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Oklahoma has been a state for one hundred years.
For many of those years, one institution has dominated central Oklahoma every September: the State Fair.
This year’s iteration — like all those before it — was visible, audible and even smellable from far beyond the boundaries of the fairgrounds.
Also like the fairs before it, this year’s centennial special edition drew all sorts of people from across the state.
The official attendance hovers around one million annually, according to the Oklahoma State Fair Web site. A pretty decent cross-section of Oklahoma could be gleaned from the attendees, who make up almost one-sixth of Oklahoma’s total population.
Evidence of the first category of fair patron is seen before one enters the spectacle. These folks prefer huge pickups. The vast majority of these real-life Tonkas carry “farm truck” plates.
Equally conspicuous — at least to my urban-dwelling eyes — are the drivers of these vehicles.
They dress to ride horses, bulls, tractors or all three. Their Wranglers are seen in especially great numbers around the livestock and rodeo areas, as one would expect.
They drive Oklahoma’s farming and ranching-dominated economy forward. They are the ones that have outlasted numerous oil booms and busts through countless rounds of sowing and harvesting.
Their mastery of the land and command of its bounty not only ensure a prosperous Oklahoma economy, but also food for people in this state and many others.
In many ways, the agrarian-heavy Oklahoma State Fair is a celebration of their continued work and the integral part they play in Oklahoma.
The second category of fair patron is the opposite of the aforementioned farmer. These sandal-clad, cell-phone-toting people are the ones mouthing curses in their cars while waiting in
line for a parking spot.
They don’t want to deal with vehicular madness on their days off. They get enough of it on their commutes to work.
These occupants of corporate ladders represent the reapers and sowers of the growing business, corporate and service sectors of this state’s economy.
Each year, they contribute to an increasingly robust economy. Their endeavors bring more buying power to Oklahoma and help give the state a more flattering overall image.
That image is underscored by more modern technology, such as concept cars and alternative energy systems, exhibited at the fair every year.
That these two very disparate groups mix freely and enjoy the spectacle of the fair together is a testament to what I see as one of Oklahoma’s greatest assets — its position as a crossroads.
Geographically, Oklahoma can be divided into four quadrants that differ from each other in resources, ecology and climate.
Furthermore, the state is home to scores of different groups.
With the possible exception of wide-ranging political conservatism, the positions and traditions maintained by these groups are quite different.
Regardless, major disagreements are rare.
Although many of us may scoff at our state Department of Tourism’s proclamations of Oklahoma as a friendly place, it is, especially compared to other places in the country.
No matter how friendly it is, Oklahoma has its share of problems, of course.
Oklahomans lead unhealthy lifestyles and many struggle with obesity.
Unfortunately, you can see this at the State Fair as well.
The vast majority of people who go to the fair go for the food.
It’s understandable.
The food is delicious.
It’s also extremely unhealthy.
Probably three-quarters of all food available at the fair is deep-fried.
It has become a contest to see who can sell the most outrageous deep-fried “treat.”
Fried Twinkies and fried Snickers candy bars are just two of the recent cardiology nightmares.
It wouldn’t be so bad if these artery cloggers weren’t so popular.
It seems the unhealthier a food item is, the longer the line is to obtain it. You could argue indulging in batter-encrusted goodness is just something done on festive occasions.
This is sadly not the case.
As evidenced by increasing waistlines and decreasing lifespans, Oklahoma clearly has a chronic problem with obesity, and much of it is due to poor eating habits.
This is definitely one of the problems we must attack in our second century of statehood.
This year’s state fair and the crazy carnival atmosphere is gone.
Also gone is that particular brand of cuisine only available at the fair.
The behemoth farm trucks and hybrid cars jostling for space on crowded grass parking lots are a rare sight. Scores of independent farmers and ranchers will likely not fraternize with corporate soldiers until next September.
When the 2008 State Fair does begin, however, that spirit of community that echoes throughout the state will again be on display.
The friendliness and decency that sets Oklahoma apart from many other places will be embodied once more by the all people of the State Fair, except maybe the carnies.
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