What happened on the last Saturday of the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair?
- A single shot, fired by a juvenile, struck a 22-year-old male inside the Bennett Event Center on Saturday night, September 23, 2023.
- The incident was isolated as the assailant and target were apparently known to each other.
- No other gunshots were fired by anyone that night.
- Law enforcement took control of the facilities and apprehended the shooter in an incredibly short time while he was still on property.
- No fatalities occurred.
- It is still unclear how the weapon entered the grounds.
What security measures did the Oklahoma State Fair have in place, and will there be any new measures for the general public to be aware of in 2024?
- Beginning in 2021, the OSF engaged advanced technology walk-thru scanners that can detect weapons without having to empty pockets or most bags. Hundreds of firearms have been turned away as a result.
- Trained personnel and OKC Police are on site to facilitate the use of the detectors.
- Hundreds of security cameras are installed across the campus giving security personnel excellent coverage of the grounds. There were law enforcement camera drones and a full tactical command unit on premises in 2023.
- Law enforcement provides a highly visible presence from multiple agencies and departments within agencies as they actively patrol the entire property each day of the Fair. In addition to the deterrent factor, this presence affords ready access to report any problems or concerns.
- Added equipment, personnel, and training will be implemented at the gates.
- An unaccompanied minor policy will be in effect daily.
- New OKC Police patrols, special units, and high-tech surveillance equipment is anticipated to be deployed in and around the 435 acres.
What is the attendance policy for persons under the age of 18?
NEW! Oklahoma State Fair Youth Attendance Policy
All minors should be supervised by a responsible adult. Fairgoers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone 25 years of age or older after 5 p.m. ID may be required. Eligible adults may accompany up to five (5) minors. Adults are required to remain at the Oklahoma State Fair while the minors are in attendance. Officially recognized tour/corporate groups or youth in official OSF competitions or other programs with established supervisory practices are exempt from this policy. Minors in violation of this policy are subject to removal from the event.
Are firearms allowed?
Firearms of any sort are not allowed at the Oklahoma State Fair, at any time.
What is not allowed in addition to firearms?
The following will not be allowed on OKC Fairgrounds property within the Oklahoma State Fair gates at any time:
- Weapons of any sort
- Pets (except for service animals)
- Motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles, skates, segways, skateboards, rollerblades
- Scooters or any other powered or non-powered device of a similar nature (except for ADA needs)
- Outside food or drink (unless for medical purposes or infant/toddler care)
- Illegal items including marijuana-based products (even if you possess a valid medical card)
- Drones or other remote-controlled devices
- Selfie sticks
This list is subject to change without notice and decisions on a case-by-case basis may be made at the sole discretion of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.
Are bags allowed?
Bags are allowed. They are subject to security screening which, if deemed necessary, could include a bag search in addition to screening via the walk-thru scanners.
