Jim Roth
The Great State Fair of Oklahoma may seem like an unlikely place to teach children and grandchildren about food, but hear me out, as it’s really a tale of two experiences.
Yes, a walk along the “midway” can lend itself to any of these food choices that only a fairgoer could love: bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, bacon-wrapped doughnut burgers, deep-fried banana pudding, cheese and jalapeno corn dogs, brisket parfait, pineapple whip floats, and even deep-fried coffee.
Yet, just off the bustling midway, past the carnival rides and games of chance, and even behind the Made in Oklahoma building, lies a living laboratory for children of all ages to learn about food and much of its origins. A visitor can find the “Barnyard Birthing Center,” as a gateway to the livestock, horse and other agricultural events, where fairgoers can learn about animal husbandry, veterinary science and responsible pet ownership. You might even get to witness the birthing process or witness a new arrival finding its way in the world.
For those fairgoers with a durable stomach, the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association will perform live surgeries and many non-food animals such as dogs and cats will be available for adoption from one of the many animal rescue groups on site each day of the fair.
Other events to help provide animal exposure to us Oklahomans can be found in a variety of livestock and equine competitions from beef and dairy to llamas, pigs, goats and a variety of horse shows. A walk through the livestock barns was always a favorite childhood pastime of mine as my Illinois grandparents took the time to expose me to the animal world and the need for human respect of these beautiful creatures. Please consider sharing a similar journey with your child or grandchild and introduce them to the animal world.
To resume your exploration of natural food in America, please consider venturing into the other agricultural barns where you can witness the Oklahoma FFA chapters and individuals highlighting agricultural education, corn, grain sorghum, cotton, wheat, legumes, grasses and even giant pumpkin weigh-ins. All of these things help illustrate the circle of life that we rely upon to survive, but from which most Americans have become far removed.
If you happen to be one of those home agrarians with a garden, reused and recycled organic material or even repurposed captured water, this fair still affords you great opportunities to learn more about those passions you have to be more self-sustaining. And if you happen to be one of those urban dwellers that rely entirely on America’s agricultural sector to feed your family, it is certainly a great opportunity to get closer to those that are providing you so much, and let your children and grandchildren learn to reassociate with the hand that feeds them.
That is, after you’ve tackled the midway menu choices and indulged in a week’s worth of calories as only fair food can do. Enjoy!
The Oklahoma State Fair runs in Oklahoma City through Sept. 27.
Jim Roth, a former Oklahoma corporation commissioner, is an attorney with Phillips Murrah PC in Oklahoma City, where his practice focuses on clean, green energy for Oklahoma.
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