The 2024 Okmulgee County Free Fair is just around the corner, and the fairgrounds is being prepped for exhibitors and visitors – plus lots of animals.

The event, planned for Sept. 5-7, showcases the hard work and talent of county OHCE groups, FFA and 4-H students.

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.

Thursday, Sept. 5, chicken, rabbits, sheep and pigs were on exhibit for judging.

The fair opens next Thursday at 10 a.m. and next Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m.

The Family Fun Festival will also take place Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be lots of games, learning opportunities, food and fun available during the event (and even some giveaway prizes), which is being sponsored by First Free Will Baptist. More information will be made available next week.

Once again, 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 Tuesday, Sept. 3

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Indoor Exhibit Entries Only TBA Commercial Cattle Grading in Checotah — Wednesday, Sept. 4

8-9 a.m. Indoor Exhibit Entries Only No entries will be accepted after 9 a.m.

10 a.m. Cattle Grading

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Indoor Exhibits judged

1-5 p.m. Exhibit Hall arranged for Thursday’s opening — Thursday, Sept. 5

7 a.m. Gates to Fairgrounds open

8 a.m. Chickens and Rabbits check-in

10 a.m. Fair officially opens

10 a.m. Chicken Show (Rabbit Show starts 30 min. after Chicken Show ends)

12 p.m. 4-H Food Judging Contest begins

1 p.m. Sheep and Goats check-in

3 p.m. Sheep Show starts (Goat Show starts 30 min. after Sheep Show)

4 p.m. Swine check-in

5:30 p.m. Tractor Driving Contest (Ages 14-19)

6 p.m. Gilt & Barrow Show — Friday, Sept. 6

7 a.m. Gates to Fairgrounds open

8 a.m. Heifers must be in barns

9 a.m. Exhibit Hall opens

11 a.m. Heifer Show followed by Cow-Calf Pairs

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

4 p.m. 4-H Salad-Making Contest

4:30 p.m. Food Judging Contest Ends

5 p.m. 4-H Table Setting Contest — Saturday, Sept. 7

7 a.m. Gates to Fairgrounds open

8 a.m. Performance Steers weigh-in

9 a.m. Exhibit Hall opens

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Family Fun Festival

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Green Fingers Plant Sale

11 a.m. Steer Show (Bucket Calf Contest starts immediately after Steer Show)

5 p.m. Horse Show — Monday, Sept. 9

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Release all indoor exhibits Concessions open daily in the Commissioner’s Building