Maci Miller

Writer

The historic Oklahoma State Fair has begun and will continue through Sept. 25, 2022.

Oklahoma’s State Fair is held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the OKC Fairgrounds.

The first fair started on Oct. 5, 1907 and ever since then has grown to become one of the top State Fairs in the nation.

The fair has something for everyone, ranging from carnival rides, live music, bull riding and has lots of food vendors.

Marlow FFA students got their own take on the fair.

All of the students enrolled in an ag class were required to enter at least one project into the FFA Exhibits contest.

“This is an easy way for students to get involved at the State Fair and get recognition for their projects,” stated ag teacher Quiad Kennan. “The kids that go to the fair with their parents can go show off their work and see it displayed for the whole state.”

Students completed projects such as homecoming mums, terrariums, photography exhibits, informational posters, and much more.

Many FFA members received high honors for their work, including junior Kade Sullivant’s welding project, where he received first place and Grand Champion.

Korben Baker made a hay saver with 4H member Brady Blackburn that placed first and won Reserve Grand Champion.

Senior Katy Diedrich entered both a first place pumpkin and a fourth place native range plant board.

“My projects allowed me to explore more fields of agriculture,” expressed Diedrich.

“I was able to go out into the fields and gather my plants and see them in person rather than just seeing a picture of them.”

Many students entered terrariums filled with live plants, including Lane Jones and Maddy Elroy, who had the top ranking terrariums with Jones placing third and Elroy placing seventh.

Sophomore Brody Brantley entered photos and a tenth place news report.

Mums were entered and placed highly by Emma Throckmorton, Gracie Webb, Alize Rodriguez, Briley Stoll and Cadey Jones.

“All of these students have talents, and they got to show them to the state,” said Kennan.

Most of these exhibits will also be entered into the Tulsa State Fair in early October.

Ten Marlow FFA students also competed in the Livestock Judging contest held at the fairgrounds Sept. 15, 2022.

Although more than 1,000 4H and FFA kids from across the state competed, only two teams and two individuals represented Marlow at the contest.

The Senior FFA division team consisted of sophomore Emma Throckmorton, freshman Avery Throckmorton, sophomore Briley Stoll and junior Brad McClure.

Emma Throckmorton placed 114, Avery Throckmorton placed 236, Stoll placed 356 and McClure placed 515.

As a team they placed 62 out of 564 teams.

“The contest has a lot more competition, so I got to see where I stand at the state level,” said McClure. “I really enjoy seeing how my opinion on the animals varies from the judges.”

Diedrich also competed in the Senior FFA division individually and placed 201.

A Junior FFA team from Marlow also competed.

This all freshman team consisted of  Kinley Castle, Katelyn Reynolds, Jayden Carpenter and Brody Morris.

Castle placed 71, Reynolds placed 433, Carpenter placed 439 and Morris placed 718.

This team placed 80 in the Junior FFA division which consisted of 269 teams.

“The judging contest has a lot more people and is very competitive at the State Fair,” explained Castle. “With there being more people at the contest, I got to meet new people which made it fun”

Sophomore Maci Miller competed as an individual in the Junior FFA division as well and placed 275.

All of these students have had the chance to explore the whole fair and stated what they like most about the Oklahoma State Fair. 

“My favorite part of the state fair is all of the interesting food choices,” said Diedrich.

McClure and Castle both enjoy the people and the friendships formed at the fair. 

“I like to go to the fair with my friends and reuniting with old friends. It is a good time,” stated McClure.

Kennan’s favorite part is the opportunities it gives his students. 

“The fair is a great place for students to become involved FFA members,” expressed Kennan.

These students will have the chance to compete again at the Tulsa State Fair Oct. 6, 2022.