TULSA - Thursday marks opening night at everyone's favorite Tulsa State Fair.
There's no doubt this year it's a family affair.
“This is my nephew, and this is my aunt. Yes," joked Tulsa native Talia Myres and her nephew Xander Turrenn.
And it's the smallest of Tulsans wandering through the bright lights and big rides that have the greatest number of visits under their belts.
“About 5 or 6 years," said 13-year-old Kevin Smith.
“Like, hundreds!” Xander said.
And he made it clear he's here for one thing and one thing only.
“Because I love the rides!”
Dragging his aunt along.
“We get roped into it. Suffer.”
But she hops in the ride cars rounding those colorful corners in the name of tradition.
“As you get older you want to see your kids, your nieces and nephews do the same things you did.”
But, brothers Kevin Smith and Nathan Copeland do it for sport.
“I went on the Mega Drop. I mean, it’s scary but it’s fun," said Nathan.
And if you think you ride rides a lot.
“10 or 11 each day, at least.”
Think again.
“It’s just the thrill of it going so fast forward and then you going so fast backwards.”
Jerry Arp and his sister haven't missed an opening night in -
“Probably 40 years.”
And his intentions are simple.
“Because she stays on the farm all the time so I get her out to see the city lights once in a while."
So take it from the people who know.
This year's fair is nothing short of -
“Awesome!” according to Xander.
“If they haven’t been they ought to come at least one time," said Jerry.
And don't forget to stop by the 2 Works for You booth inside the River Spirit Expo all weekend long.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
