2009 Oklahoma State Fair

It's September. It's rainy. It must be time for the State Fair of Oklahoma! This year the slogan is "A Great State of a Fair." As always, the fair provides visitors with entertainment, food, crafts, and livestock. Opening day was September 17 and the fair continues until September 27.

Headlining entertainment includes: Disney on Ice, PRCA Xtreme Bull Riding Tour, Extreme Monster Truck Nationals, and The Black Crowes. In addition, a variety of acts will perform on the Toyota and Bandshell stages. Schedules and ticket prices (if separate from gate admission) can be found on the State Fair Web site.

Some people go to the fair just for the food, but others are there to show off a prize Angus or an intricately designed and stitched quilt. Exhibitions and competitions are held each day. The competitors come from all over the state in search of a blue ribbon. Livestock is scrubbed and brushed. Grandma's secret brownie recipe tempts the judges. Those who have always spent their time eating funnel cakes and riding the ferris wheel are missing a world of action inside the various exhibition halls.

Rides are a big part of the fair and this year's line-up includes the usual assortment of kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides. Kids can scoot around on the Midget Racer ride, while the adults get their hearts thumping with the Mega Drop. Everyone can enjoy a go on the perennially favorite Tilt-a-Whirl. Some special attractions at the 2009 State Fair include Mardis Gras, Mario Land, Raiders-Pirates of the Sea, Chutes and Ladders, and Cuckoo Haus, and, what fair would be complete without it, the Fun House.

Regular gate admission prices are: $8 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 11, and free for children under 5. Promotional admission days and prices are as follows:

Monday (September 21) - School Kids' Day

Kids thru grade 12 - Free gate admission

All others are regular price.

Tuesday (September 22) - Two Dollar Tuesday

$2 gate admission for everyone

Tuesday (September 22) - Armed Forces' Day

Armed Forces Personnel and spouses - Free gate admission (with military ID for each person)

Wednesday (September 23) - Senior Citizens' Day

Senior Citizens 55+ - Free gate admission (must show proof of age)

Tickets for headline acts are separate from gate admission. Tickets can be purchased at State Fair Arena Box Office, participating Buy For Less stores in Oklahoma City, www.tickets.com or 800-511-1552.

A season pass for the fair is $23. Ride armbands are $20 Monday through Wednesday, $14 with a Dr. Pepper can on Thursday, and $25 Friday through Sunday. Special ride prices are available in Li'l Partnerland for the wee ones: $12 Monday through Thursday and $16 Friday through Sunday.