First Time In 40 Years, Tulsa State Fair Using New Ride Company

The Tulsa State Fair starts in less than a week, with a different company bringing the rides for the first time in more than 40 years.

Many of the new rides are designed with kids in mind, but it’s not just youngsters who are benefiting from the new ride company.

North American Midway Entertainment is taking over the rides at the fair, and the fair says it’ll be taking in more money.

Sarah Thompson with the Tulsa State Fair said, "Each year we wanna make sure we're bringing something new."

Thompson said there will be two new rides for kids and six new rides for teenagers.

"Somebody that's really looking to have a good time - a little more thrilling," she said.

There's a perk in it for the fair, too.

In the past, Thompson said it would get 28 percent of the money from ticket sales, but now it will get 45 percent. 

"That'll help us provide better entertainment and keep our facilities looking great," Thompson said.

And she said fairgoers shouldn't see an impact on their wallets.

"It's gonna be about the same price,” Thompson said. “The coupon count is a little different, so their rides are gonna be between two and four coupons where last year the coupon count might have been two, it might have been six."

Thompson said part of the contract with the new ride company includes $1 million for capital improvements at Expo Square.

She said no decision has been made on what they'll do with the money, but the ride company will be sticking around for at least two more years, after more than 40 with Murphy Brothers.

"They did a wonderful job. It is sad to see the change, but we're also very positive and ready to move forward," Thompson said.

And while the fair is ready to move forward, the City of Tulsa said the construction project on Yale will pause during the fair and all four lanes will be open to traffic.

We also asked if there's any new food coming to the fair this year and learned everyone can expect a FRIDAY - that's French fries, with ice cream and chocolate syrup on top.