Opening Day At Tulsa State Fair Is All About The Horses

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa State Fair means different things to different people. For some, it's Midway rides that are a thrill - or may make you sick.

Then there's Fair food - that is so bad for you but tastes so good  - and may make you sick. Not to mention the exhibits, concerts and PRCA rodeos.

Early on Thursday, the Fair was all about the horse shows.

Competitions at the Tulsa State Fair are officially underway starting with the Arabian Horse Show. Kids and adults prep all year to show off what their horses can do and hope they trot away with a ribbon.

"We come every year," said Jennifer Ramsey, Arkansas resident.

Gina Kerr came to watch her niece in the horse show.

"This is the first time that she's shown her horse," Kerr said. "And I think it's the first time the horse has actually shown. It's only two years old."

"She's nervous. And her horse is nervous, but I think she's doing real good."

Alex Craig and her horse Mojo come every year to compete at the fair.

"I love it. So much fun. Just the whole environment," said Alex Craig.

Craig says she likes showing in a few classes before the fairgrounds open. It's quieter. Something other riders seem to appreciate as well.

"I have three or four other baby horses that I haven't shown that I'm going to get on and show too," said Liz Bentley of Missouri.

"I just think it's great, especially for the kids," said Jennifer Ramsey of Arkansas.

"They win money and scholarships to go onto college and things like that so I think it's a really good deal."

Horse shows and livestock shows are ongoing throughout the fair.

What do you think about it? He says do you have a carrot.

By the time the saddles come off, and the horse gets a carrot or two, everyone's worked up quite an appetite.

 "Well I've heard they have deep fried butter somewhere," said Gina Kerr of Bethany.

There are plenty of new things here at the Fair: spaghetti shaped ice Cream, Kettle Korn on a Stick, Deep Fried Bananas and Australian Fries.