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An evening at the Tulsa State Fair.
Despite its 2009 jingle, “Flying High,” which is anything but the Sirens’ song, the Tulsa State Fair did not disappoint. I’m not sure what draws me there each year. It isn’t the rides, animals, concerts or vendor booths. It could be the fair fare or the excellent opportunity for people-watching. But above all, it is because the fair is tradition.
Each year, the Tulsa State Fair ushers in the fall season with a feast, or rather an economical smorgasbord, for the senses. Where else can one encounter the aroma of smoked turkey legs mixed with giant cinnamon buns, a smidgen of B.O. and a whole bunch of pig manure? Or the sounds of kids screaming in pleasure (and a little fear) on a mini-coaster, carnies yelling their taunting catcalls, music from great local bands and the clop-clopping of horse hooves?
Typically, I venture out to the fair as it’s wrapping up, but a perfectly cool evening in the opening days drew me in this year. I went with a mission – to unearth something new (at least to me) and to experience my ol’ standbys, the roasted corn on the cob, the knock-off purse vendors, and the Shammy demonstration booth (those things are amazing).
Parking was a cinch, although I must admit I stalked someone who was leaving... And after maneuvering my way through the kiddie rides, I discovered my first intrigue. “The Amazing Spiderlady,” the sign read. And I could see her in all her glory for the bargain price of $1. Having been pleasantly surprised (and a tad scared) by my $1 peek at the world’s largest pig last year, I couldn’t pass this up. I won’t ruin the fun, but I will say if it only costs $1 to laugh that hard, I’d gladly pay it many times.
Media outlets across the nation have been touting the No. 1 new fair food for weeks. But after reading the menus of nearly every vendor and coming up empty, I thought my search for chocolate-covered bacon would be unsuccessful. However, I’m not happy to report, I found the lone vendor who was selling the much-overhyped concoction out of an ice chest. Only $3 to take two bites, turn up my nose and leave not wanting to eat either chocolate or bacon anytime soon.
Another first this year was attending early enough to witness the live animal births. And, ahem, I’ll only say I prefer seeing the cute newborn goats, pigs and chicks and not the actually birthing process itself.
Finally, beware the “Footsie Wootsie” foot massagers stationed throughout the Midway. These full-body vibrators are almost X-rated and not what I’d call family-friendly…
All in all, the 2009 Tulsa State Fair was a great one. I got to meet some local celebs, peruse the Made in Oklahoma items and witness a woman escaping handcuffs in a water-filled tank. Was the fair truly different this year? Maybe not. But the memories are always worth the price of admission.
What are you saying about the 2009 Tulsa State Fair?
From Twitter.com
@thecakerobot: Amazing cake designs at #tulsastatefair very impressive work.
@letter10: #tulsastatefair ...food on a stick and kids on a leash. That pretty much sums it up.
@jennifermarriot: Cheese on a stick. And strolling my kid through the livestock area. He loves the smell of poop, apparently. #TulsaStateFair
jeffdegarmo: The "Flyin High" jingle for the Tulsa State Fair is really, really bad. #tulsastatefair
jwegley: Tonight I had chocolate covered bacon at the Tulsa State Fair. Pretty good. Sweet, smokey, salty. Pretty good stuff. http://pic.gd/e61545
jslayden: Today's quote - That heifer can really flex her hocks. From, announcer at Tulsa State Fair livestock arena
cabsdad: Just had chocolate-dipped cheesecake at the Tulsa State Fair..... Delicious
JamieOdell: I rode the cliff hanger at the fair, where u lay on ur stomach like u r flying. Its official i am flying high at the Tulsa State Fair
