Oklahoma State Fair 2010 by OPUBCO Communications Group

A MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PRESIDENT AND CEO TIM O’TOOLE

Greetings and welcome to the Great State of a Fair 2010 Welcome! We invite you to join us at the 2010 Oklahoma State Fair. We have planned an exciting array of GREAT entertainment, family-friendly activities, livestock competitions, exhibits and attractions that promise to provide something for everyone in your family. For this year’s event, we have many wonderful grounds attractions, both new and returning favorites, including the everpopular Sea Lion Splash, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show which has added a “distance” dock jumping element, Bubble Madness, Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, the Great Lakes Timber Show, All About Science, Hedrick’s Petting Zoo and the Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show. This year the Centennial Frontier Experience has added two new acts — The OneArmed Bandit and Max Reynolds. The Oklahoma frontier comes alive in this fun and historical attraction featuring Shenaniguns, The Wild West Stunt Riders and the Plains Indian Dancers. Each day at 1 and 7 p.m., all the acts come together for The Wild West Showcase. This is both a fun and educational experience for the entire family! We welcome Chesapeake Energy to our list of fair sponsors this year as they take over sponsorship of the free national talent stage. The lineup for this year’s Chesapeake Energy Stage is exceptional. In addition to that location, we also offer live musical performances at the OPUBCO Pavilion, The CONNECTION Station platforms and on the Bandshell Stage. You can truly find something for any taste at the Oklahoma State Fair. We will offer spectacular events at the Jim Norick State Fair Arena starting with Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! and ending with the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour featuring Josh Turner on Sept. 24 and Jake Owen on Sept. 25. Also in the arena will be the exciting action of TNA Wrestling Live. September is a great time to spend time with your friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy yourself at the 2010 Oklahoma State Fair. Thank you for your patronage. Tim O’Toole President/CEO

Above: Oklahoma State Fair President and Chief Executive Officer Tim O’Toole. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES PHOTO

Right: Crowds enjoy the mild night air on the midway during last year’s Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES

Staff credits Gene Triplett: entertainment editor. Renee Lawrence: designer. Don P. Brown, Bob Cramer, Pat Gilliland, Paul Shell, Ben Bigler, Blake Barker, Gracelynn Pruitt: copy editors. Todd Pendleton: art director. Chris Schoelen: designer. Yvette Walker: director of presentation, custom publishing. Doug Hoke: director of photography. Rick M. Green: local editor.

MORE ON THE FAIR Kathryn McNutt: assistant local editor. Kimberly Burk: breaking news editor. Mark Hutchison: watchdog/investigative editor. Matt Price: features editor. Lillie-Beth Brinkman: assistant features editor. Ryan Sharp: assistant sports editor.

For daily coverage and updates on the Oklahoma State Fair, go online to NewsOK.com. WWW.NEWSOK.COM

Or go to wimgo.com and get daily schedules and information on the state fair as well as other locations and events you might want to visit while in Oklahoma City. WWW.WIMGO.COM

Eli Young Band feels at home at state fair BY GENE TRIPLETT Entertainment Editor etriplett@opubco.com

Eli Young Band drummer Chris Thompson is having a fair season. As in state fair, that is. And that translates to great because this Texas-bred contemporary country quartet loves playing state fairs. “We do, yeah,” Thompson said in a recent phone call from Sedalia, Mo., where the Missouri State Fair was in full swing. The band plays the Oklahoma State Fair at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16, on the Chesapeake Energy Stage on the Entertainment Plaza. “It’s that season right now,” he said. “We try to get out there and it’s a great way to get ourselves in front of both people that might’ve seen us before and people who have no idea who we are. It tends to be a good opportunity. The worst thing about it is the heat. You know, you’re outside in the summertime and you get a little aggressive. But this summer’s been pretty nice.” The last two years have also been “pretty nice” for Thompson, vocalist Mike Eli, guitarist James Young and bassist Jon Jones since their major label debut album “Jet Black & Jealous” was released in September 2008 on the Universal Republic imprint. Their first independent single, “When It Rains,” began building buzz around the band when it was first released from their indie debut album, “Level,” in 2005. When it finally led to their Universal signing, the push continued for “When It Rains,” which ultimately became the longest running single in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. Its inclusion on “Jet Black & Jealous” — which showcased Eli Young’s signature roots-rock-meets-country sound — helped land the band in the Top 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. The year following the album launch would prove to be one of major milestones and firsts for

Eli Young Band

PHOTO PROVIDED

ELI YOUNG BAND IN CONCERT

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. › When: Chesapeake Energy Stage. › Where: › Tickets: Free with state fair admission.

the band, with an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as their single “Always the Love Songs” was breaking into the Top 20. The song eventually became their first Top 10 hit on country radio, which then led to a performance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” “Definitely one of the coolest experiences any of the four of us have ever had,” Thompson said. “We got to be on Jay Leno the second-to-last week of being on the air when he was going to stop. That was cool and he hung out with us a little bit, and he talked to Mike’s dad on the phone, and he stands by the side

of the stage when you’re performing, and he’s a really cool guy. “And Jimmy Kimmel was the same kind of experience. That was the first time we’d done that big of a national show and they’re so laid-back there. It’s really kind of a family atmosphere and everyone’s hanging out and having a good time. We were amazed how laid-back everything was. It was a blast. And we hope we get to continue to have those kinds of experiences throughout our career.” The Eli Young Band has certainly earned the privilege of such experiences, considering

"Jet Black & Jealous" by the Eli Young Band

the time and dedication they’ve invested in honing their distinctive alt-country-rock sound. Formed first as the acoustic duo of Eli and Young at the University of North Texas at Denton, then expanded to an electric quartet in 2000 with classmates

Jones and Thompson, the band spent five years of lugging equipment from one small Texas club to the next. In those early years, their musical priorities cost them more than a few day jobs, not to mention romantic relationships. “We started when we were all about 20 years old I guess, so you know when you’re in that period of your life you’re kind of commitment-free, and you’re still learning how the world works and learning about relationships,” Thompson said. “You know, you’re still becoming an adult I guess, and a lot of those bumps and bruises played out maybe because of the band, in part, because we were all pretty committed to having success with the band.” During that period they befriended another struggling Texas musician named Miranda Lambert, before her performances on the first season of USA Network’s “Nashville Star” led to a national recording contract. When she asked Eli Young Band to open for her at Dallas’ Gypsy Tea Room in 2003, she also invited her record producer, Frank Liddell, to catch the opening act. Liddell was impressed enough to form Carnival Records as a recording outlet for the band, resulting in that first indie album. Three years later, the band arrived in the majors. Now, Mike Eli is two months married, Jones just became engaged, and the band has just completed its third album, due out in the next few months. The songs are said to be heavily influenced by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Thompson promised the state fair audience will get a taste of some of the new music Sept. 16. “Maybe in the next month we’ll get a new lead single off of the new record, so in our live show, too, we’ve just here recently started playing a couple of songs off of this new record,” he said. “So, live, we’re playing unreleased material, and it’s been getting great responses. So it should be cool, yeah.”

Country star Josh Turner set to perform BY BEN SCOTT Special Correspondent

Country star Josh Turner knew the song “Why Don’t We Just Dance” would be a hit the first time he heard the melody. Biggest hit of 2010? Turner didn’t expect that, but he’ll welcome the surprise. “What’s cool is that, as of right now, it’s the most played song of 2010,” Turner said of the tune that spent four weeks at No. 1 on the country charts. “It’ll be interesting to see, come December, if it’s still up there.” The South Carolina native will perform at the Oklahoma State Fair on Sept. 24 following the PRCA Xtreme Bulls “Bulls & Brawn” competition in Jim Norick State Fair Arena. Turner had his fair share of hit songs on his first three albums. Tracks such as “Long Black Train” and “Would You Go With Me” topped the charts and won several awards. But the debut from his new album, “Haywire,” might accelerate his career into superstar status. “I had a lot of confidence in it,” Turner said of the song. “I knew it had the potential to become a hit. But when you put a song out there, you never know. It was catchy and lighthearted, but the message had enough meat to it.” Turner has toured heavily to promote his new album and has spent the late summer hitting the biggest sites on the fair circuit. The baritone crooner says he slightly tweaks his performance at a fair show to meet crowd expectations. “I don’t talk a lot at a fair show,” he said. “People don’t want to be talked to death. They want to hear you play music. They go to a fair to get away from the office and have fun.” As for the live show, fans can expect something between a stoic George Strait and a guitar-bashing Garth Brooks. “I’m not one to dance,” he said. “But I’m also not rocking out behind the microphone. I take playing rhythm guitar pretty seriously because it’s an important part of the sound. But I’ll walk around, shake a few hands and get close with the fans.” Though Turner has built a fan base with radio hits, he’s also earned a loyal following thanks to his spiritual songs. The gospel hit “Me and God,” a duet with Ralph Stanley, won a Country Music Association award for vocal event of the year. The new album includes a spiritual-themed track called “The Answer,” a song Turner calls one of his best. “That’s another part of me that many

I don’t talk a lot at a fair show,” he said. “People don’t want to be talked to death. They want to hear you play music. They go to a fair to get away from the office and have fun.” Josh Turner

Josh Turner

JOSH TURNER IN CONCERT

›

When: Sept. 24, following “Bulls & Brawn” competition that starts at 7:30 p.m. Where: Jim Norick State Fair Arena. Tickets: (800) 511-1552.

› ›

people appreciate,” Turner said of his gospel and Christian influences. “The spiritual side of me governs everything I do, both personally and professionally. It’s something I feel like my fans think is important. And a lot of times they expect it.” The rest of the new album touches on positive themes. Turner said there’s not a heartbreak or cheating song on the entire record. “When I describe the album, I say it’s full of energy,” Turner said. “From the spiritual songs to the ballads to the uptempo numbers, they all have a lot of heart and passion.” In addition to a new album and a hit single, Turner recently learned he and his wife, Jennifer, are expecting their third child. The couple have two young boys. “New album and a new baby on the way,” Turner said. “Life is definitely good right now.”

Dozen finalists vie for top teacher honor BY MEGAN ROLLAND

Oklahoma’s top teacher will be named Sept. 21 in Carriage Hall at the Oklahoma State Fair. Twelve finalists from across the state are in the running for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, an honor that comes with more than $50,000 in cash prizes and the prestigious position of being Oklahoma’s Ambassador of Teaching. The winner will tour the state for a year inspiring other educators and spreading a message about the importance of education.

“When I took office 20 years ago, the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year program was simply a certificate and a handshake,” state schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett said. “We sought to elevate this program, and I’m proud that Oklahoma’s program is now recognized as the nation’s finest.” The winner also will travel to Washington to represent the state in the nation’s teacher of the year competition. Last year, Tulsa’s Brian Grimm won the state award; the year before, Oklahoma City’s Heather Sparks was the winner. To read biographies of the finalists and to listen to interviews, go to http://sde.state.ok. us/Teacher/TOY/finalists.html This year’s finalists are:

Brandi Dickson

Lynette Miller

Staff Writer mrolland@opubco.com

› School: Cross Timbers Elementary School, Tecumseh.

of experience: 12. › Years Fourth grade. › Subjects: Quote: “That exhilarating › feeling that some people get

when jumping from an airplane, or scuba diving deep into the ocean, or running a marathon, is the feeling that I get when I teach a classroom full of elementary students.”

Terri Foughty

› School: Newcastle Middle School, Newcastle. of experience: 13. › Years Subjects: Sixth-grade › reading and language arts. › Quote: “Can you imagine a life without joy, passion or

excitement? That is what my life would be like without the exhilaration of teaching.”

Karen Watson Lewis

› School: Plainview Middle School, Plainview. of experience: 35. › Years Subjects: Eighth-grade › English and reading. › Quote: “My true gift has been knowing in my heart

that my work has mattered and that I have made a difference in many lives. … Because of me and because of teachers everywhere, our children will have a brighter future.”

› School: Jenks West Intermediate School, Jenks. of experience: 19. › Years Subjects: Sixth-grade › special education, mathematics and language arts. Quote: “Children of the 21st century are growing up in an ever-changing and diverse world. As educators, we need to view our classrooms as miniature global societies and recognize that each child has a special gift for learning.”

›

Kendra Roulet

Leesa Dickson

› › › ›

School: Westside Elementary School, Claremore. Years of experience: 26. Subjects: Reading. Quote: “How blessed I am to have a job that will continually give me joyous memories long after I retire, not necessarily because of how well I taught my students to read, but because of how I touched their hearts.”

Carol Hunsperger

› › › ›

School: Grove Lower Elementary School, Grove. Years of experience: 14. Subjects: Third grade. Quote: “My goal is for all children to succeed, not just the ones in my class. So when I find new ideas, programs or strategies, I spread that knowledge to my colleagues.”

Kristi Lovett

› › › ›

School: Crescent High School, Crescent. Years of experience: 12. Subjects: Art and studio art. Quote: “I make a promise to myself and to my students each year that I will not waste their time or mine. We will engage, every day. We will explore, every day.”

› School: Charles Page High School, Sand Springs. of experience: 14. › Years Subjects: Advanced › Placement U.S. history and

non-Western culture. Quote: “I try to create lessons with exciting stories and questions designed to open the students’ minds and lead them to form their own opinions — something many students have never been asked to do.”

›

Elizabeth Smith

› School: Byng Junior High, Byng. of experience: 17. › Years Subjects: Seventh-grade › reading. › Quote: “My father always told me that you never

stand still. You either move forward or fall back. I have taken this advice to heart and worked hard to continue to improve in my profession.”

Kari Steele

› School: Deer Creek Middle School, Deer Creek. of experience: 20. › Years Subjects: Sixth-grade › Pre-Advanced Placement literature and composition. Quote: “As educators, we need to watch carefully to make sure we are keeping a balance between challenging students and teaching these students using developmentally appropriate techniques.”

›

Fran Stellman

› › › ›

School: Stillwater High School, Stillwater. Years of experience: 25. Subjects: Family and consumer sciences. Quote: “Teaching for me is the ultimate celebration of life; it is the reward. … And the icing on the cake is when I see former students who have taken ownership of what they have learned in my class and extended the knowledge and skills into their personal lives.”

Meredith Wronowski

› › › ›

School: Capitol Hill High School, Oklahoma City. Years of experience: 6. Subjects: Biology, chemistry and biotechnology. Quote: “I must always show my students there is a purpose for every piece of knowledge they gain or task they master. Relevance provides the motivation for hard work and dedication.” SOURCE: STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Old grandstand immortalized by Hollywood BY GENE TRIPLETT Entertainment Editor etriplett@opubco.com

The recently razed Oklahoma State Fair Grandstand is a mere memory now, gone the way of the monorail and the “Arrows to Atoms” tower. But Hollywood granted movie immortality to the auto racetrack back in 1961 when it was tapped as one of the locations for the filming of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. In October of that year, 20th Century Fox Film Corp. dispatched a crew to Oklahoma City to shoot a racing sequence for “State Fair,” a movie starring Ann-Margret, Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Tom Ewell, Alice Faye (coming out of a 16-year retirement) and Oklahoma City-born actress Pamela Tiffin. Those stars and their director, Jose Ferrer, all came along for the ride. Their visit caused quite a stir of excitement, especially when city residents were invited out to watch the shoot and help fill the grandstand as spectators. As an added enticement to ensure a large crowd of extras, it was announced that eight $100 bills would be given away to eight lucky people in the grandstand crowd. Boone, who drove a race car in the scene, posed for photographs and signed autographs for fans, as did Ewell and other cast members. Ann-Margret declined to pose for photographers, according to articles from The Oklahoman Archive. The story was set at the Texas State Fair, where most of the film was shot, but the Dallas fairgrounds lacked a grandstand and

Casting director Bob Palmer, left, and singer-actor Bobby Darin pose with bills representing the prize money that was given away to a few of the lucky Oklahoma City residents who worked as extras during the filming of “State Fair" at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in October 1961. Singer-actor Pat Boone is shown preparing for a racing scene during the filming of “State Fair" at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Speedway in October 1961. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTOS

speedway, necessitating the move to Oklahoma City for the shooting of the crucial racing scene. Released in 1962, “State Fair” was a remake of a 1945 version starring Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews, marking the only time Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein ever wrote a score expressly for the screen. The 1945 film was, in turn, a remake of a 1933 nonmusical adaptation of a Phil Stong novel, starring Oklahoma’s own Will Rogers. The ’45 and ’62 versions of “State Fair” are available on a double-feature DVD. The title song contains the line: “Our state fair is a great state fair / Don’t miss it, don’t even be late.” CONTRIBUTING: NEWS RESEARCH EDITOR LINDA LYNN.

Oklahoma City-born actress Pamela Tiffin walks with actor-turned-director Jose Ferrer during a break in the filming of “State Fair" at Oklahoma State Fair Park in October 1961.

Actor Tom Ewell signs autographs for fans during a break in the filming of “State Fair" at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Speedway in October 1961.

Popular acts return to OPUBCO Pavilion BY LINDA MILLER Staff Writer lmiller@opubco.com

Last year’s free performances at the OPUBCO Pavilion were so popular that the 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! and Regan The Entertainer are returning for another run. A Las Vegas style showand-dance band, the 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! delivers soul hits with its powerful lead singers, background vocalists and wind and rhythm section. It’ll be difficult not to sing along, so go ahead. Regan The Entertainer isn’t content with just one show. Again, he will bring

Regan The Entertainer

two different shows to the fair. His one-man, family variety stage show brings smiles and laughter with ventriloquism, slapstick, magic, illusion, music and stand-up comedy. For his second show, he will stroll through State Fair Park twice a day, and he’ll be easy to spot. When he climbs on stilts, he’s tall — really tall. He begins and ends each stroll at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 14 Flags Plaza. His daily shows will be 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. with strolling shows daily at 3 and 5:30 p.m. The 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! shows are at 6 and 8 p.m. daily.

Fair’s bull riding action goes Xtreme BY ED GODFREY Staff Writer egodfrey@opubco.com

Some of the best bull riders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will make a stop in Oklahoma City on Sept. 24-25. For the second straight year, there will be no rodeo at the Oklahoma State Fair. It’s been replaced by the bull riding-only event. The Xtreme Bulls event in Jim Norick State Fair Arena is not part of the Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls Tour, but it’s a Division 2 qualifying event for riders trying to reach the elite level of the tour. Still, there is $17,000 in prize money on the line, and because of where it falls on the PRCA schedule, the Oklahoma City event will count in the 2010 world standings but not the 2010 Xtreme Bulls Tour. The Oklahoma City results will be the first bull

Shawn Harris of Prairie City, S.D., is thrown from Shakedown during the Xtreme Bulls exhibition at the 2009 Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

riding event that will count on the 2011 Xtreme Bulls Tour. In Xtreme Bulls events, every rider competes in the first round, with the top performers advancing to the final round. The winner of the twohead average after the final round wins that stop’s title. Money on the Xtreme

Bulls Tour counts toward the PRCA world standings, which determine the qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo. The bull riding action begins at 7:30 nightly in the arena. Country music stars Josh Turner will perform after the first night of the competition, and Jake

Owen will perform after the second night’s event. “We’ve subtitled the first night ‘Bulls and Brawn’ and the second night ‘8 Second Ride’ after Jake Owen’s song that is out right now. They’re both very talented, and we think it’s something fans will enjoy,” Scott Munz said.

The 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! If You Have Something To Sell Classified Can Do It — Call 475-3000

11 FUN THINGS

Admission discounts make state fair great value BY CARRIE COPPERNOLL Staff Writer ccoppernoll@opubco.com

Fairgoers have several opportunities for scoring cheap admission tickets to the big event. Five gate admission promotions are scheduled: Sept. 16 will be Dollar Day. Admission is $1 for everyone on opening day. Sept. 20 will be School Kids’ Day. Admission is free for students through 12th grade. Sept. 21 will be Two Dollar Tuesday and Armed Forces’ Day. Admission is free for military personnel and their spouses, and $2 for everyone else. Military members must present an ID for free admission. Sept. 22 will be Senior Citi-

› › ›

›

zens’ Day. Admission is free for people 55 and older who show proof of age. Gate admission is $8 for ages 12 and older, $5 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets are available at Buy For Less # grocery stores and Jim Norick State Fair Arena box office. Tickets also can be bought by calling (800) 511-1552 or going to www.tickets. com. Several metro retailers will sell tickets discounted by $1. Season passes, good for unlimited admission, are $23. Gate admission is included with advance tickets to major fair events including Disney On Ice, TNA Wrestling Live, Xtreme

Schoolchildren walk in to the Oklahoma State Fair in 2009.

Bulls Tour and concerts. However, if tickets to those activities are bought after Sept. 15, an additional gate admission ticket is required. Also, discounted tickets are available for holders of the OK-

PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

CityCard. The discount card, offered through Allied Arts, is good for two-for-one advance admission. Holders can buy up to 10 tickets and receive 10 free tickets by purchasing at the arena box office before Sept. 15.

Fair visitors can buy discounted carnival ride wristbands on the two Thursdays of the fair. Dr Pepper Days will be Sept. 16 and 23. Visitors who bring a Dr Pepper can will receive $6 off a $25 carnival ride wristband.

11 FUN THINGS

Disney On Ice show something to ‘Celebrate!’ BY HEATHER WARLICK-MOORE

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE!

Staff Writer hwarlick@opubco.com

Get ready for a giant celebration as Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! at Jim Norick State Fair Arena during Great State of a Fair 2010. The production is packed with more than 50 Disney characters including classic favorites such as Snow White and Pinocchio and brandnew characters on the ice: Jack Skellington from “Nightmare Before Christmas” and Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” With 10 performances at State Fair Arena, the show is sure to please everyone, performance director Matthew Buttrey said.

›

“It’s really an exciting show,” he said. “It’s a huge celebration on the ice. Instead of telling a story, it’s actually a bunch of celebrations, whether it’s festivals from around the world or holiday celebrations.” The show opens with Lumiere, the singing candlestick from “Beauty and the Beast,” singing the traditional version SEE DISNEY, PAGE 24S

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 and 17; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18; 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19; 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21. Where: Jim Norick State Fair Arena. Tickets: Opening night, all upper-level seats are $10. Regular ticket prices are VIP section (first two rows), $35; rinkside, $28; box seats, $22; upper-level reserved, $18; upperlevel general admission, $14. Ticket prices include outside gate admission to the state fair if bought by Sept. 15. Information and tickets: 9486808 or www.okstatefair.com. Video: To watch videos of Let’s Celebrate!, go to www.disneyon ice.com.

› ›

Let’s Celebrate! cast members perform in “A Hawaiian Luau." PHOTO PROVIDED

11 FUN THINGS

Competitions include beauties and beasts BY SONYA COLBERG

the fair. “Who in their life hasn’t made a paper airplane?” Burchfiel asked. Competitors get copy paper, a paper clip, 3 inches of tape, a dab of glue, three staples and one hour to build an aerodynamic creation that can fly farther than other entries or stay aloft longer. Designers up to 18 years old will start flying their airplanes at 4 p.m. Sept. 18 in City Arts Center. “We’re betting we have some really great youthful engineers,” Burchfiel said.

Staff Writer scolberg@opubco.com

The Oklahoma State Fair no longer focuses on the prettiest cow or ear of corn. Ugly will reign this year, at least in one class. This is the first year for the Ugliest Cake Contest scheduled for judging at 7 p.m. Sept. 19. Judges decide the winners based on how the cakes are decorated, whether frosted or not. No tasting required. “My guess is there are going to be some absolutely stunningly beautiful ugly cakes,” said Gina Burchfiel, vice president of the fair. “We have so many beautiful things in our Creative Arts Building, we thought it would be fun for people to take it in the

opposite direction,” she said. Fairgoers will have to catch the judging to admire these uglies. Since it is a live contest, the cakes won’t go on display afterward.

Pumpkins, planes compete Beauty could be important in the Best Dressed Pumpkin Contest, though. Burchfiel said the increasingly popular pumpkin contest is judged on originality and craftsmanship. Contestants 18 and younger have entered the

Blue ribbons await the first-place winners in hundreds of categories at the Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

contest in prior years with pumpkins dressed as police officers, Cinderella and Harry Potter. Entries will be on display for

the run of the fair. But function instead of form matters in the paper airplane contest, another new contest for

Horse hunks contest Beauty and brawn will coexist in the livestock arenas, where the Shire National Championship Show competition faces off in Oklahoma City for the first time. SEE CONTESTS, PAGE 24S

11 FUN THINGS

Chesapeake Energy Stage boasts stellar lineup BY GEORGE LANG Assistant Entertainment Editor glang@opubco.com

Many people rush to the Oklahoma State Fair for the thrills of the midway and the latest culinary creations on a stick, but the real excitement in the air comes from the free concerts on the Chesapeake Energy Stage, where early ’90s superstars and titans of ’70s stadium rock can be heard alongside rising country stars and Christian pop acts. The Chesapeake lineup kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 with the Eli Young Band, the Texas alt-country band that opened for the Dave Matthews Band at the AT&T Bricktown

Ballpark in 2009. The group, which was formed by Mike Eli and James Young at the University of North Texas in the early ’00s, broke through in 2008 with its majorlabel debut, “Jet Black & Jealous,” and is currently working on a new album the group recently said is heavily influenced by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Grand Funk Railroad,

performing at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17, formed in 1968 and quickly became one of the best-selling American bands of the 1970s, racking up hits such as “We’re an American Band,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Closer to Home/I’m Your Captain” and “Bad Time.” The current Grand Funk lineup features original members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher as well as former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, former .38 Special/Jack Mack and the Heart Attack singer Max Carl and rhythm guitarist Tim Cashion. The next day belongs to Candy Coburn, an independent country singerSEE CONCERTS, PAGE 24S

Eli Young Band

PHOTO PROVIDED

Addison Road

PHOTO PROVIDED

Candy Coburn

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mitchel Musso

PHOTO PROVIDED

11 FUN THINGS

Exhibit connects state’s traditions and cultures BY DARLA SLIPKE Staff Writer dslipke@opubco.com

Dana Palmer noticed more people spending time at The CONNECTION during last year’s state fair after organizers revamped the exhibit. “It seemed busier and had more of an energy,” said Palmer, senior manager of commercial space sales for the Oklahoma State Fair. She hopes the trend will continue this year. Organizers gave the exhibit, called “The CONNECTION at State Fair Station,” a major overhaul last year because it wasn’t enough of a showcase to Oklahoma, Palmer said. Everything inside the exhibit is related to Oklahoma’s culture and traditions.

“We want people to be as excited as we are,” she said. The new design resembles a modern-day transit system. Guests are greeted by a station porter, dressed in uniform, who helps direct them. Fairgoers can then follow the red, blue or green lines to different areas of the building. Each area features an aspect of Oklahoma, including local businesses, travel destinations, wineries and Oklahoma products. Fairgoers can watch demon-

strations from the Oklahoma Science Museum every night, or shop for local wines, salsas and beef jerky at the Made in Oklahoma Trading Post. AGtropolis, a fictional city focused on agriculture, features soap-making demonstrations and other activities. Those are just a few of the highlights, Palmer said. The exhibit also has a business district, local resources, a recreation station and an area dedicated to backyard products and services. Two station platforms feature a variety of entertainment. People of all ages should find something they will enjoy, Palmer said. She encouraged people to stop by for a visit during the fair. “Come and see the fun entertainment,” Palmer said. “You might find something new in it.”

This photo shows a display at The CONNECTION, an exhibit from the 2009 Oklahoma State Fair that was dedicated to Oklahoma. The exhibit will return this year with a variety of local services, products and entertainment. PHOTO PROVIDED

11 FUN THINGS

Ticketed events add to fair’s entertainment value Left: Chelse Day, of Tahlequah, falls off Wacky Weed during the Xtreme Bulls exhibition in 2009.

BY MATT PATTERSON Staff Writer mpatterson@opubco.com

Whether it’s Disney On Ice, professional wrestling or bull riding, the Great State of a Fair 2010 will serve up plenty of entertainment to go along with turkey legs and fried Oreos. Disney On Ice returns for 10 performances beginning Sept. 16. This year’s production is titled Let’s Celebrate! and takes audience members through a world tour of exotic destinations featuring Disney characters including Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse to its latest from “The Princess and the Frog.” Tickets are $14 to $35. “They’ve got the older characters, but in many ways it’s a very contemporary show,” said Scott Munz, fair vice president of mar-

PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES

keting and public relations. Also appearing for the first time at the fair is Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s “Lords of the Ring” on Sept. 23 featuring Ric Flair, A.J. Styles and Kurt Angle. TNA appeared previously at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center. That event will replace the monster truck shows that were popular at the now demolished State Fair Grandstand. Tickets are $18 to $37.50. “With the grandstand going

away, we didn’t have the venue for the trucks anymore,” Munz said. “This is an excellent replacement because wrestling is so popular.” The Xtreme Bulls Tour arrives Sept. 24-25 in Jim Norick State

Fair Arena and will feature concerts by Josh Turner on Spet. 24 and Jake Owen on Sept. 25. Xtreme Bulls is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associationsanctioned event. Tickets are $18 to 22.

Ric Flair, above, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s “Lords of the Ring" will make a stop at the fair this year. PHOTO PROVIDED

11 FUN THINGS

From stunt dogs to magic, fair offers innovative entertainment BY RICK ROGERS Staff Writer rrogers@opubco.com

Looking for a place to enjoy your corn dog or Indian taco? How about a # spot to relax after strolling through the exhibit buildings? The Great State of a Fair 2010 has put together an impressive entertainment lineup that promises to entice guests no matter when they choose to attend. “JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show” explores the remarkable talents of creatures known as man’s best friend. Trainer Lou McCammon’s canine crew will demonstrate their rope jumping, acrobatic and

disc-catching skills. Lou Mack will put his stunt dogs through their paces in a new dock jumping routine. Catch this amazing demonstration at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily at Centennial Plaza. “You can’t go wrong with animal shows for the most part,” said Melinda Parsons, senior manager for attractions and entertainment at the Oklahoma State Fair. “When we had ‘Jump!’ last year, it was standing room only. Another huge draw is the ‘Sea Lion Splash.’ We’ve been able to book that show for another two years.” Regan The Entertainer returns for an encore presentation this year.

His popular show combines ventriloquism, slapstick, magic, illusion, music and stand-up comedy. In addition to shows at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. daily at the OPUBCO Pavilion, Regan will demonstrate his stilt-walking skills at 3 and 5:30 p.m. as he strolls the fairgrounds. Another new attraction this year is “The One-Armed Bandit,” John Payne’s celebrated act that features dogs and cattle. Payne has won recognition as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s specialty act of the year nine times. Shows are at 1 and 7 p.m. daily at 14 Flags Plaza. Three Oklahoma clogging clubs have combined their talents to create “The Centennial Frontier Cloggers,” SEE ENTERTAINMENT, PAGE 25S

The family-friendly cowboy show “Shenaniguns” returns for an encore engagement at the Great State of a Fair 2010. PHOTO PROVIDED

11 FUN THINGS

Carnival is a whole amusement park on wheels BY DAVID ZIZZO Staff Writer dzizzo@opubco.com

Step right in. See the “man eating chicken,” the sign would say. Once inside, that’s exactly what you’d see — a man at a table eating chicken. At 25 cents, the price was just about “worth the laugh,” Frank Zaitshik recalls. Today, however, major carnivals, such as the one at the Oklahoma State Fair, are practically full-blown amusement parks, he said. “We feel we can do most of what an amusement park can do,” said Zaitshik, president and general manager of Wade Shows, one of the largest traveling carnivals in the country. Wade Shows has 70 rides, 50 game concessions and 25 food stands, along with extensive customer “amen-

ities” such as picnic tables, misting stations and a commitment to keeping things clean and safe. The only difference between Wade Shows’ operations and an amusement park, Zaitshik said, is that every few weeks the carnival has to pack up and leave town, a huge task considering that one of the rides, the RC-48 purchased from an amusement park on the East Coast, fills sevSEE CARNIVAL, PAGE 25S

A man waits by rides during 2009’s Oklahoma State Fair.

PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

11 FUN THINGS

State fair delivers plenty of shopping options BY LINDA MILLER Staff Writer lmiller@opubco.com

Oh, sure, fairgoers come to see the exhibits and performances, take a spin on the rides, cruise the midway and munch their way from lunch to dinner. They also come to shop, to see what’s new and different and tried and true, and to buy what they didn’t know they needed until they saw it at the Oklahoma State Fair. The fair is a shopper’s paradise. This year’s choices range from clothing and furniture to candles and food items. Looking for homemade dog treats? You’ll find them here. People save money all year so they can shop at the fair, said Gina Burchfiel, vice president of the Oklahoma State Fair.

When a new trend or item hits the market, there’s always someone interested in bringing it to fair visitors, she said. “If a certain kind of jewelry is hot, you can find it here. We even have a guy coming that’s going to be outside to demonstrate and sell spray-paint art. Western and traditional art is sold gallerystyle inside buildings, and this guy’s doing art on the scene outside. It’s just another example of

The CONNECTION in Oklahoma Expo Hall features exhibits and items that make Oklahoma special. PHOTO PROVIDED

the wide variety of ways you can come out here and have an incredible shopping experience.” The fair boasts 600 business-

es in attendance with about 120 selling food. That translates to a lot of shopping opportunities, from soap to manufactured

housing. Shopping often works up an appetite, so go ahead and indulge in deep-fried Twinkies, Indian tacos, cinnamon rolls and a big ol’ lemonade. With more than 300 booths, the Cox Pavilion is one of the largest shopping experiences. Here you’ll find the Sports FanAttic, which sells sports related merchandise. Three Heisman Trophy winners — Steve Owens, Jason White and Billy Sims — will be at the store from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Another hot spot is The CONNECTION in the Oklahoma Expo Hall. The hall is themed to resemble a modern day transit depot. Visitors move through the building and experience all things that make Oklahoma special. SEE SHOPPING, PAGE 25S

11 FUN THINGS

Exhibits bring country life to big city fair BY VALLERY BROWN Staff Writer vbrown@opubco.com

Live surgeries, animal births, antique farm machines and interactive agriculture exhibits prove that an exciting trip to the country is as easy as a visit to the Oklahoma State Fair. Several displays will

highlight the importance and the process of farming and agriculture, emphasizing how food makes it from the farm to the table. “We’re pretty urban in Oklahoma City,” Oklahoma State Fair Vice President Gina Burchfiel said. “You don’t have to drive very far to get to our farm communities, but we rarely get up close and personal enough to see these kinds of things in action. “We don’t want people to lose sight of what it takes to produce what we consume,” she said. The popular AGtropolis is a flourish of farm experiences spread out over 26,000 square feet in the Oklahoma Expo Hall. Fairgoers can interact with chickens, sheep, cows, butterflies and honeybees. A new demonstration called Honey Bee Haven will give families the experience of watching beekeepers extract honey from honeycombs.

Fairgoers look at baby goats at the Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Also in AGtropolis, The ever-popular farmer-fora-day area gives kids the opportunity to sow and harvest fruits and vegetables and even sell their produce at a farmers market. Curious minds can get a glimpse of pigs and goats ready to bring new life into the world and chicks anxious to break out of their shells in the animal birthing suite in Barn 3, which opens at 10 a.m. daily. “We can’t promise they’ll see the animals actually giving birth,” Burchfiel said. “Mother Nature is in charge here.” After visiting the smaller livestock, country-minded

folk can mosey to the Super Barn for a glimpse of the famous Express Clydesdales in Clydesdale Alley. Weighing in at more than 2,000 pounds, the black-and-white draft horses are a proven hit at the fair. In the mood for machinery? Located on the Wichita Walk between the Oklahoma Expo Hall and Cox Pavilion, more than 30 antique tractors will be on display. Some of the tractors were built in the 1920s, Burchfiel said. At noon Sept. 22, the old tractors will be fired up and driven during the Senior Day Parade.

2010 OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK GUIDE

11 FUN THINGS

Attractions pay tribute to frontier life, Wild West BY JOHN ESTUS Staff Writer jestus@opubco.com

Rodeo sensation John Payne would’ve been right at home on the American frontier. Nearly three decades ago, a freak accident convinced Payne life wasn’t worth living without horseback riding, a sentiment surely shared by frontiersmen of centuries past. Payne, a native Oklahoman, was shocked by electricity in 1973 while cutting wires from a telephone pole. The voltage zapped through the right side of his body, and he fell 25 feet to the ground. His right hand’s fingers were fried to a crisp, and much of his body was numb. The electrocution forced amputation of Payne’s right arm. Doctors had designs on his right

leg, too, but Payne talked them out of it. He told them he needed his right leg to ride his horse. When they spared Payne’s leg, his alter ego was born. A little more than a decade later, Payne made his rodeo debut as The One Arm Bandit. He’s proudly pleaded “guilty of stealing the show” at rodeos nationwide since then. His act features him and his

part of the The Wild West Showcase, which features performers from the popular Centennial Frontier Experience. The Centennial Frontier Experience is a tribute to the Old West and often plays out like a live-action history exhibit. The One Arm Bandit is new to the Centennial Frontier Experience this year, as are the Centennial Frontier Cloggers and Max Reynolds, a renowned gunslinger and whip-cracking wrangler. Other attractions include: The Trail of Tears Experience, a re-enactment of sorts of an old-time cattle drive featuring Blake Goode working with highly trained Brahman bulls weighing up to a ton each. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire, which features the family of Rich

›

The Centennial Frontier Experience is one of the favorite attractions at the Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO PROVIDED

lone arm on horseback, roping and wrangling all manner of livestock from atop a pickup.

Payne can been seen at the Oklahoma State Fair at 1 and 7 p.m. daily in 14 Flags Plaza as

›

SEE FRONTIER, PAGE 26S

Disney: Come celebrate FROM PAGE 11S

of “Be Our Guest.” Mickey and Minnie Mouse celebrate a “Very Merry Unbirthday Party” with Alice and the Mad Hatter from “Alice in Wonderland.” The Disney princesses celebrate a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with their princes, and Minnie gets transformed into a beautiful princess by the Fairy Godmother from “Cinderella.” Skellington and the Disney villains take the ice for the Halloween Haunt celebration, and a Hawaiian luau brings fire to the ice as Lilo, Stitch and their gang take the stage. In the big finale number, a winter holiday celebration brings real snow to the ice. This will be the produc-

tion’s first performances back in the United States after more than a month of performing in Mexico. “We were on really small ice there,” Buttrey said. “So we’re going to be bringing it back onto larger size ice and bringing it back into English, which will be really nice!” Buttrey has been performance director for Let’s Celebrate! since the production premiered in September 2009. He and the cast have done more than 330 performances, he said. The traveling production — Disney On Ice’s 30th production since beginning in 1981 — consists of almost 100 people including 39 skaters, 13 crew members and a group of production staff and vendors. In addition to the elaborately designed colorful

costumes on the skating cast, Buttrey said you can expect a high level of ice skating in Let’s Celebrate! “We have a lot of triples in our show,” he said. “Also a lot of fantastic pairs skating and ice dancing, so we really do cover the spectrum of different skating techniques and disciplines in the sport.” Finding talented skaters isn’t always easy, Buttrey said. Feld Entertainment holds auditions around the world for new cast members, and Buttrey said it’s especially difficult to find talented male skaters. “So, if you know any great skaters, send them our way!” he said. Feld Entertainment accepts portfolios for prospective skaters online at its website, www.feld entertainment.com.

Contests: 25,000 entries FROM PAGE 12S

The fair always offers a full slate of horse competition, but this show focuses on big draft horses that originated from England. Like the better-known Clydesdales, Belgians, Gypsies and Percherons, these gentle giants will compete in numerous categories. “How often do you get to see draft horses? Some of these are 6 feet tall at the withers; the junction between the neck and back. Their back is well over many men’s heads,” Burchfiel said. The classes where horses pull a cart, surrey or wagon are especially popular and allow owners to show off their draft horses’ gentle and trustworthy nature, as well as their

strength. In some classes, up to six horses are hitched to a wagon. The competition gets heavy in the popular overload show, in which horses are hooked to sleds to pull loads up to almost 4,500 pounds. That competition will be in the afternoon Sept. 23. “It’s incredibly impressive,” Burchfiel said. Spectators will see another side of the horse world as the equine drill teams compete Sept. 24. Beauty in precision works into this competition as drill team entries match horses and riders in choreographed, death-defying patterns that can leave the crowd awed. Other traditional livestock competitions includes classes for cattle, sheep, llamas, swine, rab-

bits and goats. Also new are the youth pony races in the barrel racing event scheduled Sept 16. Crowds also love the miniature donkeys, as well as the stock dogs that gather cattle or sheep under command of a whistle or nod of the head. The fair attracts more than 13,000 in livestock classes, about 10,000 entries in creative arts, including more than 1,800 photography entries, and several thousand horses. Burchfiel said whether it’s beautiful or ugly, creative or humorous, fair visitors always find something stunning. “We have about 25,000 entries of a competitive nature,” she said. “We try to find something for everyone to feel at home with here at the fair.”

The Marshall Tucker Band

PHOTO PROVIDED

MC Hammer

PHOTO PROVIDED

Concerts: Free shows FROM PAGE 13S

songwriter who will play two sets: a solo show at 2 p.m. Sept. 18, and an 8 p.m. gig playing with the legendary Southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band. The group, which debuted in 1973, rose to prominence with the hits “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song,” and is currently led by original singer Doug Gray. Teen idol Mitchel Musso hits the stage at 3 p.m. Sept. 19, singing songs from his self-titled 2009 Disney release. The Rockwall, Texas, native appeared in films and on TV before gaining his most prominent role as Oliver “Smoken” Oken on the Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” Two rising bands on the contemporary Christian scene, Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road, share the bill at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Named after a prominent street in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tenth Avenue North released three independent albums before signing to Provident Records and receiving rave reviews for 2008’s “Over

and Underneath” and its latest disc, “The Light Meets the Dark.” Addison Road was formed by Baylor University students Jenny and Ryan Simmons and has released two well-received albums on INO Records, “Addison Road” and its latest, “Stories.” The Elvis Extravaganza, a two-day talent contest in which homegrown entertainers do their best tributes to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, takes over the Chesapeake Energy Stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2122. Contestants can sign up to perform with a live band that knows Elvis Presley’s full repertoire, with the winner going on to the Elvis Extravaganza National Finals and Fan Convention, Feb. 12-13 in Tampa, Fla. At 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, talented country singers have a chance to break into the business through the Colgate Country Showdown. For information on entering the contest, go to www.countryshow down.com. With his manic dancing and a hip-hop style focused on familiar samples and rap repetition, MC

Hammer became a commercial force with his second album, 1990’s “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em,” featuring “Pray,” “Have U Seen Her?” and the megahit “U Can’t Touch This.” Hammer, who continued his hot streak with 1991’s “Too Legit to Quit,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Matt Morris, who performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 25, was part of the celebrated 1991“Mickey Mouse Club” cast that included Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling. He eventually became many of his former co-stars’ secret weapon, writing hits for Aguilera, Spears and Timberlake, as well as Kelly Clarkson. He recently released his major-label debut, “When Everything Breaks Open.” The Chesapeake Energy Stage winds down at 3 p.m. Sept. 26 with a performance by the Centennial Rodeo Opry, bringing together the best of Oklahoma City’s emerging country talent. For more information on the free fair concerts, go to www.okstatefair.com.

Carnival: Show must go on FROM PAGE 17S

New this year is the high-flying “Dock Jumping," a show that spotlights the remarkable abilities of stunt dogs. PHOTO PROVIDED

Entertainment: Variety FROM PAGE 16S

an innovative show that blends line dancing with tap dancing. Shows begin at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. daily at 14 Flags Plaza. Kids will enjoy the “Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show,” a barnyard puppet adventure guaranteed to elicit laughter. Shows begin at 12:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. at The CONNECTION in the State Fair Station (Oklahoma Expo Hall). Rowdy Rooster will also sing songs, tell jokes and visit with fairgoers as he roams 14 Flags Plaza. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K will invite a few brave souls to take a journey as he demonstrates that the power of suggestion is more mind motivation than mind control. Shows begin at 5 and 8 p.m. at the Capital City Theatre in Barn 3. Returning favorite Freddy Fusion will use magic to teach kids about the incredible world of science at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. daily. Making its 2010 fair debut is “All About Science,” a family-friendly interactive show that will put kids into the spotlight as they explore various science principles of everyday life. Shows are at 12:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. on the Chesapeake Energy Stage on the Entertainment Plaza. “Bubble Madness” is a new show that celebrates the magical properties of soap bubbles. Changing shapes at random, these colorful creations seem to float effortlessly in the air before they vanish. Audiences can see these shows at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. on the Bandshell Lawn. The 411 Band proved so popular during last year’s fair that planners quickly re-

en tractor trailers. Besides the complexity of such a move, there are plenty of costs involved, costs that have risen rapidly, Zaitshik said. For instance, in 2003, Wade Shows spent about $800,000 for fuel. Today, the bill is about $2 million a year. And don’t get Zaitshik started on all the government regulations carnivals must comply with. In 1993, it cost $45,000 to move from Oklahoma City to Montgomery, Ala. Today the move costs $95,000. “It’s getting harder to survive in the carnival business,” Zaitshik said. “There’s more competition for the family enter-

tainment dollar than ever before.” One way Wade Shows does survive is by cutting costs, buying used and discount whenever possible. They even shop eBay. That’s how Zaitshik got a replacement air conditioner for his trailer. While it would have cost $4,800 to have a new one installed, carnival operators found exactly what they needed on eBay for $800. They drove up to Fort Wayne, Ind., drove back and installed it themselves for less than $2,000 total. The carnival also found a “PLC,” or programmable logic controller for a ride, on eBay for $225 when one could not be located anywhere else. It has been one of the

most difficult years Zaitshik has seen, partly because of the slumping economy but also because of the hot weather. “Seems like the heat wave’s been following us around,” he said. When the show set up in Sedalia, Mo., temperatures hit 100, making steel too hot to handle, so crews had to erect rides and concessions at night after being up all day. But the show must go on. And it does. Income and expenses, debt service and staffing, all the risks, liabilities and assets are analyzed and accounted for. It’s all part of running a large operation that looks little like it did back in the old days, Zaitshik said. “Today, we have to run it like a business.”

Shopping: Opportunities FROM PAGE 18S

Kids will enjoy the fun-filled “Bubble Madness" show. PHOTO PROVIDED

engaged them for a second appearance this year. This Las Vegas-based band will survey some of Motown’s biggest hits during shows at 6 and 8 p.m. daily at the OPUBCO Pavilion. “We always try to find a variety of shows that will appeal to people of all ages,” Parsons said. “ ‘All About Science’ gave us the opportunity to lean towards the elements of science and discovery, something that would complement the Centennial Frontier Experience and the fair’s agriculture theme. “The people with ‘Bubble Madness’ performed for the San Diego Zoo for about 15 years, and they’ve just recently started on the fair circuit. We feel we do a great job of finding the entertainment we present. It’s all part of trying to get people to come see these attractions.”

You’ll find booths for the RedHawks and Oklahoma City Barons, as well as the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and OG&E. Don’t be surprised if you see a cowboy talking about Oklahoma history. The CONNECTION features seven focal points — Vineyard Marketplace, AGtropolis, Made In Oklahoma Trading Post, The Business District, Resource Square, Recreation Station and Backyard & Beyond, with local vendors representing each theme. “We take the idea of shopping, food, entertainment and history and blend it all together in that one building,” Burchfiel said. Those in the market for a new car or who are just interested in seeing the new models can check out

Need a new mattress? You can shop for one at the Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO PROVIDED

the rides at the DriveOKC. com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building. Most of the major automakers will be represented.

Cars or candles, art or salsa, dog treats or manufactured housing. “You can pretty much find it here at the fair,” Burchfiel said.

Long live the King: Elvis Extravaganza returns BY GEORGE LANG Assistant Entertainment Editor glang@opubco.com

If jet-black hair and spangled jumpsuits seem unusually commonplace at the Oklahoma State Fair on Sept. 21-22, it’s not because fashion is undergoing a monumental shift. During the Elvis Extravaganza, a massive contest to crown a pretender to the throne of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, local Elvis Presley fans who sing like the King will be supplying good rockin’ both nights. The Elvis Extravaganza, which swivels into gear at 7:30 both nights, is produced by the Elvis Extravaganza Fan Club, which contest organizer Jamie Coyne cites as the largest Presley fan club in the world. Started in 1989 in Columbus, Ohio, the Elvis Extravaganza became a nationwide solution to an ongoing problem: After Presley died in 1977, fans still wanted to see the King, or someone like him. “The fans were looking for something that they could no longer get from Elvis,” Coyne said. “There’s a variety to it that really appeals to fans. So, that’s really why it started: It was an answer for fans who were looking for something to satisfy their Elvis fix.” Coyne said the Elvis Extravaganza at the Oklahoma State Fair has become one of the mainstay events of the competition.

The fans were looking for something that they could no longer get from Elvis. There’s a variety to it that really appeals to fans. So, that’s really why it started: It was an answer for fans who were looking for something to satisfy their Elvis fix.” JAMIE COYNE

ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA CONTEST ORGANIZER

Mike Black, of Choctaw, who leads the band Mike Black and the Stingrays, competed in the Elvis Extravaganza in 2005, 2007 and 2009. PHOTO PROVIDED

Finalists at each regional qualifying event will go on to compete in the national finals Feb. 12-13, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. Trends have come and gone over the years. While the most popular Elvis Presley type is consistently the mid-1970s model — lambchop sideburns, jumpsuits, scarves and aviator sunglasses — Coyne said there was a wave of classic 1950s impersonators that cropped up after the Presley postage

stamps were issued in 1993. Contestants enjoy the services of a full band — the Elvis Extravaganza is no mere karaoke competition. Those who sign up in advance at www.elviscontest. com can ensure that the band will be ready to play their selections, but Coyne said the show band is generally prepared even for last-minute contestants. “The Extravaganza Show Band has been with us nearly since the inception,” he said. “Four-piece

rhythm section, vocalist, horn section and everything’s charted — sheet music. We like to let a guy come in and perform the songs he wants to do. There are guys who, maybe it’s the first time they’ve stepped on stage and all they’ve done is sing at birthday parties and karaoke. If they know two or three songs, we want to make sure they can do those songs.” During the last eight years of Presley’s life, he

Elvis Presley, shown performing at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman in 1977. PHOTO BY PAUL SOUTHERLAND, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

concentrated on performing and played dozens of concerts throughout the Midwest. Coyne said that he encounters more impersonators per capita in Illinois and Indiana than any other states, and he attributes that density to the amount of attention Presley lavished on certain regions — even 33 years after his death. Coyne said the competition at the Oklahoma State Fair is tradi-

tionally strong, possibly because Presley played several times in Oklahoma City. Strangely enough, places that are generally considered hotbeds of Presley activity — Memphis, Tenn., and Las Vegas — don’t have as many impersonators as the Midwest boasts. “Go to Memphis outside of Elvis Week and try to go see an Elvis impersonator,” Coyne said. “Good luck.”

Frontier: One Arm Bandit makes his debut at state fair FROM PAGE 23S

Gratny performing several outrageous rope tricks. The Saltfork Crafts-

›

men Artist-Blacksmiths, whose chisels once melded iron into necessary frontier items, such as horseshoes, but today are used

for artistic items, such as jewelry or novelty keepsakes. Also popular among fairgoers at the Centennial

Frontier Experience is the OK Kids’ Corral, which lets children take a shot at frontier staples such as roping and sack racing,

and provides several photo opportunities. The Centennial Frontier Experience also features American Indian and Old

West dancing, music and comedy acts in addition to other rodeo stunt riders and frontier crafts attractions.

Getting around and enjoying your time at the fair 35

How to get there

NW 122

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Hefner Lake Hefner

Britton Wilshire NW 63

NW 50 NW 36 NW 23

66 Lake Overholser

NW 10 Reno

State Fair Park

35 235

Oklahoma River

SW 15

Bryant

Sunnylane

240

Eastern

Western

Pennsylvania

May

Portland

Meridian

MacArthur

Council

Rockwell

SW74

35 County Line

SW 59

Park it at the state fair FROM STAFF REPORTS

Whatever your parking needs or wants during the Oklahoma State Fair, State Fair Park is more than ready to accommodate. In recent years, more lots have been paved on the south side of fair park, providing easier access to the park, fair spokesman Scott Munz said. “There’s also acres and acres of free parking on the north and south sides,” Munz said. There is free, paved handicap

To make your visit to the 104th Oklahoma State Fair enjoyable, fair officials are reminding visitors what they should bring and what they should not bring. For rainy days, bring a folding umbrella, a cap or a rain slicker. For sunny days, bring suntan lotion, especially if you are fair skinned or inclined to burn. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring a stroller if you have toddlers or young children. Some items are not allowed in State Fair Park: Weapons and pets, except for service animals. Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and Segways. Bicycles, skates, skateboards, inline roller skates and scooters. Outside food and beverages, except that needed for medical purposes. “More than anything, we want people to bring in fun, happy attitudes and to enjoy themselves at the fair,” said Scott Munz, the fair’s vice president of marketing and public relations.

› › › ›

SW 29 SW 44

Fairgoers urged to bring happy attitude

parking along the southwest side of the property, just south of the railroad tracks, he said. Paid handicap parking spaces also are available on the northwest side of the park. Parking in all lots is $5 a vehicle, Munz said, and all paid parking is paved and well-lighted. Free parking is available on the northeast corner of the property along NW 10 and east to May Avenue, and from May Avenue to Interstate 40 along the south side of the property, he said.

The Sky Glider is silhouetted by the sun. Fair officials say come prepared for the weather — rain or shine. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Lost, found items will be collected FROM STAFF REPORTS

Should you lose a wallet, keys, cell phone or purse during the 104th Oklahoma State Fair, there is a place to report the loss and to collect lost items. Lost items found in State Fair Park are returned at the end of each day to the main office at 3001 W General Pershing Blvd., on the west side of fair park. Children who lose their parents at the fair will be reunited in the Safety Center, attached to the main office, said Scott Munz, the fair’s vice president of marketing and public relations. The office is the former Garden and Flowers Building, near the arch and across from the City Arts annex. Fair officials will attempt to contact people if their lost items bear a phone number.

Red Cross volunteers Jennifer Bennett, Treva Rayland and Jaeson Post work at the lost children area at last year’s state fair. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

To contact the Oklahoma State Fair office, call 948-6700.

Safety center houses police, first aid staff, chaplain to assist fairgoers FROM STAFF REPORTS

A safety center is situated on the west end of the Administration Building, which is the former Garden and Help is available if you find yourself in an emergency Flowers Building, across from the City Arts annex. The Emergency Medical Services Authority and Oklasituation or needing medical attention during your homa City police compound is in the safety center. visit to the Oklahoma State Fair.

In addition, Oklahoma City police officers regularly walk throughout State Fair Park. Fairgoers also can receive first aid or talk with a chaplain at the safety center.

facilities, events and new development initiatives. He has served in this role since January 2004. State Fair Park is nearing the completion of a five-year $75 million renovation to its equine and livestock facilities. O’Toole served as presi-

dent and general manager of the Oklahoma RedHawks Baseball Club in Oklahoma City from 1998 to 2004. O’Toole worked with local government officials overseeing the construction of the citizen-financed, $33 million AT&T Bricktown Ball-

park, considered one of the nation’s finest minor league baseball parks. O’Toole’s experience includes seven years as director of operations for the Amateur Softball Association/USA Softball, based in Oklahoma City, during which

Board of Directors

Timothy J. O’Toole President & CEO

As president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma State Fair and State Fair Park, O’Toole is responsible for strategic planning, programming and managing the operations, which include finance, marketing, human resources, sponsorships,

he planned and managed the association’s inaugural participation in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. O’Toole also served as director of operations for the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival held in Oklahoma City. This event included 220 ticketed sessions in 10 cities over 11 days and involved 2,000 athletes and

7,500 volunteers. O’Toole serves on the boards of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Advisory Board and the Oklahoma State Fair Board of Directors. O’Toole is married to Kathleen, and has three children: Stacy, Ryan, and Blake.

Bill Anoatubby Governor, Chickasaw Nation

David L. Boren President, University of Oklahoma

William M. Cameron Chairman & CEO, American Fidelity Group

MIchael A. Cawley President, Noble Foundation

Ralph Chain President, Chain Land & Cattle Co.

William H. Crawford Chairman & CEO, First Southwest Bank

Peter B. Delaney President & CEO OG&E Energy Corp.

Dr. Gilbert C. Gibson Retired Chairman & CEO Citizens Bank, Lawton

David F. Griffin President & General Manager, Griffin Television, LLC

John D. Groendyke Chairman & CEO, Groendyke Transports, Inc.

V. Burns Hargis President, Oklahoma State University

Kirk Humphreys The Humphreys Company

Stanley F. Hupfeld Chairman, INTEGRIS Health Family of Foundations

Dr. Glen D. Johnson Chancellor, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

Gregory M. Love President & COO, Love’s Country Stores, Inc.

Edmund O. Martin Chairman, Ackerman McQueen

J.W. Mashburn J.W. Mashburn Enterprises

Aubrey K. McClendon Chairman & CEO, Chesapeake Energy Corp.

Dr. Tom J. McDaniel Chancellor, Oklahoma City University

Herman Meinders Chairman Emeritus, Teleflora

J. Larry Nichols Chairman of the Board & CEO, Devon Energy Corp.

David E. Rainbolt President & CEO, BancFirst

Dr. Paul W. Sechrist President, Oklahoma City Community College

Ann Simank Executive Director, Oklahoma City Metro Alliance

Lee Allan Smith Vice Chairman, Ackerman McQueen

David Thompson Publisher, The Oklahoman

Christopher C. Turner President, The First State Bank

J. Blake Wade President, Oklahoma Business Roundtable

G. Rainey Williams Jr. President, Kestrel Investments, Inc.

Roy H. Williams President, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

Charles P. Schroeder Executive Director, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Michael C. Turpen Partner in Law Firm Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis

Tony Tyler Tyler Media

of Fame, the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, the Research Institute for Economic Development, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Casady School. In 1990, Bennett received the Dean A. McGee Award, presented annually to an individual who has made signiﬁcant contributions to the development of downtown Oklahoma City. In 1997, he was presented the Economic Development Citizen Leadership Award by the National Council of Urban Economic Development; this national award is presented

Ronald J. Norick Controlling Manager, Norick Investment Co.

G. Jeffrey Records Jr. Chairman & CEO, MidFirst Bank

E. Carey Joullian IV President, Mustang Fuel Corp.

John Michael Williams Attorney, Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard

Angela Nemecek Corporate Secretary, Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.

Robert F. Brown Chairman & CEO, Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Lt. Gen. Richard A. Burpee Consultant, RAB Enterprises, LLC

Darrell Chabino Real Estate, Investments and Development

Luke R. Corbett Retired Chairman & CEO, Kerr-McGee Corp.

William E. Durrett Senior Chairman, American Fidelity Group

Richard L. Gaugler Chairman Emeritus, M-D Building Products, Inc.

Brooks K. Hall Vice Chairman, Fred Jones Companies

Dr. James E. Halligan State Senator, State of Oklahoma

Dan Hogan III Investments

Max L. Knotts Personal Investments

Lindy Ritz Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

Dr. Kenneth E. Smith Owner & Operator, K.S. Oil Co.

James H. Norick Norick Investment Co.

Russell M. Perry William N. Pirtle President & CEO, Perry Retired Utility Executive, Publishing & Broadcasting Co., Inc. Oklahoma Natural Gas. Co.

The Honorable Mick Cornett Mayor, City of Oklahoma City

James D. Couch City Manager, City of Oklahoma City

Eugene Seyler The Honorable Sandy Garrett The Honorable Willa Johnson Chairman, Greater OKC StateSuperintendentofPublicInstruction, OklahomaCounty Metro Hotel Association StateDepartmentofEducation Commissioner,District1

Executive Committee

Clayton I. Bennett serves as president of Dorchester Capital, a diversiﬁed private investment company, and chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise of the National Basketball Association. In addition, Bennett is involved in a broad variety of investment activi-

The Honorable Brad Henry Governor, State of Oklahoma

Honorary Board Members

Clayton I. Bennett Chairman of the Board

annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the ﬁeld of urban economic development. In 2007, Bennett was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and in 2008 was named Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today magazine. Bennett attended Casady School in Oklahoma City and the University of Oklahoma. Bennett is married to the former Thelma Louise Gaylord; together they have three children, Mollie Inez, Christine Marie and Gaylord Graham.

Ex-Ofﬁcio Members

ties and serves as an ofﬁcer and director of numerous business entities. Highly involved in civic and charitable affairs, Bennett serves as chairman of the Oklahoma State Fair and the OklahomaIndustriesAuthority. He is a past chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma Heritage Association, Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. and the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation. Bennett serves as a director of the Oklahoma City Industrial and Cultural Facilities Trust, the National Football Foundation and College Hall

E.J. Braun Retired Chairman, President & CEO, T.G.&Y.

M.O. “Bud” Breeding The Insurance Center

Maj. Gen. Jay T. Edwards Air Force Retired

Robert A. Funk Chairman & CEO, Express Personnel Services

Bill Mathis President, Mathis Brothers Oklahoma City, LLC

Marion J. Story Manager of Special Projects, Mustang Fuel Corp.

Frank A. McPherson Retired Chairman & CEO, Kerr-McGee Corp.

Bill Swisher Chairman, Industrial Investments, LLC

2010 Oklahoma State Fair schedule of events Thursday Sept. 16 TODAY’S FEATURES Dollar Day: $1 gate admission for everyone. Dr Pepper Armband Day: $19 armband when you bring a Dr Pepper can ($25 without can). 11:30 to 11 p.m.: La Independencia de Mexico — Bandshell Stage. 5 p.m.: Oklahoma State Fair Opening Ceremonies — 14 Flags Plaza. 7:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 7:30 p.m.: Eli Young Band in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstration in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 8 a.m. Gypsy and Draft Horse Show — Performance Arena. 10 a.m. Cooking with Dairy MAX (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Sooner Scribes calligraphy demonstration (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Pottery making demonstration (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 11 a.m. O.S.B.A. Honeycomb Extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. 11:30 a.m. Oklahoma Latino singers showcase (11:30-12:15) — Bandshell Stage. Noon Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. Main carnival opens. 1 p.m. Oklahoma Latino singers show-

case (1to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Fleischmann’s Yeast Bake for the Cure Baking Contest — Creative Arts Building. 3 p.m. Extremo Norte (3 to 4 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Pampered Chef demonstration (3 to 5 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 4 p.m. Tri-K barrel race exhibitions, 5D Jackpot, Youth/Pony Race and AQHA — Performance Arena. 4:15 p.m. Norahua Mexican folkloric dance troupe (4:15 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. La Independencia de Mexico announcements, trivia and prizes — Bandshell Stage. Chester’s Best Dressed Pumpkin Contest — Creative Arts Building. Some Like it HOT! Salsa Contest — Creative Arts Building. Cooking with the OK Beef Council (6 to 9 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 6:15 p.m. Grupo Garanon (6:15 to 7:15 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. 7:15 p.m. La Independencia de Mexico announcements, trivia and prizes — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Son del Barrio (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. EmbosK2 (9 to 10 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 10 p.m. Mariachi Orgullo de America (10 to 11 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Friday Sept. 17 TODAY’S FEATURES 2 to 6 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder Entertainment Teams featuring

special appearances by Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drummers — OPUBCO Pavilion. 7:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 7:30 p.m.: Grand Funk Railroad in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsman ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist ADale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m.

Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 7 a.m. Livestock Judging — Barn 1. 9:30 a.m. Gypsy and Draft Horse Show — Performance Arena. 10 a.m. Gourd painting demonstration (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Live Scrapbook Challenge — Creative Arts Building. 10:30 a.m. Amanda Longley — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. Cooking with chef Ken Bradford from Chef’s Requested Food (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Calandra Williams (11a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 1 p.m. Shawnee Mills Cornbread and Biscuits Contest — Creative Arts Building. Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (2 to 2:45 p.m.) — Barn 3.

Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (2 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Weavers Guild of OKC (2 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 3 p.m. Anna Massey — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. The Beau Weevils (3:30 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. Prospect Steer Showmanship — Barn 3. Pampered Chef demonstration (4 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 5 p.m. Club Lamb Breeding Ewe Show — Super Barn. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. What a Crock’ Crock-Pot Challenge — Creative Arts Building. Mikayla Lee (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Laura Tatem — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. 2nd Street (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Still Breathing (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Saturday Sept. 18 TODAY’S FEATURES Second Annual Oklahoma State Fair Wine Day — Creative Arts Building. 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 2 p.m.: Candy Coburn in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. 2 to 6 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder Entertainment Teams featuring special appearances by Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drummers — OPUBCO Pavilion. 8 p.m.: The Marshall Tucker Band with Candy Coburn in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Cre-

ative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30

a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. Junior Market Barrow Show — Barn 8. Junior Commercial Gilt Show (following the Barrows) — Barn 8. Prospect Steer Show — Barn 3. 9:30 a.m. Gypsy and Draft Horse Show — Performance Arena. 10 a.m. Junior Art Exhibition awards — Capital City Theatre. Kids of the Year Pageant — City Arts Center Theater. Pampered Chef demonstration (10 a.m. to noon) — Creative Arts Building. Graffiti Art demonstration (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Oustide Creative Arts Building — East side. Junior Market Wether Show — Super Barn. Mercy’s Hand (10 a.m. to 11a.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. Yumare Mexican folkloric dancers (11 a.m. to noon) — Bandshell Stage. 11:30 a.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 6:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. Noon Learn to Brew demonstration (noon to 3 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Donna Marie Urbassik — Bandshell Stage. 1 p.m. Junior Chianina Show — Barn 3 Junior Charolais Show (following Chianina) — Barn 3. Junior Gelbvieh Show (following Charolais) — Barn 3. Junior Red Angus (following Gelbvieh) — Barn 3. Chocolate Extravaganza Dessert Contest — Creative Arts Building. Desert Fire belly dancers (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting

demonstration — City of AGtropolis. 3 p.m. Anna Lee — Bandshell Stage Summerside Winery demonstration (3 to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 3:30 p.m. Quarter Time Music Group (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Paper Airplane Competition — City Arts Center Theater. Cooking with the OK Beef Council (4 to 9 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 4:30 p.m. Katie Best — Bandshell Stage. 6 p.m. K.C. Masterpiece BBQ Contest — Creative Arts Building. Jump Seat (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Kimberley Van Norman — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Faded Glory (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Out and About (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Sunday Sept. 19 TODAY’S FEATURES 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 3 p.m.: Mitchel Musso in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in

the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 8 a.m. Open and Youth Rabbit Show — Barn 9. 9 a.m. Junior Breeding Gilts Show —

Barn 8.

9:30 a.m. Cowboy Church services (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) — Capital City Theatre. 10 a.m. Junior Breeding Sheep Show — Super Barn. Junior Beefmaster — Barn 3. Junior Saler Show (following Beefmaster) — Barn 3. Junior Simmental Show (following Saler) — Barn 3. Junior and Open Maine-Anjou Show (following Simmental) — Barn 3. In His Hands (10 to 11 a.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 10:30 a.m. Ranch Sorting — Performance Arena. 11 a.m. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. Worship Warrior in the House (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 11:30 a.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 6:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 1 p.m. State Fair Shutterbugs Digital Photo Contest begins — Creative Arts Building. Table Setting Contest — Creative Arts Building. Gravity Performing Arts Studio (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (2 to 2:45 p.m.) — Barn 3. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Polymer clay beading demonstration (2 to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 4-H nutriton and health demonstration (2 to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Lace making demonstration (2 to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. From Cow to the Cone: Homemade Ice Cream Contest — Creative Arts Building. 3 p.m. Layken Urie — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. 145th Army National Guard Band “The Governor’s Own” (3:30 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. Lego Building Competition — Creative Arts Building. 5 p.m. The Great American Spam Championship — Creative Arts Building. Cake Decorating demonstration (5 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Build-

ing.

5:30 p.m. Digital Photo Shootout — vote for your favorite photo (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) — City Arts Center. 6 p.m. Oklahoma Salsa Fever and Friends (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Ugliest Cake Contest — Creative Arts Building. Digital Photography Shootout Awards — City Arts Center. Christina Bender — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Joshua Davidson (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Radio Thrill (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Monday Sept. 20 TODAY’S FEATURES Kids’ Day: Kids through grade 12 get in free. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 11a.m.: 59th Annual Band Day Parade Competition — General Pershing Boulevard. 7:30 p.m.: Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the

Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One-Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. Ranch Sorting — Performance Arena. 10 a.m. Science Museum Oklahoma (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 11 a.m.

O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Noon Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. 1 p.m. Scrumptious From Scratch: Pies, Cobblers and Cheesecake — Creative Arts Building. 1:30 p.m. Band Day award ceremony — Bandshell Stage. 3 p.m. Oklahoma Trotters (3 to 4 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. N’Lisa Havener — Bandshell Stage. 4:30 p.m. Willie Williams — Bandshell Stage. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. Best Dressed Dairy Cow Contest — Barn 3. Fancy Feet Decorated Shoe Contest — Creative Arts Building. Cooking with the OK Beef Council — Creative Arts Building. Smorgasbord in a Pan: Creative Casseroles — Creative Arts Building. Frontline (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Junior Dairy Showmanship — Barn 3. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Delray Elvis Review — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Remix (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Outflow (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Tuesday Sept. 21 TODAY’S FEATURES Two Dollar Tuesday: $2 gate admission for everyone. Armed Forces’ Day: Military personnel and spouses (with valid ID) get in free. 7:30 p.m.: Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! — Arena. 7:30 p.m.: The Elvis Extravanganza — Chesapeake Energy Stage.

ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m.

Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. Stock Dog Trial Competition — Cattle — Performance Arena. Open and Junior Dairy Goat Show — Super Barn. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show — Super Barn. 10 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show — Super Barn. Open and Junior Dairy Cattle Show — Barn 3. Oklahoma Sewing Machine Artists (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Science Museum Oklahoma — Creative Arts Building. Oklahoma Teacher of the Year ceremony — Carriage Hall. Walking Relic (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. 11:30 a.m. Amber Rose — Bandshell Stage. Noon Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. OKC Metro knitting demonstration (12-8) — Creative Arts Building. Mary Crone — Bandshell Stage. 1 p.m. Main carnival opens. The BGs (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 3 p.m. “Carol” — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. The Sweepers (3:30 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. Basketweaving demonstration (4 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust

Pie Baking Contest — Creative Arts Building. Twitter Tweasure Hunt Begins. Cooking with the OK Beef Council (6 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. All Hail the Sunfather (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Ricky Smith — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Rider’s Ford (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Number’s Game (9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Wednesday Sept. 22 TODAY’S FEATURES 34th Annual Senior Citizens’ Day: Seniors 55 and older (with valid ID) get in free. Third Annual Needle ’N’ Thread Day — Creative Arts Building. Noon: Senior Day Antique Tractor Parade — starts on Land Rush. 7:30 p.m.: The Elvis Extravaganza — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in

the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 8 a.m. Senior Day — Royalty, Seniors with Most and door prize registrations — Carriage Hall. Senior Day — “Seniors with the Most” (8 to 10:15 a.m.) — Carriage Hall. 8:15 a.m. Senior Day — sing-along with Randy Lunsford — Carriage Hall. 8:30 a.m. Senior Day — Not Just Country Line Dancers — Carriage Hall. 9 a.m. Stock Dog Trial Competition — Sheep — Performance Arena.

Open and Junior Dairy Goat Show — Super Barn. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show — Super Barn. 9:05 a.m. Senior Day — sing-along with Randy Lunsford — Carriage Hall. 9:25 a.m. Senior Day — Red Hat Regatta Fun — Carriage Hall. 9:30 a.m. Senior Day — Seniors Out and About registration (9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) — Carriage Hall. 10 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show — Super Barn. Senior Day — Senior Royalty Contest “Cruise Couples Challenge” — Carriage Hall. Senior Day — Seniors Out and About “Passport to Good Health” (10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) — throughout State Fair Park. Fiber Arts demonstration (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Cooking with the Oklahoma Beef Council (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Central Oklahoma Quilters Guild (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. OKC Woodcarving Club (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. C&H Sugar Cake Baking Contest — Creative Arts Building. The Oklahoma State Fiddlers (10 a.m. to noon) — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. Senior Day — Welcomes Lt. Gov. Jari Askins — Carriage Hall. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Red Hat Wear: From Head to Toe — Creative Arts Building. 11:15 a.m. Senior Day — John Harrison’s roping exhibition — Carriage Hall. 11:40 a.m. Senior Day — Not Just Country Line Dancers — Carriage Hall. Noon Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. Senior Day — grab some lunch — Fair Food Vendors. Paige Norman Perry — Bandshell Stage. 12:15 p.m. Senior Day — “Reflections of Elvis” lunchtime entertainment — Carriage Hall. 12:30 p.m. Senior Day — game show registration (12:30 to 1:15 p.m.) — Carriage Hall. 1 p.m. Main carnival opens. Senior Day — Red Hat Regatta Fun — Carriage Hall. Oklahoma Peanut Cooking Contest — Creative Arts Building. Michelle Dunn — Bandshell Stage.

1:30 p.m. Senior Day — Let’s Make a “FAIR” Deal game show — Carriage Hall. Susie Dunn — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. Lace making Demonstration (2 to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 3 p.m. Shrunken Treasures Miniature Group (3 to 9 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Cynthia Heldreth — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. Reflections of Elvis, Kirk Heldreth — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. We Can Make a Difference (4 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. Senior Day — R.A.C.E. Dance Company demonstration — Carriage Hall. Donna McLaughlin — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Senior Day — Senior Swing Dance (6:30 to 9 p.m.) — Carriage Hall. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. OK Chorale (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. 7:15 p.m. Senior Day — Not Just Country Line Dancers — Carriage Hall. 8 p.m. Canadian County Outlaws (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 8:15 p.m. Senior Day — Not Just Country Line Dancers — Carriage Hall. 9 p.m. Brown Note (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Thursday Sept. 23 TODAY’S FEATURES Deaf Awareness Day: Special activities all day — Carriage Hall. Dr Pepper Armband Day: $19 armband when you bring a Dr Pepper can ($25 without can). 7:30 p.m.: TNA Wrestling Live presents Lords of the Ring — Arena. 7:30 p.m.: Colgate Country Showdown — Chesapeake Energy Stage.

Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 10 a.m. Open and Junior Brahman Show — Barn 3. Science Museum Oklahoma (10 to 6 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Happy Tuesday (10 to 11 a.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Wild Sallee (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Noon Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. 1 p.m. Main carnival opens. New Talent Oklahoma (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 3 p.m. Draft Horse Overload Pull — Performance Arena. Sydney Yocum — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. Emily Johnson and Chosen By Him (3:30 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. Pampered Chef demonstration (6 to 8 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. The International Pantry’s “Out of this World” Cooking Contest — Creative Arts Building. Avis Praeda (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Tha Light — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. New Shoes Band (8 to 9 p.m.) —

Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Thrash Can (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Friday Sept. 24 TODAY’S FEATURES 2 to 6 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder Entertainment Teams featuring special appearances by Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drummers — OPUBCO Pavilion. 7:30 p.m.: PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour: “Bulls and Brawn” featuring Josh Turner in concert — Arena. 7:30 p.m.: MC Hammer in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 1 to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Cen-

tennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. OKEDA Equestrian Drill Team Competition — Performance Arena. 10 a.m. Open and Junior Angus Show — Barn 3. Biosector2 — DRIVE4COPD (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) — Gate 2, Gate 9, Centennial Building Lawn and Arena. World Organization of China Painters (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. American Sewing Guild demonstration (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Botball Robotics demonstration (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Emit (10 to 11 a.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. Travis Wackerly and the Post Oakies (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 1 p.m. Eggscellent Oklahoma Breakfast Contest — Creative Arts Building. LaToya Tillis — Bandshell Stage.

1:30 p.m. Small Town Girls — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (2 to 2:45 p.m.) — Barn 3. 3 p.m. Ostrich Cooking Demo (3 to 9 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Sarah Jocie — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. Broken Dream (3:30 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 5:30 p.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 6 p.m. Battle of the Sexes: Chili Championship — Creative Arts Building. Llama Show — Barn 8. Dead City Outlaws (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Highland West Singers — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Upon This Rock (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Nine Left Dead (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Saturday Sept. 25 TODAY’S FEATURES 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: ASC Cheerleading, Dance and Pompon Regional Competition — Bandshell Stage. 2 to 6 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder Entertainment Teams featuring special appearances by Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drummers — OPUBCO Pavilion. 7:30 p.m.: PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour: “8 Second Ride” featuring Jake Owen in concert — Arena. 8 p.m.: Matt Morris in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen Artists-

Blacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in

the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. Llama Show — Barn 8. ABGA Boer Goat Show — Super Barn. Open and Junior Western National Brangus Show — Barn 3. 10 a.m. 4-H Dog Agility — Barn 8. Biosector2 — DRIVE4COPD (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) — Gate 2, Gate 9, Centennial Building Lawn and Arena. Wood Turning demonstration (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Okie Stitch Along (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Kids Pancake Cooking Contest — Creative Arts Building. 10:30 a.m. P.O.A. and Miniature Donkey Show — Performance Arena. 11 a.m. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. 4-H Interactive Exhibits (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 11:30 a.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 6:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. 1 p.m. Ostrich Cooking Demo (1 to 7 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Make it with Malt-O-Meal Recipe Contest — Creative Arts Building. Oklahoma Children’s Acting Guild (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 2 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (2 to 2:45 p.m.) — Barn 3. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. 3 p.m. Biggest Bubble Contest — City Arts Center. Kennedy Horton — Bandshell Stage. 3:30 p.m. Dazzlers Drill Team (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 4 p.m. Junior Market Goat Showmanship — Super Barn. 4:30 p.m. Dr. ZZAP’S Mad Lab Show — Bandshell Stage. 6 p.m. Oklahoma Pride: Cooking with Made in Oklahoma products — Cre-

ative Arts Building. Time Crisis (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Okie Karaoke Star daily finals — Centennial Plaza. Kristin Butke School of Irish Dance — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Red Hot Keys (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. 5 Dollar Thrill (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

Sunday Sept. 26 TODAY’S FEATURES Third Annual Oklahoma State Fair Armwrestling Classic — Bandshell Stage. 2 to 6 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder Entertainment Teams featuring special appearances by Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drummers — OPUBCO Pavilion. 3 p.m.: Centennial Rodeo Opry in concert — Chesapeake Energy Stage. 6 p.m.: Oklahoma State Fair closing ceremonies — 14 Flags Plaza. ATTRACTIONS DriveOKC.com Auto Show in the Travel and Transportation Building, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids’ Creation Station in the Creative Arts Building, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ultimate Kids’ Sandbox on the Bandshell Lawn, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runa Pacha on 14 Flags Plaza, 10 a.m. to close. Saltfork Craftsmen ArtistsBlacksmiths demonstrations in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Roger Abrahamson wooden bowl turner in the Centennial Frontier Experience, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 411 Band — It’s Motown Live! at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 6 and 8 p.m. All About Science in the Entertainment Plaza at 12:30, 4:30, 6 p.m. Bubble Madness on the Bandshell Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Centennial Frontier Cloggers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4, 6 and 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Dale K in the Capital City Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. Dummy Roping Clinic in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Dustbowl Gypsies in the Centennial Frontier Experience at noon, 1, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Entertainment to the “Max” in

the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show in the Capital City Theatre at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Great Lakes Timber Show in 14 Flags Plaza at noon, 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show and Distance Dock Jumping in the Centennial Plaza at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The One Arm Bandit in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1and 7 p.m. Plains Indian Dancers in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Regan The Entertainer at the OPUBCO Pavilion at 1:30, 4 and 7 p.m. Regan The Stilt Walker strolling the grounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show in the City of AGtropolis at 12:30, 4:30, and 6 p.m. Rowdy Rooster Roust About in 14 Flags Plaza at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sack Racin’ Stampede in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sea Lion Splash on the Bandshell Lawn at 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Shenaniguns! Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 2, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Swifty Swine Racing Pigs on Gordon Cooper Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Trail of Tears Experience in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. Trick Ropin’ Extraordinaire in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 12:30, 1, 4:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wild West Stunt Riders in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 7 p.m. The Wild West Showcase in the Centennial Frontier Experience at 1 and 7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENTS 9 a.m. Llama Show — Barn 8. IBGA Boer Goat Show — Super Barn. Junior Market Goat Show — Super Barn. Junior Prospect Doe Show (following the Junior Market Goat Show) — Super Barn. 9:30 a.m. Cowboy Church Services (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) — Capital City Theatre. 10 a.m. Biosector2 — DRIVE4COPD (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) — Gate 2, Gate 9, Centennial Building Lawn and Arena.

Wood Turning demo (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Open and Junior Shorthorn Show — Barn 3. Open and Junior Hereford Show (following Shorthorns) — Barn 3. Open and Junior Limousin Show (following Herefords) — Barn 3. C&S Productions — Bandshell Stage. 10:30 a.m. P.O.A. and Miniature Donkey Show — Performance Arena. Tayler Nikole — Bandshell Stage. 11 a.m. Main carnival opens. Li’l Partnerland carnival opens. 4-H interactive exhibits (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. Delvin Sirleaf — Bandshell Stage. 11:30 a.m. Log Cabin Handspinning Guild demonstrations (11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. “Swinging K Farms” goat’s milk soap-making (various times through 6:30 p.m.) — City of AGtropolis. Cheer 4 Christ pom and dance squad (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Noon Ostrich Cooking Demo (noon to 7 p.m.) — Creative Arts Building. 12:30 p.m. Armwrestling Classic registration (12:30 to 3 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 1 p.m. Armwrestling Classic Round 1 (1 to 2 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. State Wheatheart Bread Baking Contest — Creative Arts Building. C&H Sugar’s Kids Cookie Contest — City Arts Center. 2 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (2 to 2:45 p.m.) — Barn 3. O.S.B.A. honeycomb extracting demonstration — City of AGtropolis. 3 p.m. Armwrestling Classic Round 2 (3 to 4 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Cookie Stacking Contest — Creative Arts Building. 4 p.m. Speedway Singers (4 to 5 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 6 p.m. Armwrestling Classic Finals (6 to 7 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. Okie Karaoke Star Finals — Centennial Plaza. 6:30 p.m. Animal Surgical Suite live surgery (6:30 to 7:15 p.m.) — Barn 3. 7 p.m. Nick Lyon — Bandshell Stage. 8 p.m. Aislinn and The Snake River Gang (8 to 9 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage. 9 p.m. Dice (9 to 10:30 p.m.) — Bandshell Stage.

State fair fare unfairly flavorful, fragrant BY DAVE CATHEY

also will be in play along with coffee, tea, slushes, cherry limeade, root beer, assorted beers and handcrafted ales. This educational tour of fair foods is absolutely not

Food Editor dcathey@opubco.com

The opening of the Oklahoma State Fair is synonymous with opening up your olfactory senses. Sights, smells and sounds trigger a familiar yearning for health-defeating foods that one should never have a yearning for. But the fair is but once per year. Thus, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, the rules are different. (At least that’s how I justify it.) That means we must look at fair fare through a completely different lens, which wipes out the pyramids and food groups that guide our everyday consumption. Thus, let us review these Oklahoma State Fair food groups and some of the staples we know and love:

Gerra Tomberlin, of Sayre, takes a bite out of an ear of corn at last year’s Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Mustang students Melanie Evans, from left, Karson Bizzell and Courtney Chestnut enjoy pizza on a stick at last year’s Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Deep-fried foods The smell of hot oil will be as thick as the accents from southwestern Oklahoma. Each year, fair food vendors are looking for a new product to dive into the hot vat of fat. Foods such as onion blossoms, grilled cheese sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, burritos, green beans, pickles, peaches, green tomatoes and s’mores.

Stick foods Legend holds that one who utters “low-calorie” while at State Fair Park is apt to end up in clown white, hovering over a filthy tub of lukewarm water, cackling, “High and dry!” But if your obsession with body image is such that you can’t bring yourself to down a deep-fried Twinkie or Snickers bar, you’ll want to lean on those items presented on a skewer, including beef, chicken, pork, roasted

at fair park, it is. So load up on waffle-bowl sundaes, ice cream, banana splits, orange floats, strawberry crepes, blueberry crepes, lemon mousse crepes, apple crepes, banana-chocolate crepes, chocolate chip cookies, cookie cakes, cookie cupcakes, cookies by the pound, cream puffs, eclairs, Dippin Dots, shakes, funnel cakes, cotton candy, caramel apples, candied apples, apple chips with caramel, snow cones and shake-ups.

Dullicious

Fairgoers order food at last year’s Oklahoma State Fair. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

corn, cheesecake, sausage, frozen chocolate bananas. Wait, we kind of lost our way as the list progressed.

Deep-fried stick foods And for those of you willing to carve a few days from your life — hopefully off the back end — we have this notorious group: macaroni and cheese, popcorn, candy bars, Cajun chicken, cheesecake, raviolis, chili-cheese dogs, garlic-mashed potatoes, manicotti, cheese, meatballs, battered jalapenos and apples.

Pret-a-porter The French love food and fashion. If you are French or just like to wear your food, you might be interested in these items, which are sure to make as much an impression on your duds as your taste buds: gyros sandwich, chili dog, Indian tacos, cinnamon rolls, hot wings, Philly cheesesteaks, turkey legs, barbecue sandwiches and cheesy pretzels.

Sweets Oh, to live in a world where dessert is a viable food group. Alas, for 11days

Standard street foods that might not be too exciting in name but are sure bets to satisfy your streetfood needs include burgers, hot dogs, pizza slices, egg rolls, nachos, barbecue, polish sausage, Italian sausage, wraps, and an assortment of fries that come in french, curly, sweet potato, ribbon, chili-cheese and lamb variations.

Beverages Lemonade is the benchmark. On a hot day, I have a hard time believing anyone will be drinking anything but the ultra-sweet, ultra-awesome, freshsqueezed lemonade found about the fair. That said, specialty coffee and tea comes to the fair, in hot, cold and frozen form. Italian cream sodas

approved by nine out of 10 doctors surveyed or any group associated with a healthy diet. But for 11 days among the flashing lights and games of chance, this is the cuisine du jour.

Planners work all year toward fair’s 11 days BY BRYAN DEAN

Left: Bill Allen, vice president of State Fair Park, and Dana Palmer, senior manager of commercial space sales for the Oklahoma State Fair.

Staff Writer bdean@opubco.com

The Oklahoma State Fair lasts 11 days, but it takes a small army to put together the event, including a core of workers who spend all year planning the events. Dana Palmer is one of those workers. Palmer is senior manager of commercial space sales for the fair. She rents out exhibit space to vendors in various buildings and other areas during the fair. It might sound straightforward, but Palmer said it is extremely complicated. “I almost think of this as putting a big puzzle together,” Palmer said. “My job is really hectic year-round. We write almost 600 contracts. If somebody has a booth in four buildings, we have to do four different contracts.” It’s not just a question of fill-

PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

ing all the spots. Palmer has to try to please hundreds of vendors who all want a prime location, while keeping in mind what will be best for the fair’s visitors.

“I start planning for the next year almost immediately. In fact, I’m usually thinking several years ahead on things we can improve,” Palmer said.

She isn’t alone. Fair spokesman Scott Munz said about a dozen workers focus on the fair all year. About 10 more are like Bill Allen, vice president of State Fair Park. Allen works all year planning for both the fair and the other events such as horse and trade shows at fair park. Allen coordinates 50 to 75 workers including plumbers, electricians, maintenance workers and groundskeepers. They keep buildings and equipment in working order and set up for various events. As the fair approaches, their focus shifts. “The ticket booths, any portable stuff in storage, comes out,”

Allen said. “Everything is planned down to the minute detail of how many lights we need.” In fact, fair officials create a run sheet that details when everything must be done from setting up the Bandshell to putting out trash cans and lighting. “If we tried to do everything starting Sept. 1, it would never get done,” Munz said. “Come the end of August and early September, it’s all hands on deck.” Counting seasonal employees, the fair’s staff increases to about 500 by the time the event starts, Munz said. The event is a hectic time for those who work for the fair all year, but Palmer said it is also satisfying to see the planning come to a conclusion. “It’s always fun to see what I’ve been working on all year,” Palmer said. “It’s 8 a.m. until 11at night. It’s hard work, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s still fun.”

HS SENIORS or GRADS Get a great full-time job! Good pay, full benefits, 30 days vacation/yr, reg. raises. No exp needed, will train. HS Grads & seniors, ages 17-38. Call 1-800-492-4841.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS

Now Hiring ‚ 203-0596 FIRESTONE

AMERICAN CLEANERS Hiring Full Time Customer Service Reps. Starting pay $8.50 per hour. Apply at 13901 N May Avenue.

» Will BeatYour Best offer- vehicles running or not- free tow. 549-2447

Energy Star Plus Homes New homes priced from the $150's, 3 car garage, 405-381-5442, www.okhomes.tv

2005 2bed 1bath set up in park $20,000. $4000 down » $228mo. owner finance » 409-3974

Direct Care Staff PT/On Call staff needed for juvenile detention center in Norman. 21 Yrs Old, HS Diploma/GED, clean OSBI req’d. EOE. Call 405-447-4499 for info. FIREFIGHTER No exp needed. Training, travel, great pay/benefits/ vacation & regular raises. HS seniors or grads. age 1738. Call: 1-877-628-9562

»» RV PARK »» » SHADY LOTS » $300 MO INCLUDES ALL UTILITIES »» 409-3974

DEER HUNTING TOWERS WEATHER TIGHT & BUILT ON SITE $1750 » 918-253-3262

Hiring Bonus for all CLEET certified officers! Securitas Security is NOW HIRING for FT & PT Unarmed Security officers in the OKC area. We offer Great pay/ benefits. Uniforms are provided. Apply online www.securitasjobs.com Select OKC Branch EOE M/F/D/V

EMT (RESCUE SWIMMERS) FREE TRAINING plus pay, benefits, vacation, reg. raises. HS seniors or grads ages 17-29. Help others, gain financial security. Call 1-877-628-9562

» WAKE UP »

These Are Great Jobs • HTS, various shifts. • Program Coordinator. Driver’s License/ Insurance Required 3000 United Founders Blvd. Suite 221, OKC. EOE 405-879-9720 EOE

OWNER OPERATORS

$1000 Sign-on Bonus $.96/mile + FSC Dedicated Lane- Calif to Indy. Drop & Hook. 2004 or newer. www.gdsexpress.com

800-782-6038 x26

INFRARED TUBE SHOP HEATERS NG/LP, $1000-$3000 Steve 405-823-2917

LINGUIST NEEDED IN Arabic/Hausa/Igbo/ Dari/Farsi/Somali/ Pashtu/Urdu/Yoruba) Get a great full-time job! Good pay, full benefits, 30 days vacation/yr, reg. raises. Ages 17-34 must be HS senior or Grads. Call: 1-800-492-4841

Homes For Sale

309.9 JAN-PRO, the #1 fastest growing franchise in the world for 3yrs in a row, per Entrepeneur Magazine. Start your own business as low as $950dn 606-3300 Want to own your own business? We can help JANI-KING # 1 Franchise Comm'l Cleaning Co. in the world (Entrepreneur Mag) janiking.com 943.5464

Affordable Country Living Energy Star Plus homes, 3 bed, 2 bath, priced from the $150's, 405-381-5442, www.okhomes.tv

Service Directory Affordable Country Living Energy Star Plus homes, 3 car garage, priced from the $150's, 405-381-5442, www.okhomes.tv

Tams 3436 SW 29. 5497004. Gas & Elec Dryer $50 & up. Stoves $100 &up Fridges $125 &up w/d set $150 & up washer $65-up. 30 Day Warr»

Carpet Clean $10 room Repair-Stretch-Install Furniture too. 882-4592