Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Scott Munz about the upcoming Oklahoma state fair and munz says the State Fair’s theme this year is built around the simple joys of attending: “We’ve centered it around our theme, which is eat, ride, and repeat, two of the biggest things that people like to do at the fair, eat and carnival ride. So why not play off of the catch phrase eat, ride, repeat.” He explained that with so many activities and events planned, visitors are encouraged to come more than once to take it all in.
Having worked at the fairgrounds since 1988, Munz reflects on his long history: “I think it’s my 37th year, but only my 36th fair. Because of COVID, we didn’t have one in 2020, I’ve been here a while.” His role has often included sampling and talking about the most creative — and sometimes outrageous — fair foods.
Munz says new food ideas often come from concessionaires experimenting for fun: “What happens is, on rainy days at the fair, the concessionaires are standing around… and they start looking around and thinking, what can I deep fry? What can I put on a stick?” That process, he says, is how items like fried butter and fried Coke were born. This year, he’s excited about more than 40 new foods, including “a really good slice of pecan pie that is battered and deep fried” and the unusual “bacon cheesecake burger.”
Another food creation Munz has his eye on combines two favorites: “The one that I’m looking forward to… it’s a pizza grilled cheese. It combines what I call two of my favorite food groups, pizza and grilled cheese. And what better way to ingest it than both at the same time, right?” Alongside the indulgent foods, he pointed to the Made in Oklahoma General Store, which offers local products inside the Bennett Event Center.
For families, Munz says the fair delivers an overwhelming sensory experience: “One of my favorite things is to sit at the gate and watch families come in, and the kids are grabbing the parents’ hand. And there’s what I refer to as sensory overload — the sights, the sounds, the smells when you come in the gates.” He adds, “I always say we have something for everybody from eight to 80, and everybody’s got something to pique their interest.”
Music is another major draw, and Munz outlined a wide range of concerts on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage: “We try to spread that out with different genres. I’m excited about Joe Nichols on opening day… Sister Sledge on Friday… Kentucky Headhunters and Blackstone Cherry Saturday.” The lineup continues with tribute bands, contemporary Christian music, country acts, and rock legends, ensuring “something for everybody.”
Entertainment Lineup
This year’s fair will feature a diverse lineup of performers on the free Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage. The schedule includes:
- Joe Nichols on opening day.
- Sister Sledge on Friday.
- The Kentucky Headhunters and Blackstone Cherry on Saturday, noting a family connection between the two Kentucky bands.
- Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone.
- Drew Baldridge and tribute bands for Elvis and arena acts like KISS and Motley Crue.
The fair will also host performances in the new OG&E Coliseum. The venue, which opened in mid-June for equine events, will host its first-ever entertainment shows, including nine performances of Disney On Ice. The first concert in the new coliseum will feature Trace Adkins and Casey Donahew. Additionally, the new coliseum will host the Wildcatters PBR Teams Challenge, featuring all 10 teams from the league.
Getting to the Fair and Discount Days
Munz advised attendees to plan their route and “come early” due to construction on the bridge for Interstate 44 and 10th Street. With construction around the property, his best advice is simple: “Come early, plan early.” He also mentioned several discount days to help people save money on admission:
- Thursday, September 11: Celebrate OK! Day, with half-price gate admission.
- Military Monday: Free admission for military personnel and their spouses.
- Taste of the Fair Tuesday: Gate admission is $4.
- Senior Day Wednesday: Free admission for seniors 55 and older.
- Tinker Federal Credit Union Thrifty Thursday: Gate admission is $8.
To take advantage of discounts, Munz encourages people to visit the fair’s website for deals.
