Looking back at 2021: Tulsa State Fair 2021 scored success after a one-year absence
Originally known as the “Tulsa County Free Fair” when it started in 1903, the Tulsa State Fair has offered attractions and family friendly fun for over 100 years. Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
Returning participants, Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), welcomed attendees. With over 60 volunteers and a dozen staff members, OKEQ at the fair sells merchandise and provides information to the public. Some attendees and booths were not thrilled that OKEQ participated at the Tulsa State Fair, meanwhile, others were delighted to see the organization here. Toby Jenkins, CEO/executive director for OKEQ, said, “We’ve been told that there are people at the end of the other building who were mad that we’re here, and they keep complaining to the fair staff. ‘Well you can see their rainbow arch all the way at the end of the building. ’You know, and they didn’t feel like that was fair.” On the positive side, Jenkins explained, “What we had to do is make sure [is say] Hey, we’re here, and now we’ve [had] a lot of people who said, ‘Oh, I was hoping you would be back here this year. ’So, we’re getting a lot of people who’ve been here before.” Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
Hand sanitizing stations are a common site at this year’s fair. After public concerns grew with the presence of COVID-19 still active, the Tulsa State Fair established these hand washing stations throughout the grounds. COVID-19 vaccinations were also available for attendees as well. Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
Willie’s Homemade Salsa has been participating for 11 years. Owner Willie Kim offers a variety of sauces and salsas amongst other goodies at his booth at the Tulsa State Fair. He cites a personal struggle in the past that led him to reflect on his life – leading to his inspiration to create his business. Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
Yard products – Business that sell outdoor products is one of the dozens of vendor booths available for attendees to peruse. Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
Karen’s Concessions, LLC, owned by Karen Jencks, is a family-owned business that has participated in the Tulsa State Fair for more than 20 years. This vender provides homemade offerings from main course meals to desserts, such as funnel cakes and deep-fried pickles. Photo by Anna Fuhrmeister.
