The Tulsa State Fair is filled with fun

The Tulsa State Fair brought crazy food, entertainment, activities and adorable animals.
In the beloved children’s classic “Charlotte’s Web,” Templeton the rat describes the fair as a “veritable schmorgasboard-orgasboard” and the Tulsa State Fair does not fail to live up to his words.
What began in the 1890s as a small street fair, the Tulsa State Fair has since morphed into an event that attracts over one million visitors each year over the course of 11 days in late September and early October. According to Kona Equity, the Tulsa State Fair generates approximately $20 million each year and is the largest event held in Tulsa annually.
Dating back to the 19th century, with the first state fair being held in New York in 1841, the main purpose of fairs at the time was to disseminate agricultural technology and education. Common displays included new farm equipment, livestock and demonstrations. However, fairs quickly developed into a means of bringing the community together and competitive events for livestock, crops, baking and other things began to be held during the fairs. Today there are thousands of city, county and state fairs held annually across the United States.
Now in its 120th year, the Tulsa State Fair bears little resemblance to its humble beginnings. Although agriculture is still a major component of the fair, it now offers food, rides, games, performances and products for sale that will satisfy the cravings and wishes of almost anyone.
A walk through the Midway will astound visitors at the sheer amount and variety of fair food. Popular delights include fried oreos, giant corn dogs, massive smoked turkey legs and anything imaginable in between including funnel cakes which are a must have. Drinks abound as well from freshly made lemonade to alcoholic concoctions for those who wish to indulge a bit more. Surrounding the food vendors are the rides which range from those for the youngest fair goers to rides that are for the braver at heart.
On the Oklahoma Stage, concerts are offered almost nightly and entrance to the concerts are included in the price of gate admission. Performances this year included Uncle Kracker, The Fray and many others. This year the fair also included Disney on Ice performances of Frozen and Encanto. If one is interested in merchandise, one only needs to visit the Expo Center where anything from toys to hot tubs can be bought and demonstrations are held daily. Other attractions include animal performances such as stunt dogs, pony rides, petting zoo and a birthing center where visitors can witness the miracle of birth.
Much like those early fairs, the Tulsa State Fair offers a wide variety of competitive events for crafts, educational displays, livestock, baking and cooking. Works created by adults and children can be viewed in several buildings with an emphasis on the work done by 4-H and Future Farmers of America members from across the state including a cupcake bake off.
Elsewhere at the fair, visitors can walk the aisles of the livestock barns and watch as adults and children alike primp and prepare their animals for exhibition. Animals shown at the fair include rabbits, chickens, pigs, lambs, horses and cattle.
The 2023 Fair has since ended, but I highly encourage you to visit it next year or attend a different fair for a unique experience and unforgettable memories.