The annual Osage County Free Fair, held since 1913, takes place the third week of September, September 17-21, and the word “free” describes much of what is offered to participating residents.
Parking and admission to the Osage County Fairgrounds are free. Rides are free for people of all ages. Rides are available on Thursday and Friday, September 19th and 20th, from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm. On Saturday, September 21st, rides are also available from 10am to 10pm. You can enjoy the rides as long as you like.
Other free attractions planned for the fair include a concert by Thomas Martinez at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Martinez is an Oklahoman who describes himself as a “rocker in a country boy’s body.” People who plan to attend the concert are asked to bring their own chairs, as no seating will be provided for the event.
A free petting zoo is planned, which is expected to include alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits, turtles as well as miniature horses, cows, pigs and donkeys.
Dee Chambers, secretary-treasurer of the county’s Free Fair Board, explained that offering free entertainment, educational opportunities and more at county fairs is enshrined in Oklahoma state law. In the law, the term “free fair” refers to “municipal and county fairs, as well as livestock and other agricultural shows, where admission to the grounds and all exhibit buildings is free.”
The costs for the free fair are financed by the district government. A citizens’ committee oversees the planning of the fair every year and reports to the district council.
What isn’t generally free at the fair is food prepared by food truck operators and other vendors and offered for sale to the public, Chambers said. She added that the 2023 fair was well attended and the fair board has optimistic expectations for the 2024 fair.
“Last year was the best show we’ve had since I’ve been on the board,” said Chambers, who has been on the board for nearly a decade.
Chambers mentioned an exception to the general rule that edible items are sold by vendors. The fair will hand out hundreds of free bags of candy to school children who stop by on Thursday and Friday. Also, the fair will have free iced bottled water for students to drink with their lunches they brought with them. In addition, the Osage County Department of Emergency Management plans to offer free popcorn and ice cream cones to students.
Thursday and Friday are the days when school groups visit the fair. Saturday is family day. Events on this day include a car show, livestock show, dog show, ranch rodeo and barrel racing.
The Osage County Free Fair also features contests for a variety of products, from gardening products to arts and crafts, as well as talent contests.
For more information about the free fair, visit the Osage County Free Fair 2024 Facebook page.
