Lumberjacks and pirates: Oklahoma State Fair opens with familiar favorites and new events
For Matthews Betts, his brothers and his cousin, the opening day of the Oklahoma State Fair proved an educational experience.
For instance, he learned that pedaling a kid-size tractor is much tougher than it seems once you're pulling a weight transfer sled loaded with 75 pounds.
"It was fun. It looked so easy, but I found out I had to carry metal. Oh, my gosh!" said Matthew, 6, of Oklahoma City.
Matthew, his brothers Joey Betts, 8, and Sam Betts, 3, and his cousin Milo Betts, 10, were among the first youngsters to test their strength in the new Kids Pedal Tractor Pull outside Barn 4.
"I said, 'Let's just try it.' ... It was fun, but it was harder than it looked," said Matthew's mom, Lunden Betts, who also attended with her husband, Joseph Betts Sr.
Oklahoma State Fair balances new attractions with familiar favorites
Along with the slate of familiar favorites, several new offerings have been added to this year's Oklahoma State Fair, which continues through Sept. 24 at the OKC Fairgrounds.
"The big challenge each year for the staff is how do we keep moving forward with new and different shows, attractions and exhibits, while still paying homage to what made the Oklahoma State Fair the great family event it has become,” fair spokesman J. Scott Munz said in an email.
More: From parking to concerts: Everything you need to know about the Oklahoma State Fair 2023
He noted that even popular state fair mainstays like the Oklahoma Frontier Experience and AGtropolis once were new additions.
"We never imagined the fairgoers would take to these attractions as they did," Munz said.
Pirate pooches, competitive lumberjacks and more are new to the state fair
On the buccaneer-theme Plaza Stage, a Belgian Malinois named Eva barked excitedly as she easily sailed over a hurdle during her first performance of The Captain’s Canines show, another new attraction at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair.
"That was a great warm-up. Do you think we should go a little higher?" Haeleigh Hyatt asked the audience gathered to watch her pirate-theme dog show
The owner of Aim High Canines, Hyatt steadily added higher bars to the jump and smiled when the crowd cheered as Eva made the leap. When the overeager shepherd sent the bars scattering, Hyatt laughed.
"Girl, you're supposed to go over it, not through it. But that's OK," Hyatt teased the dog, giving her a treat and leading her through a new series of tricks.
Hyatt, who hails from New Hampshire, said she and her athletic canines perform at theme parks, fairs, festivals and halftime shows.
"I love fairs because there are so many new and fun things to do, new people to meet, and sights to see. There's a special energy, and it's great to be a part of that," she told The Oklahoman.
On the Bandshell Lawn, Joe Woodman fired up a chainsaw to challenge his cohorts to a log-sawing race, narrowly lost a log-rolling contest and got the wisecracks flying, along with the sawdust, during the first performance of the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, another new show at this year's fair.
"I've been doing fairs all my life. I grew up performing. Both of my parents were entertainers. I've traveled on Ringling Bros., I've worked for many different amusement parks. ... I used to ride motorcycles in a steel cage," he said. "When I saw this, I said, 'That looks cool,' and that was about 10 years ago.
"And I said, 'You know what? I'm Joe Woodman. I want to be a lumberjack.' So, here we are."
Woodman said he loves the diversity he sees when he performs at a fair.
"You got so many ethnic groups that have all migrated to the same area to enjoy themselves and smile and laugh and have a great time — and we are direct contributors to that," he said.
What are the new daily attractions at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair?
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull
When and where: 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily, Gordon Cooper Boulevard (outside Barn 4).
Children ages 4 to 12 can test their strength pedaling while pulling a weight transfer sled.
The Captain’s Canines
When and where: 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, Plaza Stage.
The buccaneer-theme stage now features a crew of athletic pirate pooches.
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
When and where: 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, Bandshell Lawn.
A five-person team shows their skills at axe-throwing, wood-chopping and log-rolling.
Rock n Rolling Piano
When and where: 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily, The Circle and Wichita Walk.
A talented pianist drives, plays and sings all at the same time.
RAMINATOR
When and where: 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily (plus noon Saturdays and Sundays), Centennial Plaza.
A 2020 RAM 2500 Power Wagon, standing 10 feet tall and weighing more than 10,000 pounds, crushes cars.
Laser Light Extravaganza
When and where: 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily, Circle Stage Picnic Area.
A 20-minute laser light show choreographed to rollicking music plays out on a 30-foot screen, and fairgoers are encouraged to grab some dinner to go with the show and picnic at one of the many tables or on the grass.
Kids Korner
When and where: Daily throughout the fair, Bennett Event Center.
It houses several hands-on activities, including the new Kids Korner Construction Zone, Dino Encounters and Porky’s Express Pig Train. Plus, the Kids Can Cook booth has a new home here. (Rides on the animatronic dinosaurs and pig train are $5 each.)
Dairy Discovery Zone
When and where: Daily throughout the fair, Modern Living Lawn.
Get the farm-to-table scoop on how dairy products are produced.
What new special events are planned at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair?
Hoof & Horns Spectacular
When and where: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22-23, Jim Norick Arena.
Devised by the famed Beutler family of Elk City, the new rodeo event will feature bucking broncs and freestyle bullfighting. It replaces the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's Xtreme Bulls & Broncs previously offered at the fair. Tickets range from $15 to $25. All children 2 and older need a ticket for their own seat; children younger than 2 are admitted free but must sit in the lap of a paying customer.
Farmhand Olympics
When and where: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 and 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21, Super Barn/Barn 1 Arena.
Farmers can compete for bragging rights in team events like Penny in a Haystack, Wheelbarrow Zig Zag and Hay in the Loft.
Goat Milking Experience
When and where: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19, Super Barn/Barn 1 Arena.
Fairgoers can try their hand at milking a goat.
Skylines at the Oklahoma State Fair Esports Tournament
When: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23, Modern Living Building.
Hosted by Oklahoma Christian University and Rainy Day Productions, it will give gamers the chance to vie for major prizes at "Super Smash Bros." Registration deadline is Sept. 15.
College Day
When and where: Sept. 21, throughout the fairgrounds.
This year's fair includes a new discount day, when college students can get $5 admission. A college ID is required, and one admission is allowed per ID.
Pop-Up Yoga Class
When and where: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 24, Bandshell Lawn.
Spirit House Yoga and The Yoga Tag LLC will host the class.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State Fair 2023 keeps iconic attractions while adding new fun
