FORT SMITH (KFSM)–The 78th annual Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair is well underway. Organizers say the turnout for opening day doubled last year’s crowd.
“We’re very excited it was a great way to start the fair this year,” Mike Looper, 2014 Fair Chairman said.
New to the fair this year is a revamped expo building.
“If you look inside our expo building we have our Mutley Crew Dog Show,” Looper said, “and the dog show is 3-4 times per day, so you need to check Facebook, check our printed materials. We also have a kids zone, free to all kids, and it’s inflatables, it’s air-conditioned.”
In addition to all the rides, music performances and food, kids with 4-H and FFA spend all year preparing for the livestock competitions. 16-year-old Chism Maye won overall grand champion with market lamb.
“You get [a] trophy, and you make the premium sale, and they donate money to go into next year’s project,” he said.
4-H member Aubrie Rexwinkle got first place with her sheep for the first time Saturday (Sept. 20).
“I made the sale,” she said.
The majority of the youth livestock competitions took place this weekend, according to Sebastian County 4-H Extension Agent Jesse Bocksnick.
This week organizers anticipate between 125,000-130,000 people to come to the fair taking place at Kay Rogers Park. Monday (Sept. 22) is buddy night, where you can buy one armband, and get a second one for free. The fair runs through Sept. 27.
