AE-01189 STATUS OF COUNTY FAIRS IN OKLAHOMA: …agecon.okstate.edu/faculty/publications/791.pdfThe...

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


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

7

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

8

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.

10

PART II


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.

15

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

16

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.

17

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

18

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.

21

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

22

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


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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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

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?


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?


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?


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?


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

Mail

A15. Does the county provide funds for the fair?


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?


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?


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?


Donations 12 22.6%

Generated Revenues 3 5.7%

Sales Tax 5 9.4%

Other 13 24.5%


53 100.0%

A17. Does the fair have any paid

employees?


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?


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?



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?



Yes 1 1.9%

No 25 47.2%

No response 2 3.8%

53 100.0%

33

B1. What is the county population?


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.


0-10,000 40 75.5%

10,001-20,000 2 3.8%

Over 1 million 1 1.9%


53 100.0%

C1. How many days are your facilities in use?


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?


Yes 6 11.3%

No 47 88.7%

53 100.0%

D1. Have you been awarded any REAP funds?


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?


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?


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?


Yes 23 43.4%

No 30 56.6%

53 100.0%

E2. Has the number of commercial exhibits

grown over the last 10 years?


Yes 16 30.2%

No 37 69.8%

53 100.0%

E3. Have your livestock premiums grown

over the last 10 years?


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?


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?


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?


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)?


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)?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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: _________________________


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.)


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?


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:


Elected 21 87.5%

Appointed 3 12.5%

24 100.0%

60

Q13. Do you have an advisory board of community leaders?


Yes 5 20.8%

No 19 79.2%

24 100.0%

Q14. Who serves on your advisory board?


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?





Other arrangements 6 25.0%

No response 2 8.3%

24 100.0%

Q16. Who manages your county fair?





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?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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?


Yes 10 41.7%

No 14 58.3%

24 100.0%

Q35. Which best describes why you were not able to have a carnival?


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?


Yes 8 33.3%

No 16 66.7%

24 100.0%

Q37. Which best describes why you did not hire entertainers for your fair?


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?


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?


Yes 16 66.7%

No 8 33.3%

24 100.0%

Q47. If yes, how were these improvements funded?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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?


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)?


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)?


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?


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?


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?


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

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