AE-01189
STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA:
SURVEY RESULTS
Suzette Barta, Extension Assistant, OSU, Stillwater
(405) 744-6186
Norma Eddington, Administrative Assistant, OSU, Stillwater
(405) 744-9837
Notie Lansford, Professor, OSU, Stillwater
(405) 744-6555
Mike D. Woods, Extension Economist, OSU, Stillwater
(405) 744-9837
Jan Montgomery, Special Assistant to the Dean, OSU, Stillwater
(405) 744-5398
Claudia Tarrington, Expo Square, Tulsa
(918) 748-0040
OKLAHOME COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
November 16, 2001
1
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction and Methodology 2
Part I: Results of County Fair Survey #1 (CF1) 4
Part II: Results of County Fair Survey #2 (CF2) 10
Part III: Identifying At-Risk Fairs 23
Appendix A: Tables with Responses to CF1 28
Appendix B: CF2 Survey Instrument and Cover Letter 48
Appendix C: Tables with CF2 Survey Results 58
Appendix D: Summary of County Response to CF1 and CF2 86
Appendix E: County Fair Board Account Information for FY 1999-00 90
Appendix F: Oklahoma County Fair Statutes 96
2
STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA
SURVEY RESULTS
Introduction
An Interim Study Committee of the Oklahoma Legislature recently requested that the
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service assist with the distribution and analysis of a
survey to the Chairmen of County Fair Boards across the state. The purpose of the
survey was to determine certain basic information such as attendance, funding sources,
facility usage, etc. Financial information was requested to “paint a picture” of the state
for the purpose of compilation in order to determine the viability of fairs in the state and
to determine what kind of assistance the state might provide to assist at-risk fairs. The
eventual goal of the analysis is to explore existing or possible economic solutions and to
increase the Fairs’ positive economic impact and viability.
Methodology
Two versions of the county fair survey were distributed. Version 1 (CF1) was sent
primarily to County Commissioners in early August 2001. Out of the 77 Oklahoma
counties and 2 state fairs, 53 responded to CF1. CF1 was extremely useful in allowing
Extension staff to develop a database of fair board chairmen with their addresses. This
list was further developed via a telephone campaign.
Version 2 (CF2) of the survey was designed to be more easily tabulated than CF1 and
was mailed out through the offices of Representative James Covey, Chairman of the
Interim Study Committee in early September 2001. CF2 was distributed to the fair board
chairmen in the 77 counties plus the Tulsa State Fair and the State Fair of Oklahoma. In
total, 24 out of 79 (30%) state and county fair surveys have been returned to the
3
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) at Oklahoma State University for
compilation. Twenty-three of the returned surveys are from county fairs, while one is
from the Tulsa State Fair. This report, prepared by the OCES, summarizes the results of
these surveys. Part I of this report will summarize the results of CF1 and Part II will
present the results of CF2. Part III will draw some conclusions about the status of the
county fairs in the state based on the results of both surveys.
4
PART I
STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA
SURVEY RESULTS
RESULTS OF COUNTY FAIR SURVEY #1 (CF1)
5
Results of CF1
From surveys sent to 77 counties and to 2 state fairs, a total of 53 surveys were
returned for a response rate of 67%. Fifty-two of the surveys returned were from county
fairs and 1 was from the Tulsa State Fair (TSF). Unless otherwise stated, the analysis
below will focus only on the 52 reporting county fairs and will not include data from the
TSF.
Of the 52 county fairs, 47 (90%) are enabled as 104a County Free Fairs, 1 as an
Optional Fair Association, 1 as a 157.1 Trust Authority, and 1 reported some other form
of enabling. Forty-seven counties also reported that fair board members are elected as
opposed to appointed. Forty-seven out of 52 counties do not have an advisory board
(neither does the TSF). Only 5 county fairs actually have an advisory board. These
boards are comprised of County Extension staff, County Commission, Ag. Instructors,
4H leaders, and fair superintendents.
When asked who manages the daily operations of fairgrounds facilities and events,
various answers were offered including: County Commissioners, Extension personnel,
fair board, city, county fair board employees, OSU personnel, volunteers, and fairground
manager. When asked who manages the fair, 25 counties reported that it was the
fairgrounds board, 18 said County Extension staff, 7 said hired manager, and 3 said other.
Out of 52 counties, 44 (85%) reported that the County Extension office either operates or
provides services for the county fair. Services provided by Extension include scheduling,
printing, judging, coordination of events, secretarial services, use of office equipment,
record keeping, provision of awards and trophies, catalog preparation, mailing, exhibits,
etc.
6
Forty-seven out of 52 counties (90%) receive county funds for the fair, so does the
TSF. Thirty-four (65%) say that the funds are earmarked for specific purposes. Twenty-
six (50%) counties say that county funds have increased over the last 10 years while 10
say that county funds have decreased. The TSF says county funds have stayed the same.
When asked about other forms of funding available, 12 counties (23%) mentioned
donations, 4 (8%) mentioned a sales tax, 3 (6%) mentioned generated revenue, and 13
(25%) had other responses.
Of the 52 county fairs, 24 (46%) have paid employees. The number of full-time
employees ranges from 1 to 7. The TSF has 70 full-time employees. The number of
part-time employees at county fairs ranges from 1 to 30. The Tulsa County Public
Facilities Trust Authority (Tulsa State Fair) has 400 part-time employees. When asked to
whom these employees reported, answers included: secretary, fair manager, no one,
county fair board, County Commission, and OSU Extension. Only one county reported
that its employees were state employees.
Forty counties (77%) reported that they had a population of 50,000 or less. Four
reported a population of 50,001 to 100,000, and 2 reported a population of 100,001 to
500,000. Tulsa County, home of the TSF has a population of about one million people.
Forty counties also reported attendance to their county fair to be 10,000 or less. Two
counties reported attendance of 10,001 to 20,000. The TSF reported attendance of 1.1
million. When asked if their fairgrounds hosted any unique operations, 47 counties
(90%) responded, “no.”
Forty-two counties (81%) have not received any Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)
funds. The TSF has not received any REAP funds either. Ten counties reported
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receiving REAP funds, and have used them in the following ways: built handicap-
accessible areas, built concession area, upgraded facilities, updated kitchen, made repairs,
built new facilities, remodeled, added concrete floors, etc. When asked if other capital
improvements have been made to the fairgrounds in the last seven years, 31 counties
reported, “yes,” and 21 counties reported, “no.” These improvements were funded
through sales tax, insurance, earnings, donations, and other county funds. When asked
about the condition of their facilities, the counties reported that facilities that were
anything from “in poor condition” to “totally renovated.”
Twenty-five of 52 (48%) counties report that the county does maintain their facility.
When asked who is responsible for maintaining the facilities, responses included: the
county fair board, trust authority, ag teachers, Extension educators, the city, private
owners, a fairgrounds manager, and others.
Twenty-three of the 52 (44%) counties reported that their fair has grown in attendance
over the last 10 years, and 16 (31%) reported that the number of commercial exhibits has
increased in the last 10 years. Twenty-nine (56%) reported that livestock premiums have
increased in the last 10 years. Twenty-three counties believe that their communities are
losing interest in the county fair. Some possible reasons offered were: patrons are older,
busy schedules, no room for growth, no carnival, fair not managed correctly, too many
other school and sports activities, decreasing population, lack of interest by supporters,
lack of youth involvement, urban as opposed to farm community, etc.
Thirty-seven counties reported that they do have other festivals in their communities.
When asked why these events often draw more attendance than the county fair, some
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answers included: more activities, larger town, more community involvement, better
advertising, more attractions, big sponsors, etc.
Less than half, 22 of the 52 counties are members of the Oklahoma Association of
Fairs and Festivals (OAFF). The TSF is also a member. Even fewer (just 4 counties and
the TSF) are members of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFF),
and only 16 counties plus the TSF reported that the staff, board, or volunteers attend
educational conferences relating to fairs.
Only 13 of the counties believe that a different method of selecting board members
would encourage more involvement from community leaders. Some suggestions include:
stagger board members’ terms, limit term to 3 years, commissioner’s appointment, have a
9-member board, etc. Only a few respondents suggested any changes in the Oklahoma
Statutes regarding county fairs. Suggestions included: more money, additional options
for funding, fair board system outdated, funding help as a youth activity, need direct
funding support, education, guaranteed fair budget, too much paper work to get repairs,
have our county operate under 104c, multi-county structures and agreements, etc. Only 7
(13%) counties agreed that they would charge a nominal entry or admission fee if statutes
allowed.
When asked about the most important issues regarding county fair operations, some of
the most popular answers were: lack of funding for utilities/upkeep/repairs/expansions,
lack of interest in fair and in agriculture, poor public awareness, scheduling and sports
conflicts, inadequate facilities, lack of manager/staff/volunteers, securing a carnival, low
attendance, etc. When asked to list their five most needed capital improvements at this
time, some of the most popular answers provided by the counties were: asphalt parking,
9
heat and air conditioning, handicapped facilities and accessibility, new
exhibit/barn/convention/kitchen buildings, work or renovation needed on
restrooms/banquet hall/cattle barn, new ceiling, seating/bleachers, etc. Some State
Departments of Agriculture administer funds appropriated by the legislature to the county
fairs. Forty-two (81%) out of 52 counties thought this would be beneficial in Oklahoma.
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PART II
STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA
SURVEY RESULTS
RESULTS OF COUNTY FAIR SURVEY #2 (CF2)
11
Results of CF2
In total, 24 out of 79 (30%) state and county fair surveys have been returned to the
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) at Oklahoma State University for
compilation. Twenty-three of the returned surveys are from county fairs, while one is
from the Tulsa State Fair.
The second week of September was the most popular time to hold the county fair with
11 out of 23 (48%) counties holding their fairs sometime during the week of September
3-8, 2001. The earliest reported fair began on August 22. The latest fair reported was the
Tulsa State Fair, which ran from September 27 to October 7. Most counties expect to
hold future fairs at similar times.
Twenty-two of the county fairs are formed as 104a County Free Fairs, and one is
formed as a 157.1 Trust Authority. The Tulsa State Fair (TSF) is also a 157.1 Trust
Authority. Of the county fairs, 20 out of 23 (87%) elect their fair boards. Only 3 out of
23 (9%) appoint the fair board members. The TSF elects its fair board members. Only 4
out of 23 county fairs (13%) have an advisory board. Of those 4, all of the boards have
Extension educators as members. Three out of four have elected county officials. Two
have county employees, and two have business leaders. One has high school students.
None of the advisory boards have elected city officials. The TSF also has an advisory
board with elected county officials and business leaders as members.
When asked who manages the daily operation of the fairgrounds, 8 out of 23 (35%)
counties said county Extension staff. Four (17%) reported that a fairgrounds board
manages the fairgrounds, 3 (13%) have a hired manager, and 6 reported other
arrangements. Tulsa fairgrounds are managed by the fairgrounds board. When asked
12
who manages the fair itself, 9 out of 23 counties (39%) said that this was handled by
county Extension staff, 13 said the fairgrounds board managed the fair, 3 said they had a
hired manager, and 1 reported other arrangements. (Several counties gave multiple
answers for this question). The TSF is run by a hired manager. When asked about
Extension involvement in the fair, 11 of the 23 (48%) counties and the TSF reported that
Extension is actively involved with booth and events, while 8 (35%) report that Extension
fully manages the county fair. Three report a more limited assistance by Extension. One
county did not respond to this question.
The fairs were asked to indicate their primary source of funding for the fair, and 13
out of 23 (57%) indicated General Revenue County Funds. Six (26%) named a county
sales tax; 1 listed private foundations, 3 have other sources such as private solicitation
and ad sales and rentals. The TSF primarily gets its revenue from ticket and booth sales.
When county funds are earmarked for specific purposes, 6 out of 23 (26%) counties
report that they are earmarked for capital improvements; 14 report that they are
earmarked for operating expenses; and 10 report that they are earmarked for the fair only.
Three counties indicated that funds are earmarked for premiums. Four fairs do not
receive county funds. The TSF receives some funds earmarked for capital improvements.
In the last 10 years, 4 county fairs report that county funds have greatly increased, 8 say
county funds have increased somewhat, 7 say county funds have not changed, 1 says
county funds have decreased somewhat, and 1 says that county funds have greatly
decreased. The TSF says that county funds have increased somewhat in the last 10 years.
Just 5 of the county fairs have received REAP funds—ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
All REAP funds were used for building additions or upgrades.
13
Six of the 23 county fairs have full time employees, usually 1 to 3 (although some
have more). The TSF has 80 full time employees. Twelve of the 23 county fairs have
part-time employees, ranging from 1 to 18. The TSF has 300 part-time employees.
Thirteen of the county fairs say that none of their employees are government employees.
Five (plus TSF) say that some of their employees are government employees. Five
counties did not respond to this question. (Some because they have no employees.)
When asked whom the fair employees reported to, 13 of 23 counties said to the fair
board. Two said to the county Extension office, and one said to a general manager.
Seven counties did not respond—possibly because they have no employees.
Attendance at the county fairs varies greatly county to county. Some fairs reported an
attendance of 300; others reported an attendance of 10,000. The TSF had an estimated
attendance of 1.1 million. Total number of livestock exhibitors at the county fairs varied
from 0 to 612. The TSF had about 5,000. Total number of commercial exhibitors at the
county fairs ranged from 0 to 60. The TSF had about 1,100.
The next series of questions relates to estimated revenues and expenditures for the
fairs. For a summary of these, refer to Table 1. The TSF was not included in this table
but reported revenue of $4,548,969 and expenditures of $3,933,636. Net revenue for the
TSF was $615,333.
Nine of the 23 county fairs had a carnival in conjunction with their fair, so did the
TSF. The remaining 14 county fairs give the following reasons for not having a carnival.
Two said the expense was too great. Four said that they did not want to have a carnival,
and three said that a carnival was not available. One fair did not know how to bring in a
carnival, and two fairs did not have the facilities for a carnival. Seven of the county fairs
14
and the TSF hired entertainers. Of the 16 county fairs that did not have entertainers, here
are the reasons why they did not. Eight said the expense was too great, 3 said that they
did not want to have entertainers, 2 said that they had no facilities for entertainers. Two
fairs offered other reasons for not hiring entertainers.
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TABLE 1
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures from County Fairs
# County Fairs
Reporting
Range of
DollarValues
REVENUES
Admissions/Parking 0 na
Entry Fees 0 na
Booth Rental 17 $10 to $5,500
Food/Beverage Sales 11 $80 to $2,600
Carnival 6 $1,100 to $4,400
Sponsorships 7 $500 to $6,775
Other 6 $250 to $100,000
Total Revenue 18 $400 to $109,500
EXPENDITURES
Salaries 11 $290 to $2,818
Maintenance/Repair 11 $200 to $5,696
Premiums 21 $200 to $50,000
Entertainment 8 $200 to $6,417
Utilities 12 $108 to $5,000
Advertising 12 $50 to $2,000
Supplies 15 $200 to $2,575
Other 8 $150 to $4,761
Total Expenditures 19 $354 to $24,404
Positive Net Revenue 4 $200 to $1,200
Negative Net Revenue (Loss) 13 $-40 to $-17,165
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The next set of questions asked the fairs how interested their community is in various
aspects of a fair. Of the 24 total responses, 14 say their community is extremely
interested in 4-H/FFA events, 4 say their community is interested, and 6 say their
community is somewhat interested. Referring to creative arts exhibits, 3 say their
community is extremely interested, 13 say interested, 7 say somewhat interested, and 1
did not respond. When asked about entertainment, 2 fairs said that their community was
extremely interested, 10 said interested, 7 said somewhat interested, 3 said not all at
interested, and 2 said don’t know. When asked about livestock shows, 14 report that their
community is extremely interested, 4 report interested, 5 report somewhat interested, 1
did not answer. Referring to food and beverage, 3 fairs report that their communities are
extremely interested, 11 report interested, 7 report somewhat interested, 2 report don’t
know, and 1 did not answer. When asked about community interest in commercial
exhibits, 1 fair said their community was extremely interested, 11 said interested, 7 said
somewhat interested, 3 said not at all interested, 1 did not know, and 1 did not answer.
Finally, when asked about a carnival, 7 said that their community was extremely
interested, 5 said interested, 3 said somewhat interested, 4 said not at all interested, 4
don’t know, and 1 did not answer the question.
Many fairgrounds are used for purposes other than the county fair. When asked how
many days per year the facilities were in use for purposes other than the fair, the answers
ranged from 0-365. Other events held at the fairgrounds include concerts (4 out of 23),
trade shows (15 of 23), sporting events (7), livestock events (19), and banquets (18).
Other activities include flea markets, coon hunts, funerals, auctions, family reunions,
community events and meetings, garage sales, and weddings.
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Fairs were asked to report their revenues and expenditures for activities other than the
fair. Refer to Table 2 for a summary of this information for the counties. The TSF
reported revenues of $8,086,531 from activities other than the fair. Their reported
expenditures were $7,136,3719. The TSF earned positive net revenue totaling $950,212.
The following questions asked the fairs about capital improvements to the fairgrounds
in the last seven years. Of the 24 responding fairs, 16 have made capital improvements.
For 6 of these 16 fairs, the improvements were funded by a county sales tax, 5 were
funded with county general revenue funds, 7 were funded with grants, and 4 were funded
in other ways such as by sale of ads, rentals, private donations, fair income, etc. These
capital improvements included various building renovations and additions as well as new
buildings and facilities. For 9 of the 23 counties, the grounds and facilities are
maintained by the county. Private contractors maintain one county’s facility. Nine
counties gave other answers as to who maintains their facilities, including the fair board,
Extension staff, fair employees, and city staff. Fairground staff maintains the Tulsa
Fairgrounds. When asked to report on the condition of the fairgrounds, a wide range of
answers from “poor” to “excellent” were given.
The fairs were asked to describe how attendance, number of commercial exhibits, and
livestock premiums have changed in the last 10 years. Two fairs reported that attendance
had grown substantially, 10 reported that it had grown somewhat, 1 (TSF) reported that it
had not changed, 7 reported that it had declined somewhat, and 4 reported that it had
declined substantially. Referring to the number of commercial exhibits, 1 reported
substantial growth, 6 reported some growth, 5 (including TSF) reported no change, 7
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TABLE 2
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures for Events Other than the Fair
# County Fairs
Reporting
Range of Dollar
Values
REVENUES
Educational Uses 6 $50 to $2,000
Community Meetings/Banquets 11 $300 to $20,000
Private Use 13 $100 to $21,423
Trade Shows 4 $150 to $1,000
Livestock Events 10 $200 to $42,528
Other Entertainment (Sports, Concerts, etc.) 3 $450-$84,753
Sponsorships 2 $600 to $8,000
Other (building rent, RV rental, etc.) 4 $800 to $36,637
Total Revenues 18 $140 to $655,630
EXPENDITURES
Salaries 9 $540 to $208,000
Maintenance/Repair 15 $460 to $34,000
Utilities 11 $1,500 to $76,227
Supplies 10 $230 to $26,903
Other (Mowing, etc.) 5 $900 to $450,803
Total Expenditures 16 $900 to $731,350
Positive Net Revenue 4 $1,803 to $9,500
Negative Net Revenue 13 $-700 to $-75,720
19
reported some decline, 3 reported substantial decline, and 1 did not know. When asked
about livestock premiums, 3 said they had grown substantially, 3 (including TSF) said
they had grown somewhat, 13 said they had not changed, 1 said they had declined
somewhat, and 3 said they didn’t know.
Ten counties and the TSF say that their communities are not losing interest in the fair.
Eight counties say that their communities may be losing interest. Five counties agree that
their communities are losing interest in the fair. Possible reasons offered for this include:
the agricultural economy, poor facilities, no fairgrounds, lack of resources, fewer farm
people, other activities, change of times, and no new ideas. Of the 23 counties, 21 of
them, plus Tulsa, have other festivals in their communities. Fifteen of those 21 counties
agree that the other festivals draw more attendance than the fair does. Some reasons
offered for this include: other festivals are downtown, have carnivals, are more city
oriented, have better leadership and promotion, and have arts and crafts. Fourteen of the
21 counties believe that the other festivals have more community support than the fair
does.
Ten of the 23 counties, plus the TSF, are members of the Oklahoma Association of
Fairs and Festivals (OAFF). Twelve counties are not members. Three of those are not
members because they do not have the funds for membership dues, and three are not
members because they do not know about this organization. Five counties, plus the TSF,
are also members of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE).
Seventeen counties are not members. Five counties do not know about this organization
and 2 counties have no funds for dues. One county did not answer the questions about
20
organization membership. Staff, volunteers, and board members from 9 of the county
fairs and from the TSF do attend educational conferences related to fairs.
Only 2 counties and the TSF agreed that they would charge nominal entry fees to
improve their event, if statutes allowed, but 16 counties said they would not charge
admission or entry fees, even if allowed. Five counties were not sure. The fairs were
also asked, in their opinion, if it would be beneficial for the State Department of
Agriculture to administer legislatively appropriated funds to county fairs based on certain
criteria. The TSF and 17 of the counties agreed that this would be beneficial. Six
counties were not sure.
Fairs were asked to list the three most important issues that they faced concerning fair
operations. Table 3 summarizes their responses. Fairs were also asked to list their five
most needed capital improvements at this time. These responses are summarized in
Table 4. Refer to the Appendix of this report for actual responses to all open-ended
questions.
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TABLE 3
Most Important Issues Regarding County Fair Operations
# Times
Listed as
First
Response
# Times
Listed as
Second
Response
# Times
Listed as
Third
Response
Total
Times
Listed
Funding 9 4 2 15
Better Premiums 2 0 0 2
Attendance 2 3 0 5
Community
Involvement/Participation
1 4 1 6
Facilities 1 2 2 5
Experienced Manager 2 0 0 2
Competition 1 0 0 1
Volunteers 1 2 0 2
Affordable Entertainment 0 1 0 1
Carnival 0 1 0 1
Commercial Booths 0 0 1 1
General Organization 0 0 1 1
Maintenance 0 0 1 1
Parking 0 0 1 1
Personnel 1 1 0 2
Lack of fairgrounds facility 1 0 1 2
Millage 0 1 0 1
Treated like stepchildren at
State Fairgrounds
0 1 0 1
County Commissioners
appoint buddies to fair
board
0 0 1 1
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TABLE 4
Five Most Needed Capital Improvements at County Fairs
# Times
Listed as
1st
Response
# Times
Listed as
2nd
Response
# Times
Listed as
3rd
Response
# Times
Listed as
4th
Response
# Times
Listed as
5th
Response
Total
Times
Listed
Exhibit Building 6 3 0 0 1 10
Convention/Banquet
Hall
3 0 1 2 0 8
Parking 2 5 3 2 0 12
New Arena/Show
Facility
5 1 1 0 0 7
New Ceiling 1 0 0 0 0 1
Complete Renovation 1 0 0 0 0 1
Lighting 1 1 0 0 0 1
New Women’s
Building
0 1 0 0 0 1
Wash Rack Facilities 0 1 0 0 0 1
Insulation 0 1 1 0 0 2
Hear/Air/Ventilation 0 1 5 0 1 7
Concrete Floors 0 1 0 1 0 2
Restrooms 0 1 1 0 0 2
Landscaping 0 0 1 0 1 2
Electrical Systems 1 0 1 0 1 3
New Tables 0 0 1 0 0 1
Swing Facility 0 0 1 0 0 1
Sewer/Plumbing 0 0 1 1 0 2
New Roof 0 0 1 0 0 1
Outdoor Bleachers 0 0 0 1 0 1
PA System 0 1 0 1 0 2
Money 0 0 0 1 0 1
More Space 0 0 0 1 0 1
Equipment 0 0 0 1 3 4
Higher Premiums 0 0 0 0 1 1
Fence Around Grounds 0 0 0 0 2 2
Enclose Area 0 0 0 0 1 1
New Livestock barn 1 0 0 0 0 1
Just have a fairgrounds 1 0 0 0 0 1
Full RV hookups 0 1 0 0 0 1
New Coliseum 1 0 0 0 0 1
23
PART III
STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA
SURVEY RESULTS
IDENTIFYING AT-RISK FAIRS
24
Identifying At-Risk Fairs:
Both surveys, CF1 and CF2, asked respondents to identify if their communities were
losing interest in the fair. From CF1, 23 out of 52 counties, or 44%, indicated that their
communities were losing interest in the fair. From CF2, 5 out of 23 counties (22%)
agreed that their communities were losing interest in the fair, and 8 (35%) think that their
communities may be losing interest.
The surveys also asked counties to indicate whether or not attendance at the county
fair has grown in recent years. From CF1, 29 counties (56%) indicated that their fair’s
attendance had not grown recently. From CF2, 11 fairs (48%) indicated that their fair’s
attendance had not grown in recent years.
Together, these two indicators—loss of interest and lack of growth in attendance—
were used to identify “at-risk” fairs. Fairs were considered “neutral” if the two indicators
were conflicting, such as loss of interest coupled with increased attendance or vice versa.
Fairs were also considered “neutral” if responses from CF1 and CF2 were conflicting.
Fairs were considered “healthy” if attendance had grown and no loss of interest was
evident.
Figure 1 charts the status of county fairs in Oklahoma based on the results of CF1 and
CF2. Note that the “healthy” fairs tend to be located in the eastern half of the state,
especially the southeastern portion. Even so, Texas County is somewhat of a standout in
the panhandle. The “at-risk” fairs are most likely to be located in the western half of the
state.
Figure 1 is quite striking because it indicates that the health of the county fair is tied to
socio-economic factors such as population, employment and income. Figure 2 illustrates
25
population change in the state from 1990 to 2000. Figure 3 indicates employment change
in the state, and Figure 4 shows income change. These 3 figures are shown on the same
page as another copy of Figure 1 in order to emphasize the similarities of the 4 charts.
All four charts show that the northeastern portion of the state (with the glaring exception
of Texas County) is hurting in terms of population growth, employment growth, income
growth, and county fair health. The eastern half of the state leads in terms of population
growth, employment growth, income growth, and county fair health.
The conclusion is almost undeniable that the county fairs that are hurting are the same
ones that are located in the most economically depressed portion of the state. The
northwestern quadrant of the state has historically had a high per capita income, but total
personal income growth has not been keeping up with the rest of the state in the last
decade. The area has traditionally been dependent on farming, but total job growth has
not been keeping up with the rest of the state either. Negative population growth is
probably a result of the slow job and income growth.
26
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LINCOLN
OKFUSKEE
McINTOSH
CADDO
MCCLAIN
GARVIN
SE
MIN
OL
E
PO
TT
A-
WA
TO
MIE
HUGHES
PITTSBURG
HASKELL
LE FLORE
COAL
JOHNSTON
PONTOTOC
MCCURTAIN
CIMARRON
Figure 1. Oklahoma’s County Fair Status
Neutral Fair
At-Risk Fair
Healthy Fair
Non-responding county
27
ADAIR
ALFALFA
ATOKA
BECKHAM
BLAINE
BRYAN
CANADIAN
CARTER
CH
ER
OK
EE
CHOCTAW
CLEVELAND
COMANCHE
COTTON
CRAIG
CUSTER
DE
LA
WA
RE
DEWEY
ELLISGARFIELD
GRADY
GRANT
GREERHA
RM
ON
HARPER
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
KAY
KIOWALATIMER
LOVE
MAYES
MURRAY
MUSKOGEE
NOBLE
NOWATA
OKLAHOMA
OK
MU
LG
EE
OSAGE
OTTAWA
PAWNEE
PAYNE
PUSHMATAHA
ROGER MILLS
ROGERS
SEQUOYAH
STEPHENSTILLMAN
TULSA
WAGONER
WASHITA
WOODS
WOODWARD
WA
SH
ING
TO
N
SHALLMAR-
MAJOR
KINGFISHER
BEAVERTEXAS
LOGAN
CREEK
LINCOLN
OKFUSKEE
McINTOSH
CADDO
MCCLAIN
GARVIN
SE
MIN
OL
E
PO
TT
A-
WA
TO
MIE
HUGHES
PITTSBURG
HASKELL
LE FLORE
COAL
JOHNSTON
PONTOTOC
MCCURTAIN
CIMARRON
Figure 1. Oklahoma’s County Fair Status
Neutral Fair
At-Risk Fair
Healthy Fair
Non-responding county
ADAIR
ALFALFA
ATOKA
BECKHAM
BLAINE
BRYAN
CANADIAN
CARTER
CH
ER
OK
EE
CHOCTAW
CLEVELAND
COMANCHE
COTTON
CRAIG
CUSTER
DE
LA
WA
RE
DEWEY
ELLISGARFIELD
GRADY
GRANT
GREER
HA
RM
ON
HARPER
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
KAY
KIOWALATIMER
LOVE
MAYES
MURRAY
MUSKOGEE
NOBLE
NOWATA
OKLAHOMA
OK
MU
LG
EE
OSAGE
OTTAWA
PAWNEE
PAYNE
PUSHMATAHA
ROGER MILLS
ROGERS
SEQUOYAH
STEPHENSTILLMAN
TULSA
WAGONER
WASHITA
WOODS
WOODWARD
WA
SH
ING
TO
N
SHALLMAR-
MAJOR
KINGFISHER
BEAVERTEXAS
LOGAN
CREEK
LINCOLN
OKFUSKEE
McINTOSH
CADDO
MCCLAIN
GARVIN
SE
MIN
OL
E
PO
TT
A-
WA
TO
MIE
HUGHES
PITTSBURG
HASKELL
LE FLORE
COAL
JOHNSTON
PONTOTOC
MCCURTAIN
CIMARRON
Figure 2. Population Change 1990-2000
10% & Above
+2% to +9.9%
-1.9% to +1.9%
-9.9% to -2%
Less than -10%
ADAIR
ALFALFA
ATOKA
BECKHAM
BLAINE
BRYAN
CANADIAN
CARTER
CH
ER
OK
EE
CHOCTAW
CLEVELAND
COMANCHE
COTTON
CRAIG
CUSTER
DE
LA
WA
RE
DEWEY
ELLISGARFIELD
GRADY
GRANT
GREERHA
RM
ON
HARPER
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
KAY
KIOWALATIMER
LOVE
MAYES
MURRAY
MUSKOGEE
NOBLE
NOWATA
OKLAHOMA
OK
MU
LG
EE
OSAGE
OTTAWA
PAWNEE
PAYNE
PUSHMATAHA
ROGER MILLS
ROGERS
SEQUOYAH
STEPHENSTILLMAN
TULSA
WAGONER
WASHITA
WOODS
WOODWARD
WA
SH
ING
TO
N
SHALLMAR-
MAJOR
KINGFISHER
BEAVERTEXAS
LOGAN
CREEK
LINCOLN
OKFUSKEE
McINTOSH
CADDO
MCCLAIN
GARVIN
SE
MIN
OL
E
PO
TT
A-
WA
TO
MIE
HUGHES
PITTSBURG
HASKELL
LE FLORE
COAL
JOHNSTON
PONTOTOC
MCCURTAIN
CIMARRON
Figure 3. Employment Growth 1990-2000
More than 20%
0 to 10% Growth
Negative Growth
10 to 20% Growth
State average is 20% growth.
ADAIR
ALFALFA
ATOKA
BECKHAM
BLAINE
BRYAN
CANADIAN
CARTER
CH
ER
OK
EE
CHOCTAW
CLEVELAND
COMANCHE
COTTON
CRAIG
CUSTER
DE
LA
WA
RE
DEWEY
ELLISGARFIELD
GRADY
GRANT
GREERHA
RM
ON
HARPER
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
KAY
KIOWALATIMER
LOVE
MAYES
MURRAY
MUSKOGEE
NOBLE
NOWATA
OKLAHOMA
OK
MU
LG
EE
OSAGE
OTTAWA
PAWNEE
PAYNE
PUSHMATAHA
ROGER MILLS
ROGERS
SEQUOYAH
STEPHENSTILLMAN
TULSA
WAGONER
WASHITA
WOODS
WOODWARD
WA
SH
ING
TO
N
SHALLMAR-
MAJOR
KINGFISHER
BEAVERTEXAS
LOGAN
CREEK
LINCOLN
OKFUSKEE
McINTOSH
CADDO
MCCLAIN
GARVIN
SE
MIN
OL
E
PO
TT
A-
WA
TO
MIE
HUGHES
PITTSBURG
HASKELL
LE FLORE
COAL
JOHNSTON
PONTOTOC
MCCURTAIN
CIMARRON
Figure 4. Income Growth 1990-2000
More than 51%
0 to 25% Growth
26 to 51% Growth
State average is 51% growth.
28
APPENDIX A
TABLES WITH RESPONSES TO CF1
29
A8. Is your fair enabled under Oklahoma Statutes as:
Response Frequency Percent
104a-County Free Fair 47 88.7%
131.1-Optional Fair Association 1 1.9%
157.1 Trust Authority 1 1.9%
Other 2 3.8%
No Response 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
A9. Are the Fair board members elected or appointed?
Response Frequency Percent
Elected 47 88.7%
Appointed 4 7.5%
No response 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
A10. Do you have an advisory board of community leaders?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 5 9.4%
No 48 90.6%
53 100.0%
A10a. If yes, what is the make-up of the advisory board?
Responses include:
Extension Office
County Commission
VoAg Instructors
4H Leaders
Superintendents of Fair
A12. Who manages daily operation of fairgrounds facilities and
events?
Responses include:
County Commissioners
Extension Office
Fair Board
City
County Fair Board Employees
Extension Educators
Fair Board Members
Maintenance Employees
OSU Personnel
Volunteers
Private Independent
Fairground Manager
SMG Management Company
Expo Square Staff-Tulsa
30
A13. Who manages the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
County Extension Staff 18 34.0%
Hired Manager 7 13.2%
Fairgrounds Board 23 43.4%
Other 3 5.7%
No answer 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
A14. Does the County Extension Office operate or
provide services for you fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 44 83.0%
No 9 17.0%
53 100.0%
A14a. Please describe the services provided.
Responses include:
Setting up schedules
Printing
Secretarial needs
Office equipment
Judges
Coordinating events and activities
Keeping Records
Advisory/Guidance
Set-up and clean-up
Ribbons and Trophy awards
Payout
Entries for exhibits
Supplies
Contracts
Prepare catalog
Update of Fair Book
A15. Does the county provide funds for the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 48 90.6%
No 4 7.5%
No response 1 1.9%
53 100.0%
31
A15a. If so, is the money earmarked
for a specific purpose?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 34 64.2%
No 12 22.6%
No response 7 13.2%
53 100.0%
A15b. Have the county funds increased or
decreased in the last 10 years?
Response Frequency Percent
Increased 26 49.1%
Decreased 10 18.9%
No response 17 32.1%
53 100.0%
A16. What other funding does the fair
have available?
Response Frequency Percent
Donations 12 22.6%
Generated Revenues 3 5.7%
Sales Tax 5 9.4%
Other 13 24.5%
No response 20 37.7%
53 100.0%
A17. Does the fair have any paid
employees?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 25 47.2%
No 25 47.2%
No response 3 5.7%
53 100.0%
A17a. What is the number of full time
employees?
Response Frequency Percent
No employees 25 47.2%
No full time employees 14 26.4%
1 employee 7 13.2%
2 employees 1 1.9%
3 employees 2 3.8%
7 employees 1 1.9%
70 employees (Tulsa State Fair) 1 1.9%
No response 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
32
A17b. What is the number of part-time employees?
Response Frequency Percent
No employees 25 47.2%
No part time employees 2 3.8%
1 employee 10 18.9%
2 employees 3 5.7%
3 employees 1 1.9%
4 employees 1 1.9%
3-5 employees 1 1.9%
20 employees 1 1.9%
30 employees 1 1.9%
400 employees (Tulsa State Fair) 1 1.9%
Fair time only 3-5 2 3.8%
Fair time only 10 1 1.9%
Seasonal/varied 2 3.8%
No response 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
A17c. Who do these employees report to?
Responses include:
Secretary
Fair Manager
No one
County Fair Board
County Commission
OSU Extension
TCPFTA
A17d. Are any of these employees state employees?
Response Frequency Percent
No employees 25 47.2%
Yes 1 1.9%
No 25 47.2%
No response 2 3.8%
53 100.0%
33
B1. What is the county population?
Response Frequency Percent
0-50,000 40 75.5%
50,001-100,000 4 7.5%
100,000-500,000 2 3.8%
Over 500,000 1 1.9%
No response 6 11.3%
53 100.0%
B2. Estimate your county fair
attendance.
Response Frequency Percent
0-10,000 40 75.5%
10,001-20,000 2 3.8%
Over 1 million 1 1.9%
No response 10 18.9%
53 100.0%
C1. How many days are your facilities in use?
Response Frequency Percent
Less than 50 14 26.4%
50-99 8 15.1%
100-199 9 17.0%
200-299 4 7.5%
300-365 7 13.2%
No Response (Fairgrounds not owned by Fair) 10 18.9%
Unreadable 1 1.9%
53 100.0%
34
Revenue for Fairgrounds from Uses Other Than the Fair
Educational Community Meetings
Private Use
Trade Shows Livestock Sponsorships Other
Total Revenue
1 500 300 1,200 1,000 4,900 0 0
2 29,890 0 228,261 1,864,110 192,585 244,470 5,527,105 8,086,421
3 0 0 2,000 500 1,000 0 0 3,500
4 100
5 300 1,525 1,825
6 0 0 28,000 1,000 1,000 0 0 30,000
7 5,200 500 5,700
8 FREE 19,000 19,000
9 0 0 1,500 0 1,000 0 1,000 3,500
10 675,311
11 30,000
12 500 500 500 1,500
13 100 200 300
14 400 400
15 0 300 5,000 400 2,500 0 9,050 19,250
16 750 750
17 0 0 2,500 0 0 100 0 2,600
18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
19 FREE FREE 0 700 FREE 700
20 10,660 10,660
21 0 450 5,250 0 125 0 0 5,825
22 400 300 2,500 500 700
23 1,250 6,000 7,250
24 14,400
25 2,000 2,000 1,000 5,000
26 FREE FREE FREE 8,092
27 0 0 0 0 600 0 1,000 1,600
28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 36,636 9,300
30 56,000
31 800 100 900
32 0
33 0 0 19,650 0 305 0 0 20,000
34 50 1,250 150 1,450
35 5,000 2,000 1,000 200 10,000
36 8,000 4,400 12,400
* Non-responses totaled 17
35
Expenditures for County Fairs from Uses Other than the Fair
Salaries Maintenance
& Repair Utilities Supplies Other Total
expenses Net
Revenue
1 7,485 500 630 300 4,506
2 4,927,841 246,167 1,055,808 347,058 559,445 7,136,319 950,102
3 0 1,200 2,500 1,500 0 5,200 -1,700
4 12,000 2,000 1,000
5 410 6,471 6 6,887 -5,062
6 0 7,500 29,000 6,000 0 42,500 -12,500
7 5,000 5,000 2,000 15,000
8 72,300 11,000 30,000 2,600 115,900 -96,900
9 500 2,000 500 0 3,000 500
10 193,993 31,022 61,000 32,000 286,491 604,506 70,805
11 25,000
12 0 500 700 700
13 5,000
14 300 2,400 300 100
15
16 1,200 75 1,275 -525
17 0 2,500 3,600 400 6,500 -3,900
18 0 500 2,500 300 700 4,000 -4,000
19 3,165 2,561 1,032 6,758 -6,058
20 2,491 13,390 21,066 2,300 24,948 64,195 -53,535
21 0 1,000 4,800 250 0 6,050 -225
22 0 4,800 500 750
23 10,000 5,000 15,000 3,000 33,000
24
25
26
27 0 800 400 400 0 1,600 0
28 750 2,000 3,500 1,200 500 7,950 -7,950
29 47,533
30 106,000 -50,000
31 150 3,000 200 3,350 -2,450
32 0
33 42,910 34,000 28,000 104,910 -84,910
34 460 8,850 9,311 7,861
35 24,000 50,000 19,000 30,000 86,000 -3,700
36 400 10,000 2,000 0
* Non-responses totaled 17
36
C2. Does your fair host any unique operations?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 6 11.3%
No 47 88.7%
53 100.0%
D1. Have you been awarded any REAP funds?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 10 18.9%
No 43 81.1%
53 100.0%
D1a. If yes, how have these funds been utilized?
Responses include:
Built handicapped restrooms
Built concession area
Upgraded facilites
Handicapped access
Updated kitchen
Made repairs
Construction of additional facilities
Room replacement
Remodeling
New offices
New showers
Electrical wiring repairs
Concrete floors
D2. Have you made other capital improvements
in the last seven years?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 32 60.4%
No 21 39.6%
53 100.0%
37
D3. If yes, how were these improvements funded?
Responses include:
Sales tax
Bond
Insurance
Boy Scouts
Earnings from operation
SODA
General Fund
Donations
ORRC and County
CDBG Grant
1/2 cent sales tax
County budget
County ad valorum taxes
REAP Grants
Legislative monies
Commissioners general fund
D4. If yes, describe the facility and approximate costs:
Responses include:
Swine barn
New show arena
New floor
New road
New alleyway cover
New roof
Remodel restrooms
New fair barn facilities
Rodeo arena
Asphalt for parking
New pavilion
New dressing room
Concrete wash pen
Air conditioning
Electrical wiring
New buildings-exhibits/booths
Show arena
New kitchen
New pens
38
D5. Describe your facilities and their condition.
Responses include:
barns-bathrooms in fair condition
exhibit-swine & sweep barn-fair condition,
metal bldg-exhibit-kitchen-restrooms need repair
poor poultry house
livestock-coliseum-annex bldgs. good
fair to good-metal prefab building no air condition
works needs to be done
totally renovated
nice facility but getting rundown
exhibit bldgs in poor condition
dirt arena 15 acres in good condition
new roof-sides-heat & air-kitchen-restrooms
1 condemned-others need major repairs
Large expo bldg need flooring-other bldg own by city
Need room for improvement
Sound system
Tables-bleachers-seating
D6. Does the County maintain your facility?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 25 47.2%
No 28 52.8%
53 100.0%
D7. If not, who is responsible?
Responses include:
Trust Authority
Ag Teachers
Extension Educators
Green thumb
City
Private
Owner maintains
Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center
Employees
TCPFTA
Fairgrounds Manager
39
E1. Has your fair grown in attendance over
the last 10 years?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 23 43.4%
No 30 56.6%
53 100.0%
E2. Has the number of commercial exhibits
grown over the last 10 years?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 16 30.2%
No 37 69.8%
53 100.0%
E3. Have your livestock premiums grown
over the last 10 years?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 30 56.6%
No 22 41.5%
No Response 1 1.9%
53 100.0%
E4. Is your community losing interest in
the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 23 43.4%
No 30 56.6%
53 100.0%
40
E4a. If yes, why?
Responses include:
Patrons are older
no room for growth
busy schedule
event not what it was
no carnival
fair was not managed correctly
schedule sports same time as fair
other interest
school activities
decreasing population
not many entries
lack of interest in supporters
no youth involvement
lack of premiums
apathy-no facility for community exhibits
less time and money
urban community not farming community
E5. Is there another festival in your city/county?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 38 71.7%
No 15 28.3%
53 100.0%
E5a. If yes, does the festival draw more
attendance, community support that the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 26 49.1%
No 8 15.1%
No other festivals 9 17.0%
Attendance-YES; Community support-NO 1 1.9%
Attendance-NO; Community support-YES 1 1.9%
Some do, some don't 2 3.8%
No response 6 11.3%
53 100.0%
41
E6. If the festival(s) do draw more attendance, why?
Responses include:
More activities
larger town
more community involvement
advertisement specific to certain clientele
tour time
parade during vacation time
more activities conducted-turtle races-street dance
many out of town people
Rodeo
arts-craft-car shows
annual homecoming
frontier days celebration
trouble finding carnival
move carnival from fairgrounds to downtown area
more out of county participation
trade youth oriented activity
blue grass & chili festival
more attractions
more exhibits
big sponsors
E8. Is your organization a member of Oklahoma
Association of Fairs and Festivals (OAFF)?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 23 43.4%
No 30 56.6%
53 100.0%
E8a. If not a member of OAFF, why not?
Responses include:
Did not gain much information
Do not see a need
Board members not interested
E9. Is your organization a member of International
Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 5 9.4%
No 48 90.6%
53 100.0%
42
E9a. If not a member of IAFE, why not?
Responses include:
Do not need to
too expensive
no money
not aware of this organization
cost & not benefit to our fair
cost
E10. Do your staff, volunteers, or board members
attend educational conferences relating to fairs?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 17 32.1%
No 36 67.9%
53 100.0%
F1. Are there any changes needed in the Oklahoma
Statutes regarding county fairs?
Responses include:
more money
additional options for funding
fair board system outdated
funding help as a youth activity
need direct funding support
education
funds & guarantee fair budget
improve facility
too much paper work to get repairs
have our county operate under 104c
inter local agreements-multi-county structures
staff & sometimes volunteers
F2. In your opinion, would a different method of
selecting board members encourage more involvement
from community leaders?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 14 26.4%
No 39 73.6%
53 100.0%
43
F2a. Do you have any suggestions?
Responses include:
Board members to collect mileage to meeting-workday
stagger board member term
younger group not interested
term limited to 3 years
commissioners appointment
individual who file for office should attend meeting & fair,
fair board members are appointed or begged by commissioners
change to 104c
need 9 member board
appointments
county commissioners should appoint fair board members
F3. Would you charge a nominal fee for entry fees or
admissions to improve your event if statutes allowed?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 8 15.1%
No 45 84.9%
53 100.0%
F4. What are the three most important issues you're facing regarding your county fair operations?
Money for utilities & upkeep
lack of funds for repairs-low populace
add activities-parking increased-facility don’t grow
Funding
lack of interest-no reward-poor public awareness-no exhibits
don’t know where money will come from year to year
more help
city involvement-room expansion
improve prize money
scheduling-sports conflict
full time manager-increase maintenance staff
inadequate facilities
lack of carnival
volunteers
structure need replacement
interest
donations
younger generation lost interest in ag and leave farm life
more urban
44
money for upgrade & locating carnival
paper work done in timely manner
purchasing
maintain facility-volunteer assist-add space for activity
capital improvement & maintaining volunteers
increase attendance-funds for expenses
growing to large for grounds
carnival selections-entertainment option
small exhibitors-time of year
safety & carnival event
improving existing building
money for advertisement
personnel cost-attraction
lack of knowledge on funding
F5. Name your five most needed capital improvements at
this time.
Responses include:
Asphalt for parking
heat & air conditioning
sound system
restrooms,
handicap facilities
secretary
roof leeks
restrooms inadequate
new exhibit
poultry building
convention buildings
arena
funding for exhibit hall
banquet room remodeling-dirt arena-new asphalt in expo bldg
new ceiling
cattle barn need work
hookups for RV’s
expand barn
grooming facility
exhibit bldg w/kitchen facility
cement walkways
electrical rewiring
Livestock housing
45
appliances
seating
tables
bleachers
fence,
show pens
tractor & brush hog
storage
plumbing
handicap facility
space
landscaping
display cases
insulation,
door,
cases
plumbing
handicap facility
space
landscaping
insulation
door
exhaust fans
equipment
natural gas replacement
connect buildings
F6. Some State Department of Agriculture administers
funds appropriated by the legislature to county fairs based
on certain criteria. Do you feel this might be beneficial?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 43 81.1%
No 10 18.9%
53 100.0%
46
F7. Do you have any other comments or ideas that would improve our system of county fairs in Oklahoma?
Responses include:
Money needs to be available to improve. Need heaters, air conditioning.
Extension agents play a large role as do ag teachers. They should be the best. Do something to attract all the community. Bryan County's ag agent is the BEST.
If they would vote in a mill levy to know what money you would get from them year to year.
The cities in which the fairs are located need to realize the economic impacpt these facilities have on the tax revenue generated. Cities such as Lawton should help fund fairgrounds such as ours.
Schools need to be aware and avoid conflicting events. Schools are given fair dates but do not give any importance to the fair.
It would be beneficial to assist with funding educational meetings to help fairboard members understand their responsibility.
I just think we need to promote all youth activities possible. In many of the rural areas of Oklahoma, youth lack the opportunities to get involved in positive programs.
Need a better source of funding. Maybe matching of state fund to what county provides. Uniform bookkeeping system statewide for each county.
If 4-H was linked to our schools, that would improve the participation in our fiars--I fell interest would be greater if we could provide premiums. Everything here is contributions.
Funding, awarding college scholarships
Make county fair a constitutional state funding.
I realize that your pocket book is limited; the same as ours, but I also realize that there is a need to help keep our youth on the right track. I feel that it is important to bring some of our early childhood memories back to life. For reasons unknown to me it seems as though life before computers and corner stop drugs was so much better. People had time for each other; maybe we can get a little bit of that back with giving our youth a place that they can go and do something that they can be proud of themselves for. FFA and 4-H are both equally wonderful programs but without county and state fairs where can the youth go with their projects? Yes they can go National, but what is the reality of that happening?
Funding, facility maintenance, para-mutual betting on site.
A formula that gives counties money to produce a fair, something that would be a dependable source of income.
We need to be able to "feed" our judges on judging day. Judges should not have to do all the paperwork to get paid. Find a better way to get supplies and repairs paid for in a timely way. Why do some counties write checks the day of fair and some have to go through county clerk for approval that takes 2 months to get processed?
Better funding for county fair.
Some funding and more state support.
Do away with the statute 93 township elections.
Provide more technology so that this generation of kids would attend but also show the way of yesterday to them once they get here.
47
F7. Other Comments (Continued)
Most fairs nationwide are growing along with a few in Oklahoma. Most fairs in Okla are stagnant or growing smaller. A national study on county fair growth across the nation would be beneficial in addressing these issues.
Advertise Advertise Advertise
Because of tax revenue being less the last 2 to 3 years, it has been a struggle to keep the doors open and operating. Some state funding in addition to county would help.
Counties in rural areas sometimes don't have any "extra" money to put into a fair budget. If money could come from some where besides out of county general money, it could be very helpful.
As volunteers we are not always aware of the legal requirements in our operation and the changes in government.
Let's keep this tradition alive--be it county fairs or state fairs. The public enjoys this part of "Americana" but we must all do our part with advertising to keep in front of the public. Our "public" gets too comfortable with TV and we must do more work to keep our county fair.
At present, the state is reducing the % of state ???. The counties are a sub??? ie. we ??? And enforce the laws ???, therefore why not prorate excess ??? by the state back to the counties to fund some of the functions ??? necessary ??? by law.
48
APPENDIX B
CF2 SURVEY INSTRUMENT AND COVER LETTER
49
Insert copy of cover letter here.
50
SURVEY OF STATE AND COUNTY FAIRS
IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
PURPOSE:
An Interim Study Committee of the Oklahoma Legislature has requested that the Oklahoma
Cooperative Extension Service assist with the distribution and analysis of this survey to the
Chairmen of County Fair Boards. The purpose of the survey is to determine certain basic
information such as attendance, funding sources, facility usage, etc. Financial information is
requested to determine a “picture” of the state for the purpose of compilation to determine the
viability of fairs in the state and to determine what kind of assistance the state could provide to assist
at-risk fairs. The eventual goal of the analysis is to explore existing or possible economic solutions
and to increase the Fairs’ positive economic impact and viability.
September 4, 2001
51
A. ORGANIZATION OF FAIR
1. Name of fair : ______________________________________________________________
2. Mailing address: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. Fair Board Chairman: _______________________________________________________
4. Address of Chairman: ________________________________________________________
5. Telephone number of Chairman:________________________________________________
6. Name of person filling out this questionnaire: _____________________________________
7. Telephone number where you can be reached: _____________________________________
8. When was the 2001 county fair held? __________________________________________________
9. What are the approximate dates that your county fair will be held in 2002? _____________________
10. What are the approximate dates that your county fair will be held in 2003? _____________________
11. How is your fair enabled under Oklahoma statutes? (Circle one.)
Title 2 Section:
a. 104a County Free Fair
b. 131.1 Optional Fair Association
c. 157.1 Trust Authority
d. Other: _____________________
12. Are fair board members: (Circle one.)
a. Elected
b. Appointed
13. Do you have an advisory board of community leaders? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO (skip to Question 15)
14. If you have an advisory board, who serves on the board? (Circle all that apply)
a. Extension Educators
b. County employees
c. Elected officials-City
d. Elected officials-County
e. Business leaders/local professionals
f. High School Students
g. Other: ______________________________________________________________
15. Who manages daily operations of the fairgrounds facilities and events, other than the fair? (Circle one.)
a. County Extension staff
b. Hired manager
c. Fairgrounds board
d. Other: ________________________
16. Who manages your county fair? (Circle one.)
a. County Extension Office
b. Hired manager
c. Fairgrounds board
d. Other: ________________________
Please turn to back of this page.
52
17. Which services does the County Extension office provide for your county fair? (Circle one.)
a. Full management of the county fair.
b. Participation in fair with booths and events.
c. No participation
d. Other: _______________________
18. What is the primary source of funding for your fair? (Circle only one.)
a. General Revenue County funds
b. County Sales Tax
c. Private Foundation
d. Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) funds
e. Other: _______________________
19. If you receive county funds, is it earmarked for any of the following specific purposes? (Circle all that apply.)
a. Capital improvements
b. Operating Expenses
c. Fair only
d. Other ______________________________
e. Do not receive county funds
20. How have county funds to your fair changed in the last 10 years? (Circle one.)
a. Greatly increased
b. Increased somewhat
c. Neither increased nor decreased
d. Decreased somewhat
e. Greatly decreased.
21. Have you been awarded any Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) funds for the county fair? (Circle one.)
a. YES. How much was awarded? $_______
b. NO (Skip to question 23.)
22. Describe the project for which the REAP funds were used. Has this project been completed?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
23. How many paid employees does the fair have? Full time _____ Part time _____
24. Are any of the fair employees government employees? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO
25. Who do the fair’s employees report to: (Circle one.)
a. County Extension Office
b. Fair board
c. General Manager
d. Other: ____________________________________
B. COUNTY FAIR OPERATIONS
26. What was total attendance at your most recent county fair? __________
27. What was the total number of Livestock Exhibitors at your most recent county fair? __________
Next page, please.
53
28. What was the total number of commercial exhibitors at your most recent county fair? __________
29. For your most recent fair, list the approximate revenue generated from each of the following sources.
a. Admissions/parking $_______
b. Entry fees $_______
c. Booth rental for exhibits $_______
d. Food and beverage sales $_______
e. Carnival $_______
f. Sponsorships $_______
g. Other ______________ $_______
30. What was your total revenue? $_______
31. For your most recent fair, approximate your expenses for each of the following:
a. Salaries $_______
b. Maintenance and repair $_______
c. Premiums $_______
d. Entertainment $_______
e. Utilities $_______
f. Advertising $_______
g. Supplies $_______
h. Other $_______
32. What were your total expenses? $_______
33. What was your net revenue or loss (Answer 30 minus Answer 32)? $_______
34. Did you have a carnival in conjunction with your most recent fair? (Circle one.)
a. YES (Skip to Question 36.)
b. NO
35. Which best describes why you were not able to have a carnival? (Circle one)
a. Expense too great.
b. Did not want to have one.
c. Carnival not available.
d. Did not know how to bring in a carnival.
e. No facilities for a carnival.
f. Other: _______________________________
36. Did you hire entertainers for your most recent fair? (Circle one.)
a. YES (Skip to Question 38)
b. NO
37. Which best describes why you did not hire entertainers for your fair? (Circle one)
a. Expense too great.
b. Did not want to have entertainers.
c. None were available.
d. Did not know how to bring in entertainers.
e. No facilities for entertainers
f. Other: _________________________
Please turn to back of this page.
54
38. In your opinion, how interested is your community in the following. (Circle one response across each row.)
Extremely
Interested
Interested Somewhat
Interested
Not at All
Interested
Don’t
Know
a. 4-H/FFA Events 1 2 3 4 DK
b. Creative Arts Exhibits (Culinary
arts, needlework, etc.)
1 2 3 4 DK
c. Entertainment 1 2 3 4 DK
d. Livestock Show 1 2 3 4 DK
e. Food and Beverage 1 2 3 4 DK
f. Commercial Exhibits 1 2 3 4 DK
g. Carnival 1 2 3 4 DK
C. USE OF FAIR FACILITIES (For Purposes Other than the Fair)
39. How many days per year are your facilities in use (not including fair days)? ________ days
40. Do your fair facilities host any of the following unique operations? (Circle all that apply)
a. Concerts
b. Trade Shows
c. Sporting Events
d. Livestock Events
e. Fitness Center
f. Banquet Facility
g. Other ______________________________
41. Please list the approximate revenue generated from each of the following uses of the facilities.
a. Educational uses $ _______
b. Community meetings/banquets $ _______
c. Private use $ _______
d. Trade shows $ _______
e. Livestock events $ _______
f. Other entertainment (i.e. Concerts, and sporting events) $ _______
f. Sponsorships $ _______
g. Other _____________________________ $ _______
42. What was your total revenue from sources other than the fair? $ _______
43. Please approximate expenses incurred from other uses.
a. Salaries $ _______
b. Maintenance and repair $ _______
c. Utilities $ _______
d. Supplies $ _______
e. Other ___________________ $ _______
44. What were your total expenses from uses other than the fair? $ _______
45. Net revenue or loss from other sources. (Answer 42 minus Answer 44) $ _______
Next page, please
55
D. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
46. Have you made any capital improvements to the fairgrounds in the last seven years? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO (Skip to Question 49)
47. If YES, how were these improvements funded?
a. County sales tax
b. County General Revenues
c. Parking fees
d. Grants
e. Other Sources: ____________________________
48. Please describe the improvement(s) and the approximate cost:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
49. Who maintains your facilities? (Circle one.)
a. The county
b. Private contractors
c. Other: ________________________
50. Describe your facilities and their condition:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
D. COUNTY FAIR TRENDS
51. Describe how each of the following has changed for your fair over the last 10 years. (Circle one across each row.)
Grown
Substantially
Grown
Somewhat
Not
Changed
Declined
Somewhat
Declined
Substantially
Don’t
Know
a. Attendance 1 2 3 4 5 DK
b. Number of
Commercial Exhibits
1 2 3 4 5 DK
c. Livestock
Premiums
1 2 3 4 5 DK
52. Is your community losing interest in the fair? (Circle one.)
a. Definitely yes. Why? __________________________________________________
b. Maybe
c. No
d. I don’t know
53. Is there another festival(s) in your community? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO (Skip to Question 56.)
c. Not sure (Skip to Question 56.)
Please turn to back of this page.
56
54. If your community does have other festival(s), do the other festival(s) draw more attendance than the fair? (Circle
one)
a. YES Why? _________________________________________________________
b. NO
c. Don’t Know
55. Do the other festival(s) tend to have more community support (i.e. sponsorships) than the fair? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO
c. Don’t Know
56. Is your organization a member of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals (OAFF)? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO. Why not? _______________________________________________________
57. Is your organization a member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO. Why not? _______________________________________________________
58. Do your staff, volunteers, or board members attend educational conferences relating to fairs? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO
E. CHANGES NEEDED OR DESIRED
59. If statutes allowed, would you charge a nominal fee for entry fees or admissions to improve your event? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO
c. Not sure
60. Please describe any suggestions you have for changes needed in the Oklahoma Statutes regarding county fairs.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
61. Please describe any suggestions you have for better methods of selecting board members that would encourage more
involvement from community leaders.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
62. What are the three most important issues you are facing regarding your county fair operations?
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
63. List your five most needed capital improvements at this time (i.e. asphalt parking, new exhibit building, etc.)
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________
Next page, please.
57
64. Some Departments of Agriculture in other states administer funds appropriated by the legislature to county fairs
based on certain criteria. Would this be beneficial in your opinion? (Circle one.)
a. YES
b. NO
c. Not sure
65. Please offer any other comments or ideas that would improve our system of county fairs in Oklahoma
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Please return to:
Mike D. Woods
514 Agricultural Hall
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
58
APPENDIX C
TABLES WITH CF2 SURVEY RESPONSES
59
Q8-Q10. County Fair Dates
2001 Fair Dates 2002 Fair Dates 2003 Fair Dates
8/16-18 8/15-17 8/14-16
8/22-25 8/21-24 late aug or early
sept
8/22-25 8/21-24 8/20-23
8/23-25 8/22-24 8/21-23
8/29-9/1 9/4-7 9/5-8
8/29-9/1 8/28-31 8/27-30
9/4-6 9/3-5 9/2-4
9/4-9 9/3-7 9/2-6
9/5-8 9/3-6 9/6-9
9/5-8 9/4-7 9/3-6
9/5-8 9/5-8 9/5-8
9/5-8 Sept Sept
9/6-8 9/5-7 9/4-6
9/6-8 9/5-7 9/4-6
9/6-8 9/5-7 9/4-6
9/6-8 9/5-7 9/4-6
9/7-8 9/13-14 9/12-13
9/10-11 9/10 9/10
9/10-16 9/9-15 9/8-14
9/11-15 9/10-14
9/13-16 late Sept late Sept
9/13-16 9/6-8 9/6-8
9/13-17 2nd weekend after
Labor day 2nd weekend
after labor day
9/20-22 9/19-21 9/18-20
9/27-10/7 9/26-10/6 9/26-10/6
Q11. How is your county fair set up?
Response Frequency Percent
104a County Fair 22 91.7%
131.1 Optional Fair Association 0 0.0%
157.1 Trust Authority 2 8.3%
Other 0 0.0%
24 100.0%
Q12. Are fair board members:
Response Frequency Percent
Elected 21 87.5%
Appointed 3 12.5%
24 100.0%
60
Q13. Do you have an advisory board of community leaders?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 5 20.8%
No 19 79.2%
24 100.0%
Q14. Who serves on your advisory board?
Response Frequency Percent
Extension Educators 4 80.0%
Elected County Officials 4 80.0%
County Employees 2 40.0%
Business Leaders 3 60.0%
High School Students 1 20.0%
Q15. Who manages daily operations of the fairgrounds facilities and events, other than the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
County Extension Staff 8 33.3%
Fairgrounds Board 5 20.8%
Hired Manager 3 12.5%
Other arrangements 6 25.0%
No response 2 8.3%
24 100.0%
Q16. Who manages your county fair?
Response Frequency Percent
County Extension Staff 9 37.5%
Fairgrounds Board 13 54.2%
Hired Manager 4 16.7%
Other arrangements 1 4.2%
(Multiple answers were given by several counties.)
61
Q17. Which services does the County Extension office provide for your county fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Full management of fair 8 33.3%
Participation with booths and events 12 50.0%
No participation 0 0.0%
Other 3 12.5%
No response 1 4.2%
24 100.0%
Q18. What is the primary source of funding for your fair?
Response Frequency Percent
General Revenue County Funds 13 54.2%
County Sales Tax 6 25.0%
Private Foundation 1 4.2%
REAP funds 0 0.0%
Other 4 16.7%
24 100.0%
Q19. If you receive county funds, is it earmarked for any of the following specific purposes?
Response Frequency Percent
Capital improvements 7 29.2%
Operating expenses 14 58.3%
Fair only 10 41.7%
Other 3 12.5%
Do not receive county funds 4 16.7%
(Multiple answers were given by several counties.)
62
Q20. How have county funds to your fair changed in the last 10 years?
Response Frequency Percent
Greatly increased 4 16.7%
Increased somewhat 9 37.5%
Neither increased nor decreased 7 29.2%
Decreased somewhat 1 4.2%
Greatly decreased 1 4.2%
No response 2 8.3%
24 100.0%
Q21. Have you been awarded any REAP funds for the county fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 5 20.8%
No 19 79.2%
24 100.0%
Reported REAP Award amounts:
$10,000
$20,000
$35,000
$40,000
Q22. Describe the project for which the REAP funds were used.
1. Funds for the building only. The funds were used to build additional space and upgrade the existing building. No funds were used for the fair itself.
2. 2 new buildings
3. Kitchen update, facilities updated
4. For building improvement. New roofing materials.
5. We are attempting to build a new heated and air-conditioned building for showing livestock and to rent for events. This project is not finished due to funding.
63
Q23. How may paid employees does the fair have?
Full time Part time
No employees 17 11
1 3 6
2 1 3
3 1 0
4 0 2
8 1 0
18 0 1
80 (Tulsa) 1 0
300 (Tulsa) 0 1
24 24
Q24. Are any of the fair employees government employees?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 6 25.0%
No 13 54.2%
No Response 5 20.8%
24 100.0%
Q25. Who do the fair's employees report to?
Response Frequency Percent
County Extension Office 2 8.3%
Fair board 13 54.2%
General Manager 2 8.3%
No response 7 29.2%
24 100.0%
64
Q26. What was total attendance at your most recent county fair?
Attendance # Fairs Reporting
0 1
300 1
450 1
500 2
600 1
655 1
700 1
850 1
1126 1
1800 1
2000 1
2500 1
3000 1
5000 3
5500 2
6500 1
7000 1
8000 1
10000 1
1100000 1
24
65
Q27. What was the total number of livestock exhibitors at your most recent county fair?
# Exhibits # Fairs reporting
0 1
13 1
35 1
50 1
55 1
60 2
61 1
65 1
100 2
142 1
150 1
156 1
180 1
191 1
200 3
350 1
529 1
600 1
612 1
5000 1
24
Q28. What was the total number of commercial exhibitors at your most recent county fair?
# Exhibitors # Fairs Reporting
0 5
1 1
5 2
7 2
8 1
10 1
15 2
16 1
20 2
25 1
26 2
27 1
60 2
1100 1
24
66
Q29-30. For your most recent fair, list the approximate revenue generated from each of the following sources:
Admissions/ Parking Entry Fees Booth Rental
Food/Beverage Sales Carnival Sponsorships Other List other
Total Revenue
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 350 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 321 0 850 0 1,171
0 0 10 0 0 0 800 Fair book ads 810
0 0 250 0 0 0 6,650 county 6,900
0 0 400 2,600 1,100 0 0 4,100
0 0 280 1,500 0 3,500 0 5,280
0 0 250 200 0 2,000 0 6,000
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 200 0 0 0 1,000 1,200
0 0 525 800 0 800 0 2,125
0 0 1,085 0 4,400 0 0 5,485
0 0 500 200 0 0 0 700
0 0 400 0 0 0 0 400
0 0 200 80 0 0 250 530
0 0 540 0 1,680 6,775 0 9,000
0 0 2,240 293 3,286 0 5,819
0 0 350 2,600 0 500 0 3,450
0 0 820 0 0 0 0 8,200
0 0 5,500 0 2,900 5,258 5,840 cake auction 22,198
0 0 5,000 2,000 2,500 0 100,000 millage 109,500
1,872,098 398,421 1,071,383 125,910 879,160 108,139 129,858 RV Park, Souvenirs 4,584,969
67
Q31-33. For your most recent fair, approximate your expenses for each of the following:
Salaries Maintenance/ Repair Premiums Entertainment Utilities Advertising Supplies Other List Other Total Expenses Net Revenue
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 354 0 0 0 0 354 -354
0 0 8,350 0 0 50 678 448 9,526
2,675 0 17,776 0 0 0 1,457 1,705 23,612 0
760 0 7,825 0 0 0 122 0 8,708 -7,536
0 500 200 0 0 0 0 150 850 -40
600 0 5,000 0 500 0 600 0 6,700 200
0 0 6,100 1,100 0 600 0 0 0 0
0 0 3,500 0 400 0 2,000 0 0 0
0 1,000 1,500 0 500 500 200 500 4,200 1,200
0 1,000 3,000 200 400 750 1,500 500 7,350 -7,350
0 3,000 9,000 1,500 0 0 0 0 13,500 -12,300
1,000 200 6,000 750 0 300 0 0 8,250 -6,125
2,500 3,000 12,500 350 2,500 0 1,800 0 22,650 -17,165
0 800 4,000 0 600 1,900 200 0 7,500 -6,800
300 0 2,000 0 800 200 500 0 3,800 -3400
1,125 1,048 891 0 350 0 0 0 3,414 -2,884
2,369 5,696 8,627 2,785 1,710 2,000 992 225 24,404 -15,404
290 0 5,000 0 0 300 0 0 5,590 229
2,100 1,500 4,640 0 900 600 1,500 0 11,240 -7,790
0 0 6,500 0 0 0 2,575 0 9,075 -8,255
2,818 300 6,524 6,417 108 323 611 4761 21,862 336
0 0 50,000 0 5,000 500 1,500 1500 0
1,268,500 4,676 528,340 745,822 100,000 393,418 195,429 697,451 3,933,636 651,333
68
Q34. Did you have a carnival in conjunction with your most recent fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 10 41.7%
No 14 58.3%
24 100.0%
Q35. Which best describes why you were not able to have a carnival?
Response Frequency Percent
Expense too great 2 14.3%
Did not want to have one 4 28.6%
Carnival not available 3 21.4%
Did not know how to bring in a carnival 1 7.1%
No facilities for a carnival 2 14.3%
No response 2 14.3%
14 100.0%
Q36. Did you hire entertainers for your most recent fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 8 33.3%
No 16 66.7%
24 100.0%
Q37. Which best describes why you did not hire entertainers for your fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Expense too great 8 50.0%
Did not want to have entertainers 3 18.8%
None were available 0 0.0%
Did not know how to bring in entertainers 0 0.0%
No facilities for entertainers 2 12.5%
Other 1 6.3%
No response 2 12.5%
16 100.0%
Q38a-d. In your opinion, how interested is your community in the following:
a. 4-H FFA Events b. Creative Arts Exhibits c. Entertainment d. Livestock Show
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Extremely interested 14 58.3% 3 12.5% 2 8.3% 14 58.3%
Interested 4 16.7% 13 54.2% 10 41.7% 4 16.7%
Somewhat Interested 6 25.0% 7 29.2% 7 29.2% 5 20.8%
Not at all interested 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 3 12.5% 0 0.0%
Don't Know 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 2 8.3% 0 0.0%
No response 0 0.0% 1 4.2% 0 0.0% 1 4.2%
24 100.0% 24 100.0% 24 100.0% 24 100.0%
69
Q38e-g. In your opinion, how interested is your community in the following:
e. Food and Beverage f. Commercial Exhibits g. Carnival
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Extremely interested 3 12.5% 1 4.2% 7 29.2%
Interested 11 45.8% 11 45.8% 5 20.8%
Somewhat Interested 7 29.2% 7 29.2% 3 12.5%
Not at all interested 0 0.0% 3 12.5% 4 16.7%
Don't Know 2 8.3% 1 4.2% 4 16.7%
No response 1 4.2% 1 4.2% 1 4.2%
24 100.0% 24 100.0% 24 100.0%
Q39. How may days per year are your facilities in use (not including fair days)?
Days in Use # Fairs Reporting
0 5
5 1
10 1
27 1
45 1
94 1
113 1
120 1
121 1
149 1
150 2
200 2
220 1
300 1
350 1
365 3
24
70
Q40. Do your fair facilities host any of the following unique operations?
Response Frequency Percent
Concerts 5 20.8%
Trade Shows 16 66.7%
Sporting Events 8 33.3%
Livestock Events 20 83.3%
Fitness Center 0 0.0%
Banquet Facility 19 79.2%
Other 6 25.0%
Others include:
Meetings/Community events
Flea Market
Auctions
4-H workshop
Funeral
Garage sales
Wedding
Family Reunion
71
Q41-42. Please list the approximate revenue generated from each of the following uses of the facilities.
Educational Uses
Community Meetings Banquets Private Use Trade Shows
Livestock Events Entertainment Sponsorships Other List other
Total Revenue
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 450 0 0 450 0 600 0 1,500
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36,637
Rent of building to livestock events & Community meetings 36,637
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 140 0 375 0 0 0 140
500 500 1,500 500 2,500 600 0 0 6,000
200 1,000 5,000 0 0 0 8,000 0 16,000
2,000 0 2,000 1,000 0 0 0 0 5,000
0 7,500 3,000 0 0 0 0 0 10,500
0 0 100 0 0 0 0 6,000 6,000
50 0 1,250 150 0 0 0 0 14,500
550 300 3,425 0 1,435 0 0 800 RV rental 6,510
300 2,000 200 0 300 0 0 0 2,800
0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 200
0 1,000 4,500 0 1,000 0 0 0 6,500
0 3,000 21,423 0 6,000 0 0 0 30,423
30,000 0 228,261 1,864,110 192,585 0 5,527,105 Racing, Drillers, etc. 8,086,531
0 8,794 19,622 42,528 84,753 0 0 655,630
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 6,000 0 0 0 0 0 6,000
0 20,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 20,000
0 5,000 0 700 1,750 450 0 7,950 swap meet, circus, toy tractor show 15,850
72
Q43-45. Please approximate expenses incurred from other uses.
Salaries Maintenance/
Repair Utilities Supplies Other List other Total
Expenses Net Revenue
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
540 736 0 230 2,150 mowing 3,656 -2,156
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
63,750 7,300 0 0 37,000 108,050 -71,414
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 900 900 -760
11,000 2,500 1,500 500 0 15,500 9,500
5,000 5,000 5,000 3,000 0 18,000 -2,000
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3,500 2,000 2,500 1,000 0 9,000 -1,500
0 15,000 2,400 500 0 15,000 -9,000
0 460 8,850 0 0 9,311 7,861
552 850 2,880 425 0 4,707 1,803
0 1,000 2,000 500 0 3,500 -700
0 2,000 0 0 0 2,000 -1,800
0 2,000 6,000 2,500 0 10,500 -4,000
17,500 10,000 14,500 0 0 42,000 -11,577
4,927,841 246,167 1,055,808 347,058 559,445 7,136,319 950,212
208,000 17,375 76,227 26,903 450,803 731,350 -75,720
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 6,000
45,000 34,000 0 0 0 79,000 -59,000
0 8,400 3,300 1,500 5,200 contract labor 18,400 -2,550
73
Q46. Have you made any capital improvements to the fairgrounds in the last seven years?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 16 66.7%
No 8 33.3%
24 100.0%
Q47. If yes, how were these improvements funded?
Response Frequency Percent
County sales tax 6 37.5%
County general revenues 5 31.3%
Parking Fees 0 0.0%
Grants 7 43.8%
Other sources 4 25.0%
* Multiple responses were given by several counties.
Q48. Please describe the capital improvement(s) made to your fairgrounds in the last 7 years (and the approximate costs).
1. A new 10 pen wash rack and building, 4 large exhaust fans, $2000 sound system, insulation
2. Renovation to facilities
3. Kitchen improvement, handicapped bathrooms, show facility improved
4. New livestock barn; new lighting in barns; new restrooms
5. Remodel to expand facilities
6. Enclosed wash rack (livestock) $1,191.00. P.A System $1,200, Lighting $2,350 (outside security). Rest room facilities $1500
7. Building of new show arena and concession area $125,000-2-Grants. This was matched with in-kind labor and materials.
8. County traded golf course to city for exchange of purchased expo center.
9. Build new concession on livestock arena--about $12,000.
10. Renovate pavilion, new livestock arena--$21 mil. New exhibit building, new livestock barns and landscaping--$20 mil.
11. Added 1200 sq feet on to the Ed. Bldg. Rooms are a board conference room and an office for the fair board secretary, and a storage room. Cost:$75,000
12. Pens$ 600. Show arena $2000. Concert $1000.
13. Put up new lights in livestock barn.
14. Renovation of 3 buildings and grounds - $4.5 million
15. 1 new building to house cattle; 1 new building for booths and other trade exhibits combined cost $40,000.
16. Renovation meeting room - $94,000. Addition to expo building - $1.2 million
74
Q49. Who maintains your facilities?
Response Frequency Percent
The County 9 37.5%
Private Contractors 1 4.2%
Other 10 41.7%
No response 4 16.7%
24 100.0%
Others include:
Fair board members
Private contractors and county fairground employees
Fair board, County, & HCE Ladies
Fairboard
Fair custodian
Fair board members and county educators
Individuals
Fairboard-a $7000 advalorum tax-budget used to be $130,000.
Staff
Fairgrounds staff
City
Leaser or county commissioners-depends on maintenance problem.
Fair managers
75
Q50. Describe your facilities and their condition.
1. Approximately 21,000 sq ft new facilities, 800 sq ft air-conditioned conference room. Nice modern kitchen, nice show ring., 2. Women’s building-Good, Beef Barn-Average, Parking Lot-Poor, Swine/Shop Barn-Fair, Poultry-Poor
3. Nice facilities. Good condition.
4. Very poor livestock. Very nice exhibit building for banquets and meetings. Blacktop parking in poor condition
5. Our facilities are in good shape, but require constant upkeep.
6. Exhibitors hall with kitchen, show arena with snack bar and bathrooms, livestock barn
7. We have an exhibit building which houses the offices of the OSU Extension Service, and a livestock barn and show facility.
8. We have excellent facilities in Bryan County and they are in good condition. We have five buildings from small building for exhibits up to a show barn for livestock exhibits.
9. Excellent for livestock and trade shows
10. Could be nice, but needs additional repairs and general maintenance.
11. The livestock barn is pretty good. The exhibit hall is not good at all. Restrooms are bad, also kitchen.
12. Old but serves. Nov 2000 passed 1/4 cent sales tax for 20 years. Fall 2001 will start a $6,300,000 improvement and additions.
13. Within the next 2 years most of our facilities will be in very good condition.
14. Facilities are centrally located and are in good working condition
15. Good
16. Expo center-large-great building
17. Livestock barn-fair condition
18. Under Construction; 95% complete
19. Livestock building is a 1939 WPA project but in good condition. Exhibit building was built in 1975 and is a metal building in good condition.
20. 89,000 sq ft livestock barn – good condition. 12,000 sq ft coliseum – fair to small. 12,000sq ft banquet room – fair, needs remodeling. 4,000 sq ft banquet – good, newly remodeled.
76
Q51a-c. Describe how each of the following has changed for your fair over the last 10 years.
a. Attendance b. # of Commercial Exhibits c. Livestock Premiums
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Grown Substantially 2 8.3% 1 4.2% 3 12.5%
Grown Somewhat 10 41.7% 6 25.0% 3 12.5%
Not Changed 1 4.2% 5 20.8% 13 54.2%
Declined Somewhat 7 29.2% 7 29.2% 1 4.2%
Declined Substantially 4 16.7% 3 12.5% 0 0.0%
Don’t' Know 0 0.0% 1 4.2% 3 12.5%
No Response 0 0.0% 1 4.2% 1 4.2%
24 100.0% 24 100.0% 24 100.0%
Q52. Is your community losing interest in the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Definitely yes 5 20.8%
Maybe 8 33.3%
No 11 45.8%
I don't know 0 0.0%
24 100.0%
Why are your communities losing interest?
Because of Metro area and lack of fairgrounds for our own use. We are told when we can have our fair; we are unable to set our own dates.
No new ideas and changes. Same old thing. Can't provide resources and the facilities Other activities, change of times ag economy-poor facilities Fewer farm (agricultural) oriented people
Q53. Is there another festival(s) in your community?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 22 91.7%
No 2 8.3%
Not sure 0 0.0%
24 100.0%
77
Q54. If your community does have other festivals, do the other festivals draw more attendance that the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 15 68.2%
No 5 22.7%
No response 2 9.1%
22 100.0%
Why do the other festivals draw more attendance than the fair?
1. Anything you want to do is in OKC.
2. They have a carnival
3. Some do, depending on leadership and promotion of the festival.
4. City of Claremore sponsored-newspaper pushed hard-professional event coordinator
5. It's an arts & crafts festival
6. It is downtown on square, flea market, carnival, rattle snake hunt.
7. Wantonga Cheese Festival
8. More widely publicized
9. Fourth of July
10. Carnival-fishing tournament
11. New/different/more people involved promoting & planning
12. City sponsors, back and advertises
13. More city oriented activity
14. Christmas Festival of light-highly advertised
Q55. Do the other festivals tend to have more community support (such as sponsorships) than the fair?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 14 63.6%
No 5 22.7%
No response 3 13.6%
22 100.0%
Q56. Is your organization a member of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals (OAFF)?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 11 45.8%
No 12 50.0%
No response 1 4.2%
24 100.0%
Why not a member of OAFF?
1. Don't know
2. Was for a time, but couldn't generate interest from other board members.
3. Haven't paid our dues
4. I was president of assoc for 2 years, but due to county comm., limited funding-none available to pay
5. No funds for membership
6. Don't know about it, but would like to be.
Not aware of this organization
78
Q57. Is your organization a member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 6 25.0%
No 17 70.8%
No response 1 4.2%
24 100.0%
Why not a member of IAFE?
1.Not aware of that organization.
2. Don't know
3. Don't know
4. Do not know
5. Cost
6. No funds for membership
7. Don't know about it
8. Not aware
Q58. Do your staff, volunteers, or board members attend educational conferences relating to fairs?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 10 41.7%
No 14 58.3%
24 100.0%
Q59. If statutes allowed, would you charge a nominal fee for entry fees or admissions to improve your event?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 3 12.5%
No 16 66.7%
Not sure 5 20.8%
24 100.0%
79
Q60. Please describe any suggestions you have for changes needed in the Oklahoma Statutes
regarding county fairs.
1. Allow county sales tax to be used for the fair itself.
2. Matching Funding
3. More financial backing
4. The county fairs must be kept free fairs. A portion of para-mutual was to be used for county fairs—has never been done—we helped pass this issue.
5. To allow 501 tax-deferred contributions be given to a county fair for different purposes.
6. Suggest counties receive monies for putting on county fair from legislature.
7. We feel that the funding for the fair board should come from a tax revenue and be earmarked for that purpose only. We would like to be separated from county general funds.
8. Selection of fair board members. It is my opinion on the election of board members it should at least be on a staggered basis, and not all members to be elected at the same time.
9. State assistance by way of funding to help improve facilities.
10. Need a clear job description for fair board members. Need to know who does what, i.e. Extension and board.
11. I feel the restrictive parts of the statutes need to be removed. If a county fair wants to charge for admission, let them. Same with entry fees. If they want to appoint rather than elect board members, let them. These statutes need to be enabling rather than restrictive.
12. I don’t think any changes are needed.
13. Labor statutes for carnivals. They don’t want to come to Oklahoma; too strict.
14. I would like to get a copy of the statutes
15. Fairboard could sponsor event at fair and charge.
16. Continue to allow rural people to run.
17. Financial aid
Question 61. Please describe any suggestions you have for better methods of selecting board members that would encourage more involvement from community leaders.
1. None- we have good rep. From the county.
2. Where we elect board members it works well.
3. No suggestions
4. All board members serve as community volunteers and are hard to find because of the difficult job they are confronted with.
5. I have been on our board for 20 plus years. I think we had a better cross selection of members when they were appointed and not elected.
6. I feel that letting County commissioners appoint community leaders to the fair board will increase community involvement & increase support from the commissioners for the fair.
7. Filing fee for fair board director and the election work good for us.
8. None.
9. We need suggestions
10. Do not know
11. Do not allow political people to appoint buddies to a fair board in which they care nothing about and know nothing about.
12. Do not know
13. To appoint a wider variety of board members. Not just ag-oriented people.
80
Q62a. What is the most important issue you face concerning the operation of your county fair?
1. Attendance
2. budget
3. Funding
4. Funding
5. Finances to support and put on fairs
6. Lack of funding for improvements
7. Paying better premiums
8. Funds to improve facility
9. Community involvement
10. No funds
11. Need a new exhibit building
12. Need a manager to promote the fair. Fair board members and Extension staff do not have the time or experience to do this.
13. Competition from other sources of entertainment
14. Keeping attendance up.
15. Volunteer
16. Low donations for premiums
17. Improvement for building
18. Full time manager
19. Personnel
20. Lack of fairgrounds
21. Funding
22. Funding
81
Q62b. What is the second most important issue you face concerning the operation of your county fair?
1. Participation
2. Man-power
3. General Revenue
4. Participation
5. Finding a time when more people can come
6. Lack of volunteers and community input
7. Keeping participation in all age groups
8. Funds to educate public through fair activities
9. Funding
10. Age of fairground
11. Better restrooms
12. Cost of maintaining our livestock shows-premiums
13. Finding affordable entertainment
14. Carnival
15. Increasing attendance
16. Increase in Maintenance staff
17. Purchasing arena area for county
18. Millage
19. Treated like poor step-children at the State Fairgrounds
20. Attendance
21. Community involvement
Q62c. What is the third most important issue you face concerning the operation of your county fair?
1. Need more air conditioned space 2. Involvement
3. Operating expenses
4. Parking area for spectators
5. Community support
6. Equipment & labor for maintaining grounds & facilities
7. Knowing who does what
8. Increased operating costs
9. Persuading the school board to air condition. The coliseum for our women's exhibits.
10. Commercial Booths
11. City of Claremore owns facility with agreement
12. Co. Comm. Feel as though they need to appoint buddies & people who donate to their campaign
13. Participation
82
Question 63a. What is your most needed capital improvement at this time?
1. New exhibit building, convention room 2. Parking
3. Exhibit building
4. New Arena
5. New arena
6. Parking lot improvement
7. New show facility
8. New meeting rooms to rent to the public
9. Exhibit/Banquet hall
10. Show barn needs concrete floor, heater & insulation
11. New ceiling
12. Exhibit building
13. We are starting a complete renovation.
14. Exhibit buildings
15. Arena
16. Lighting in livestock area.
17. Seal roofs
18. Horse/Livestock Barn
19. Exhibit building for livestock
20. Just have a fairgrounds
21. More and updated electrical circuits and lighting
22. New Coliseum
83
Q63b. What is your second most needed capital improvement at this time?
1. Parking lot 2. New Women’s building
3. Paved parking
4.Wash rack facilities
5. Asphalt parking lots
6. Outside lighting
7. Exhibit buildings
8. More parking area
9. Insulation
10. Exhibit bldg needs additional storage for tables, chairs
11. New air conditioners
12. Concrete floors in livestock barn
13. Livestock facilities
14. Multipurpose exhibit building
15. Bathrooms in horticulture building
16. PA system
17. Full hookups for RVs
18. Insulation and heat in middle building
19. Parking lot repair
Q63c. What is your third most needed capital improvement at this time?
1. Landscaping
2. Better show facilities
3. Asphalt parking
4. Update electric system
5. Exhaust fans in existing barn
6. Asphalt parking
7. Ventilation
8. Need quality tables that are light but sturdy
9. New swing facility
10. Better restrooms/dressing rooms
11. Major maintenance-roofs, air conditioner., sewer lines, electrical system
12. Insulation and heat in existing livestock barn
13. Connecting exhibit buildings
14. Build permanent show ring
15. Asphalt parking
16. New air conditioning for exhibit building
17. Remodel banquet facilities
84
Question 63d. What is your fourth most needed capital improvement at this time?
1. Money for utilities, insurance, etc.
2. Expand property-more space
3. Update plumbing system
4. Asphalt parking
5. Better banquet facilities
6. Equipment for maintenance
7. Need an equipment shed
8. Upgrading bathroom facilities
9. New kitchen/eating area
10. Asphalt
11. Outdoor bleachers
12. PA system for grounds
13. Concrete floor and sides for newest building
14. Other building to hold livestock
Q63e. What is your fifth most needed capital improvement at this time?
1. Machinery, tools for use in upkeep 2. Raise premiums for more involvement
3. Equipment for maintenance
4. Adequate heating &/or cooling in existing facilities
5. Equipment to handle animal pens in & out of building
6. New Exhibit building
7. Fence around grounds
8. Landscaping
9. Upgrade outdoor plug ins for RV parking
10. Enclosing east side of livestock area.
11. Light in parking area
12. Perimeter fence
Q64. Some Departments of Agriculture in other states administer funds appropriated by the legislature to county fairs based on certain criteria. Would this be beneficial in your opinion?
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 18 75.0%
No 0 0.0%
Not sure 6 25.0%
24 100.0%
85
Q65. Please offer any other comments or ideas that would improve our system of county fairs in Oklahoma
1. I have none at this time.
2. Additional funds from state level. Change the OKC state fair back to a FREE Fair and not the money hungry monster it appears to have become.
3. I think it is great that we still have a system in place. I know funding for these events is always going to be a problem; but any additional funds would greatly help.
4. We have trouble getting fair board members due to the volunteer nature of the job. Possible these elected officials need to be paid to keep the positions filled.
5. The county fairs all are in need of more funding.
6. There is a definite need to encourage our youth through 4-H/FFA. This is a must because the programs meet some need for all youth. Note: I am the Asst General Livestock Supt at the State Fair of Oklahoma. I think for all of Oklahoma this was needed a long time ago. I commend you on this endeavor. It is a starting place—grass roots county fairs
7. Need help in advertising and promotion.
8. It would be beneficial to assist with funding educational meetings to help fair board members understand their responsibility.
9. Question 64 indicates there might be some state money—our leaders and volunteers have made our fair successful along with a good relationship with county commissioners—if there are funds, we want our share. Unsuccessful fairs don’t need to be rewarded for lack of community interest. We need additional money to do educational work toward agricultural subjects.
10. Financial aid.
86
APPENDIX D
SUMMARY OF COUNTY RESPONSE TO CF1 AND CF2
87
Counties Responding to CF1 (With Addresses of Fair Board Chairmen)
County/Fair Fairboard Chairman Address of Chairman City State Zip Chairman Telephone of Chairman
1. ATOKA CO FAIR DAVID BLACKBURN RTE 4 BOX 6240 ATOKA OK 74525
2. BEAVER CO FAIR CHRIS DEARMIN RTE 1 BOX 40 BALKO OK 73931
3. BECKHAM CO FAIR JACK DAMRON ROUTE 1 BOX 201A SAYRE OK 73662
4. BRYAN CO FAIR LARRY CONDITT HC 62 BOX 82 DURANT OK 74701
5. CARTER CO FAIR MILTON MURPHy ROUTE 4 BOX 156 C ARDMORE OK 73401 (580) 226-6075
6. CIMARRON CO FAIR ELTON SOELL BOX 779 BOISE CITY OK 73933 (580) 544-3201
7. CLEVELAND CO FAIR WAYNE MCPHERSON 951 W FRANKLIN RD NORMAN OK 73069
8. COAL CO FAIR MARGIE BLUE (580) 927-2757
9. COMANCHE CO FAIR KEN PRICE PO BOX 584 LAWTON OK 73502 (580) 442-5620
10. CREEK CO FAIR RONNIE WELLS PO BOX827 DRUMRIGHT OK 74030
11. DELAWARE CO FAIR RONALD ENYART
12. DEWEY CO FAIR RICHIE OAKES ROUTE 1 BOX 26AA TALOGA OK 73667
13. ELLIS CO FAIR BOB JONES ROUTE 2 BOX 56 GUYMON OK 73843
14. GRADY CO FAIR JERRY CAMPBELL ROUTE 1 BOX 32 TUTTLE OK 73089 (405) 381-2996
15. GRANT CO FAIR KIRK SCHUETEIN PO BOX 92 LAMONT OK 74643
16. HARMON CO FAIR MARK FARR ROUTE 1 BOX 62 ELDORADO OK 73537
17. HARPER CO FAIR LANCE GIBSON RR 3 BOX 53 LAVERNE OK 73848
18. HASKELL CO FAIR GLEN CRABB (918) 967-4212
19. HUGHES CO FAIR ROBERT MORGAN RTE 1 BOX 1830 HOLDENVILLE OK 74848 (405) 379-2479
20. JACKSON CO FAIR BRENT COFIELD RTE 1 BOX 386 ALTUS OK (580) 482-6699
21. JEFFERSON CO FAIR JIM BERNARD 621 E FLORIDA ST WAURIKA OK 73573 (580) 228-2124
22. JOHNSTON CO FAIR CHUCK STEWART PO BOX 60 RAVIA OK 73455
23. KAY CO FAIR LARRY DYE 8551 W HIGHLAND AVE PONCA CITY OK 740601 (580) 765-0617
24. KINGFISHER CO FAIR MARK WALTA RTE 4 BOX 194 KINGFISHER OK 73750 (405) 375-3776
25. KIOWA CO FAIR LARRY ROSE 515 N MAIN ST HOBART OK 73651 (405) 726-5553
26. LATIMER CO FAIR WALTER FREEMAN RTE 1 BOX 585 WILBURTON OK (918) 465-5097
27. LEFLORE CO FAIR FREDDY NELSON POTEAU OK (918) 647-2527
28. LOVE CO FAIR BOBBY SHARP MARIETTA OK
29. MAJOR CO FAIR JACK KELLEY (580) 227-4515
30. MCCLAIN CO FAIR MIKE LEVERETT RTE 2 BOX 240 PURCELL OK 73080
31. MURRAY CO FAIR JOHN CAGLE RTE 1 MILLCREEK OK 74856
32. NOBLE CO FAIR PHIL BERKENBILE BOX 99 MORRISON OK 73061 (580) 724-3390
33. NOWATA CO FAIR DENNIS HOWERTON PO BOX 125 LENAPAH OK 74042 (918) 468-2340
34. OKFUSKEE CO FAIR DAVID ROSS RTE 1 BOX 225 OKEMAH OK 74859
35. OKLAHOMA CO FAIR LES SHARP 8501 E DANFORTH ARCADIA OK 73007
36. OSAGE CO FAIR JOYCE MUNDY 628 KIHEKAH 2ND
FLOOR PAWHUSKA OK 74056 (918) 287-4170
37. PITTSBURG CO FAIR SUE CALDWELL PO BOX 115 ALDERSON OK 74522 (918) 426-0155
38. PONTOTOC CO FAIR JACKIE LACY 1700 N BROADWAY FAIRGROUNDS ADA OK 74820 (580) 332-7329
39. POTTAWATOMIE CO FAIR RANDY GILBERT 20395 MALONE RD TECUMSEH OK 74873 (405) 275-4549
40. ROGER MILLS CO FAIR HOMER PARMAN BOX 82 REYDON OK 73660
41. ROGERS CO FAIR BOB HEIDLAGE PO BOX 1500 CLAREMORE OK 74018 (918) 341-4651
42. SEMINOLE CO FAIR MICK WILLIAMSON RTE 4 BOX 325 SEMINOLE OK 74868
43. SEQUOYAH CO FAIR RYAN PLEMMONS 205 W ELM SALLISAW OK 74955
44. STEPHENS CO FAIR BILL MCCARLEY RTE 3 BOX 304 MARLO OK 73055 (580) 658-5047
45. TEXAS CO PANHANDLE EXPOSITION RANDY SCHREINER RTE 1 BOX 9 TEXHOMA OK 73949 (580) 423-7110
46. TILLMAN CO FAIR L A TODD RTE 1 TIPTON OK 73570
47. TULSA CO FAIR
48. TULSA STATE FAIR JOHN SELPH 500 S DENVER TULSA OK 74103
49. WAGONER CO FAIR J O SMITH PO BOX 134 COWETA OK 74429 (405) 486-4134
50. WASHINGTON CO FAIR BILL EDEN BOX 145 RAMONA OK 74061
51. WASHITA CO FAIR TRUMAN SMITH BOX 5 COLONY OK 73021 (405) 929-7210
52. WOODS CO FAIR DON WEARMOUTH 524 BIDGWAY RD ALVA OK 73717
53. WOODWARD CO FAIR VERBUCE NATT RTE 1 BOX 31 FARGO OK 73840 (405) 334-3908
88
Counties Not Responding to CF1 (With Addresses of Fair Board Chairmen)
County/Fair Fairboard Chairman Address of Chairman City State Zip Chairman
1. ADAIR CO FAIR DENNIS KESTER RTE 2 BOX 1653 STILWELL OK 74960
2. ALFALFA CO FAIR JAY HAGUE RR2 CHEROKEE OK 73728
3. BLAINE CO FAIR KIM WEST 212 N WEIGLE AVE WATONGA OK 73772
4. CADDO CO FAIR ORVILLE WARREN PO BOX 176 HINTON OK 73047
5. CANADIAN CO FAIR TED MITTELSTAEDT 220 N COUNTRY CLUB RD EL RENO OK 73036
6. CHEROKEE CO FAIR JIM ROBBINS 30402 S 584 RD BUNCH OK 74931
7. CHOCTAW CO FAIR JAMES RAY HC 79 BOX 38 HUGO OK 74743
8. COTTON CO FAIR RUTH CHAMPION RTE 1 BOX 85 DEVOL OK 73531
9. CRAIG CO FAIR
10. CUSTER CO FAIR R L PYRON RTE 1 BOX 25 ARAPAHO OK 73620
11. GARFIELD CO FAIR
12. GARVIN CO FAIR BRUCE MANNING RR3 BOX 301 LINDSAY OK 73052
13. GREER CO FAIR LINDA BURCHAM RTE 1 BOX 8 MANGUM OK 73554
14.LINCOLN CO FAIR FRED COULSON PO BOX 327 WELLSTON OK 74881
15. LOGAN CO FAIR LARRY JAMES 9100 N SOONER RD GUTHRIE OK 73044
16. MARSHALL MIKE PURNELL HC 73 BOX 372 KINSTON OK 73439
17. MAYES BARBARA ROSS RTE 1 BOX 585 ROSE OK 74364
18. MCCURTAIN JAMES MARSHALL BOX 642 IDABEL OK 74745
19. MCINTOSH CO FAIR JAMES DAWSON RTE 3 BOX 115 EUFAULA OK 74332
20. MUSKOGEE CO FAIR WES PINGSTON PO BOX 127 COUNCIL HILL OK 74228
21. OKMULGEE CO FAIR DAVID LEDFORD 14451 HWY 52 OKMULGEE OK 74447
22. OTTAWA CO FAIR BRIAN LAUE 60996 E 110 RD WYANDOTTE OK 74070
23. PAWNEE CO FAIR GARY LEFORCE ROOM 103 COURTHOUSE PAWNEE OK 74058
24. PAYNE CO FAIR DARRELL STILES WEST OF CITY CUSHING OK 74022
25. PUSHMATAHA CO FAIR JO DECKER RTE 2 BOX 160 CLAYTON OK 74536
90
Counties Responding to CF2
Alfalfa County Fair
Atoka County Free Fair
Blaine County Fair
Bryan County Free Fair
Canadian County
Coal County Free Fair
Comanche County Free Fair
Grady County Fair
Greer County Free Fair
Harper County Free Fair
Latimer County Free Fair
Major County Free Fair
Marshall Free Fair
McClain County Free Fair
Murray County Fair
Noble County Free Fair
Nowata County Free Fair
Oklahoma County Free Fair
Pittsburg County Free Fair
Rogers County Free Fair
Stephens County Free Fair
Tulsa State Fair
Wagoner County Fair
Washington County Free Fair
Washita County Free Fair
Counties Responding to Both
Surveys
Atoka County Free Fair
Bryan County Free Fair
Coal County Free Fair
Comanche County Free Fair
Grady County Fair
Harper County Free Fair
Latimer County Free Fair
Major County Free Fair
McClain County Free Fair
Murray County Fair
Noble County Free Fair
Nowata County Free Fair
Pittsburg County Free Fair
Rogers County Free Fair
Stephens County Free Fair
Tulsa State Fair
Wagoner County Fair
Washington County Free Fair
Washita County Free Fair
Counties Not Responding to
Either CF1 or CF2
Adair County
Caddo County
Cherokee County
Choctaw County
Cotton County
Craig County
Custer Counter
Garfield County
Garvin County
Lincoln County
Logan County
Mayes County
McCurtain County
McIntosh County
Muskogee County
Okmulgee County
Ottawa County
Pawnee County
Payne County
Pushmataha County
90
APPENDIX E
County Fair Board Account Information
For
Fiscal Year 1999-2000
Generated by
Dr. Notie Lansford
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Oklahoma State University
October 2001
96
APPENDIX F
OKLAHOMA COUNTY FAIR STATUTES