Attendance Steady at State Fair

Organizers for the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair say attendance is steady. The fair and Bikes, Blues & BBQ teamed up this year. Some of the proceeds from Friday night’s concert at Kay Rodgers Park will go to Bikes, Blues & BBQ charities.

“I think we’ve been about 13, 14 years now,” said Alvin Gann, of Hackett.

The Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair is tradition for Gann. He has been running Old McDonald’s Farm for more than a decade.

“This year I’ve got the kangaroo, the porcupine, we have some kinkajous that we haven’t had before,” said Gann.

The farm is just one of many attractions at the fair. Organizers say attendance is consistent.

“The carnival receipts are holding steady, so we’ve got to be happy,” said Monroe Moreton, livestock chairman. “We were concerned that it might be down somewhat because of the local economy.”

Moreton says so far attendance at the fair is about the same as last year.

“I think we’re about, we’re running about neck and neck,” he said.

Big name bands can bring in big numbers. Friday night Theory of a Deadman with special guest Black Stone Cherry will take the stage. It is the official show for Bikes, Blues & BBQ.

“We’re looking forward to about 600 to 1,000 of them anyway being here,” said Moreton.

Gann says he already had dozens of school kids visit the farm Thursday morning. He expects even more Thursday night.

“Stop by and see us,” said Gann.

Tickets to get in the gate at the fair are $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 3-11, and admission is free for kids 2 and under.