The Oklahoma State Fair opens Sept. 17 at the OKC Fairgrounds. This year's theme, "The Midway of the Mother Road," celebrates Route 66's 100th anniversary.
The fair runs through Sept. 27 and brings a slate of Route 66-themed attractions, a new giant observation wheel and a reminder about the youth attendance policy requiring minors to be with a responsible adult after 5 p.m., according to KOCO.
Scott Munz of the Oklahoma State Fair said the Route 66 tribute stretches across several venues. The Bennett Event Center will house a family fun zone with a virtual road trip, Route 66-themed miniature golf and a midway movie drive-in. A separate salute to the highway is planned for the Modern Living Building.
The fair's biggest new ride is the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot-tall structure organizers call the world's largest portable observation wheel, News9 reported.
Munz said safety remains the fair's top concern.
"Security and safety is priority No. 1 for us, so we have a high concentration of officers with OCPD and the Oklahoma County sheriff and ones that we hire ourselves," Munz told KOCO.
The Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and private security hired by the fair will all have a visible presence on the grounds.
On the food side, the fair announced more than 50 new items, according to News9. Highlights include Pickle Dr Pepper, Deep-Fried Ranch and a ramen-crusted Korean corndog. James Beard Award winner Chef Andrew Black will serve Mango Bourbon Pork Ribs at his Perle Mesta pop-up.
Live entertainment fills the schedule. The Route 66 Red Dirt Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, features Wade Bowen, William Clark Green and Cam Allen on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage, according to KGOU. All stage shows are free with fair admission. Disney on Ice runs Sept. 17-20 at the OG&E Coliseum. Ultimate Bullfighters takes the arena Sept. 24, followed by Wildcatters vs. The World bull riding Sept. 25-26.
Advance tickets for opening day cost $8, or $10 at the gate, according to The Oklahoman. Children 5 and under get in free. Season passes are $40 online. Single-day parking is $15.
Discount days to know:
- Tuesday, Sept. 22: $4 admission, $4 food specials and free entry for active-duty, retired and veteran military members and spouses with military ID
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: Senior Day, free for ages 55 and older with ID
- Thursday, Sept. 24: College students pay $5 with valid college ID
Gates open daily at 10 a.m. at 3001 General Pershing Blvd. Bags are allowed but subject to screening. Weapons, outside food and drinks, and pets other than service animals are prohibited. The fairgrounds are smoke-free, including e-cigarettes. Tickets and details are available at okstatefair.com or by calling 405-948-6800.
Upcoming fair events:
- Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20: Disney on Ice, OG&E Coliseum
- Friday, Sept. 18: Film Friday
- Saturday, Sept. 19: Route 66 Centennial Salute & Parade; Route 66 Red Dirt Music Festival
- Sunday, Sept. 20: Family Fun Day
- Thursday, Sept. 24: WoW Fest; Ultimate Bullfighters, OG&E Coliseum
- Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26: Wildcatters vs. The World bull riding
