Tulsa State Fair Ends On High Note

By Lacie Lowry, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa State Fair wrapped up Sunday evening and organizers say this year's fair had a bigger turnout than last year.

From the weather, to attendance and vendor sales, organizers say 2010 was bigger than ever.

10/11/2009 Related story: Weather May Have Influenced Tulsa State Fair Attendance This Year

Foot traffic spiked with a big helping hand from the weather and some eye-popping attractions.

"I love the food and everything and I don't get to come a lot, and I don't get to ride rides that much," said Taryn Vaught of Stillwater.

Sales were popping for the 840 vendors.

"This has been the best fair in four years, it's gone really well. Sales have been up, things have been real nice," said Rapid Fire Owner Chris Gabriel.

Organizers say people came to the Tulsa State Fair from every county in Oklahoma.

"It's a lot different than the Stillwater Fair, but it's really fun," said Abbi Nicholas of Stillwater:

Always a fan favorite is the food, from awesome blossoms to fried green tomatoes and the Krispy Kreme hamburger.

Ground shows and free entertainment made a comeback this year, adding value to each ticket.

"This year the fair has been wonderful," said Sarah Thompson, Tulsa State Fair: "We've had great weather, the attendance seems to be up, our paid-gate revenue is up this year and we're really excited about that."

Through Friday, the Fair was at a 41-percent increase over last year's numbers, sitting at $1.5 million in ticket sales.

"We have a huge economic impact in the Tulsa community and the Tulsa State Fair is a great revenue generator in general, so we are really excited about the numbers and how they are coming in so far," said Thompson.

Organizers plan to release their final estimate of attendance numbers on Tuesday.