Rodeo Meets Rock n' Roll

Fall has officially arrived. No, the leaves haven't turned, hoodies aren't quite the proper attire yet and, for right now, there isn't a single pumpkin patch open for business.

Nevertheless, fall has come to Tulsa. The 2010 Tulsa State Fair debuts Sept. 30 and promises to be a whirlwind of excitement for all ages and all walks of life.

This year's fair opens with an ice extravaganza. Celebrating everything from Alice in Wonderland's Very Merry Unbirthday to a Halloween haunt with Cruella De Ville and Captain Hook, Disney on Ice will thrill the small ones and the young at heart. While this attraction does come attached to an extra fee, opening night show-goers can take advantage of a one-night-only promotion.

For those whose glory days were in the '80s, opening night also features Dressed to Kill: Tribute to Kiss. This band of four relives the spandex, platform boots, leather and metal in a fashion that Dr. Love would be proud of.

Be sure to take the kids to the Just for Kids Adventure and let the little energizer bunnies tear through their batteries and release some creativity. This year, the fair offers a Discovering Science show, a Superplay Activity Center and a Monster Mural Creative Center to entertain the kiddos. The fair has even provided comical relief for the parents by hosting a Just for Kids (hands-free) pie-eating contest.

Part of the competitive exhibits are the 'How To' Stage and the Culinary Kitchen Stage. Gaze upon handcrafted stained glass, fused glass jewelry and beautifully stitched quilts. Meet with chef Jacques Lissonnet as he presents Decadent Desserts or watch Kenny Wagoner, head chef for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, as he teaches how to cook healthy food without losing taste.

After learning some helpful hints from the professionals, go support fellow Tulsans as they compete in culinary contests such as the Mystery Ingredient Throwdown or the Cheesy Goodness Contest. No need to leave all the fun to someone else though; be sure to take part in the pumpkin decorating, the spoon races or one of the many other contests available. Even more impressive might be a 640-pound cheese carving of Tulsa's iconic Golden Driller that will be on display throughout the week.

The Oklahoma Stage, Budweiser Beer Garden and International Beer Garden have all been built just for night owls and music lovers. Country, Pop, Rock, alternative bands and solo artists have found their way to Green Country and, with paid gate admission, are free to fair attendees. Internationally known and local artists alike will entertain the masses from one of the three Tulsa State Fair stages.

UTW's very own Absolute Bests take the Budweiser Beer Garden stage Oct. 7-9. Performers include the Best Country Band winner, Kristin Nicole Band, the Best Party Band, Crossland, and the Band of the Year winner, Halo Jordan. Celebrate the best of Tulsa by coming to sing-a-long and rock out with local bands.

Not forgetting that Oklahoma is, indeed, home to the Tulsa State Fair, there is an extensive list of livestock and agricultural events. Horses will trot and sheep dogs will herd for audiences at the open livestock shows. For the more unorthodox and to inform those that may be ignorant to all that livestock shows truly have to offer, the Tulsa State Fair is also hosting a llama show and the ever-intriguing pigeon show.

If by chance, this shortlist of the Tulsa State Fair hasn't effectively whetted your whistle, just come for the food. Funnel cakes, corndogs, deep-fried cheesecake and beer. Is there really anything else you could possibly need? For a full list of hours, events and promotional entry fees, visit tulsastatefair.com.