Fairgoers Lay Off High-Priced Items

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The theme this year, "We're On A Roll". Did the money really roll in at this year's state fair?

Tens of thousands went out for the final night on Sunday. Despite the economic rescue plan, a lot of people are still uneasy about the economy.

The News On 6 went to find out if people were spending their hard-earned dollars at the fair.

The fair was packed Sunday, but some vendors say while customers showed up in droves, many were laying off the high end items.

Sunday offered one last chance for fairgoers to stroll the midway, ride the rides and even gaze at SkyNews 6.

Those who have already frequented the fair say there was a lot less room in the QuikTrip Center this weekend.

"We was out here last weekend on a Saturday night.  Seems like there's more people out here today than what there was last weekend. It's packed," said Kim Martin.

Some spent their time perusing sunglasses at Items Specialties. Its owner says business was good, but people stayed away from the more expensive shades.

"There's been a little bit of hesitation on the more expensive pieces. The less expensive and the moderate pieces are selling," said Mark Gott of Items Specialties.

It was much of the same over at Tom's Turquoise Jewelry, where fairgoers bought trinkets, but abstained from the pricier items.

"It has a little bit yes.  We're selling a lot of inexpensive items versus the big ones," said Erika Depriest of Tom's Turquoise Jewelry.

Despite the concern of some vendors, attendance is up pretty sharply at this year's fair, including a total of 7% overall when compared to last year, and double digit increases when you compare it to Thursday, Friday and Saturday of 2007.

But many seemed determined to stick to a budget in 2008.

One family of seven decided to spend only $100 dollars on rides and food. While sticking to that plan wasn't easy, they say deciding how to spend the money in these uncertain times was.

James Coffelt was asked how he splits that up.

"75 bucks for dad, 25 for everyone else," said Coffelt with a laugh.

The final sales numbers for vendors have not been released yet, but they were down slightly over the first four days of the fair when compared to 2007.