Fairgoers say goodbye to Home Grown Fun as Oklahoma State Fair concludes

While it will take several weeks for the state fair to tally telltale signs of success like admissions and profits, those attending the state fair on its last day were quick to give their two cents on the event dubbed Home Grown Fun.

Harper Lecluyse, 3, of Edmond, gave a lukewarm review to a “caterpillar ride” but very much enjoyed her experience of petting a massive Clydesdale horse.

Harper came to the fair with her parents, Allison and Blake, and sister Sloane, 7 months.

Outside of a bustling petting zoo, the Lecluyse family said they appreciated the warmth of the animal exhibitors in the nearby barns, one of whom gave Harper a lift so she could give the horse a pat.

In Barn 4, one of those exhibitors, Dayla Andersen, 11, of Kremlin, was working her way through fried chicken on a stick, after winning first place in her division in an Angus show.

Her father, Kevin, said the family attends the fair annually to compete in the Ranch Sorting National Championships, a contest in which 10 calves are sorted from one side of the arena to the other by two horses and riders.

While many things remained the same at the state fair, there have been positive changes the Andersens noticed this year — namely, the renovation of Barn 4, which included an expansion and the addition of giant fans.