MAIN Travel USA Oklahoma Oklahoma State Fair

In 1907 just before statehood, an Oklahoma state fair organization was founded, and bought land for the purpose of converting it in to fairgrounds.

These first official state fairs focused on agriculture and farming, but even at that early stage entertainment was becoming a larger and larger draw for the fair, and people came as much for the animal and livestock competitions as they did for the carnival rides, vaudeville acts, and derbies.

Unlike many state fairs, the Oklahoma State Fair did not close during World War II, except for the final year of 1945, which is surely an endorsement of the fair's enormous popularity which has continued to grow each year.

Today, the Oklahoma State Fair runs for eleven days in mid to late September in Oklahoma City, and is a fantastic event for the whole family. This year, watch for the fair to kick off on Thursday, September 13 and run to Sunday evening, September 23, 2012.

With its long tradition of providing end-of-summer family fun, there are many great things about the Oklahoma State Fair that have never changed. Agriculture and livestock still play a central role at the fair, with livestock competitions, rodeos, and horse shows.

Carnival rides, of course, are also still a big part of the Oklahoma State Fair. There are also creative arts competitions, wine competitions, and even ice shows while a variety of both local and national star headliners round out a full concert lineup.

Past concert headliners who have appeared at the Oklahoma State Fair have included Josh Turner, MC Hammer, Boyz II Men, Hanson, and many others. Watch for an announcement of this year's concert lineup in late June.

The mainstays of any state fair, food stalls are also a big draw for fair-goers who can choose from a huge variety of vendors offering regional specialties, BBQ and fried foods.

More about the Oklahoma State Fair around the Web:

Oklahoma State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, favorite food concessions, livestock show information, concert lineup, directions, map, photos and virtual tour.

The Oklahoma State Fair - About.com guide to the fair including schedule and special events, ticket prices, driving directions, parking info.

also see -> Christmas in Oklahoma | Oklahoma Lakes & Beaches

Oklahoma Wineries | Oklahoma Fall Foliage