think that is what was said.