Family Fun Festival is Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon

The 2023 Okmulgee County Free Fair is underway, with the doors opening yesterday to the public to see the hard work of OHCE groups, FFA and 4-H students, on display. The event continues through Saturday at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.

At the fair, visitors will be able to see many displays, arts, crafts, quilts, plants, food and animals. Animal competitions are scheduled each day of the county fair. Yesterday, chicken, rabbits, sheep and pigs were on exhibit for judging.

The fair opens today and Saturday at 9 a.m. The Family Fun Festival is also on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be lots of games, learning opportunities, food and fun available during the event.

Following the conclusion of the fair, the Jerry Shoemake Award, which is a $1,000 cash prize, will be given to the top exhibitor from 4-H or FFA.

— Schedule of Events Friday, Sept. 8

8 a.m. Heifer check-in. All Heifers must be in place.

9 a.m. Exhibit Hall opens

11 a.m. Heifer Show

2-6 p.m. Performance Steers must be in place

4 p.m. 4-H Salad Making Contest

4:30 p.m. 4-H Food Judging Contest Ends

5 p.m. 4-H Table Setting Contest Saturday, Sept. 9 8 a.m. Performance Steers must be in barns for check-in

9 a.m. Exhibit Hall opens

9 a.m. Entries for Ugly/Unique Vegetable 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Family Fun Festival – Free family activities for all ages

10 a.m. Judging for Ugly/Unique Vegetable

11 a.m. Performance Steer Show (Dairy, Beef & Junior Cow/Calf Show starts 30 minutes after the Performance Steer Show; Bucket Calf Contest starts immediately after Dairy Show)

5 p.m. Horse Show Concessions open daily in the Commissioner’s Building