Projects
Where the Money Goes
Each year the Foundation helps with financial support for special projects at Expo Square and the Tulsa State Fair.
2008 FUNDING PROJECTS
In 2008, contributions will fund the Youth Agriculture Educational Tour Programs featuring GPS Rangers for the Fun on the Farm and the Livestock Complex as well as Pavilion Box Office Signage and utility installation for the QuikTrip Center Food Court.
- Audio or virtual tours of the barns and the Fun on the Farm Exhibit can be placed on our web site for fair goers to download onto their I-Pods or cell phones and then enjoy the tour(s) at the fair. This is a great tool for teachers or parents who bring their children through the "Fun on the Farm" Exhibit and into the barns. They can use the tour as a tool to teach children as they are experiencing farm life first hand.
- GPS Rangers is a video tour guide system designed as an interpretive and navigational aid. This aid would allow teachers to guide their school groups through "Fun on the Farm" and teach them as they go from one building to the next.
- Directional Sign for Expo Ticket Xpress. This lit sign will help customers find the entrance to the Pavilion Ticket/Box Office.
- QuikTriip Utilities installation. A food court will be designed in the upper level of the QuikTrip Building making it a safer environment to operate in and to create additional public seating. By creating a food court and offering varieties of foods, this will welcome the general public at events.
2007 FUNDING PROJECTS
The annual Fair Kick-Off Party in 2007 raised over $200,000 for the following special projects:
- "Fun on the Farm" an interactive children’s farming exhibit which debuted at the 2005 Tulsa State Fair. Utilizing a “hands-on” method, this project teaches children the process of farming as well as the economic impact on everyday life. The exhibit contains seven different stations, each teaching about a different aspect of farm life. The purpose of the exhibit is to help children learn more about agriculture while providing an interactive experience for learning and offering a place for children to have fun at the same time.
- "Portable Access Lift" for the physically challenged who attend events at Expo Square. This lift can be transported to different buildings for various events including graduations, concerts, and “Golden Age” events held during the Tulsa State Fair and any additional event in which a person may need access to a stage.
2006 FUNDING PROJECTS
The annual Fair Kick-Off Party in 2006 raised over $210,000 for the following special projects:
“Discovering Science Exhibit”
- a hands-on children’s exhibit with more than 20 tables of interactive science experiments.The purpose of the exhibit is to help children learn about science and offering a place for children to have fun at the same time.
- The
“Make
it and Take it Room” located in the Just
for Kids building - which encourages children to engage in arts and crafts
and then have a souvenir they can take with them.
- Additionally, we provided a monumental memorial
to pay tribute to
Denny Tuttle which was
dedicated on August 18, 2006. This
unique granite memorial is dedicated to Denny's successes in life and to his exceptional
family. The
memorial is located on the West end of the Esplanade across from the East entrance
of the Pavilion. In the inspiring words of Commissioner
Bob Dick, "Denny's legacy will be in the smiles of the thousands of
people who will never know him as the walk the grounds of his beloved
Expo Square but will benefit from his dreams and vision."
- The Foundation has funded the installation of the lig
hting system
on the Derrick adjacent to the Golden Driller.
Previous Kick-Off parties have provided lighting improvements in the Pavilion, various landscaping beautification amenities as well as a portable surgical room that debuted in the Birthing Center at the 2003 Tulsa State Fair.
Each year funds are raised through donations and our “Fair Kick-Off Party” which is held prior to the Tulsa State Fair. With your contribution helping to provide needed funds for worthwhile projects, you will also receive a tax deductible benefit and your donation will receive recognition at the event.
Important Facts
- The annual economic impact for Tulsa County from events and activities at Expo Square is currently estimated to be well over $130,000,000.
- Thirty (30) percent of the people living in Tulsa County attend at least three events at Expo Square each year.
- 3.5 million people from all over the nation attend Expo Square events each year.
- Seventy-five (75) percent of the people living in Tulsa County attend at least one event at Expo Square each year.
- All 77 Oklahoma Counties have exhibitors at the Tulsa State Fair.
- The Tulsa State Fair, the 18th largest in North America, runs from the 4th Thursday after Labor Day through the 2nd Sunday of October. In 2008, it will be the 105th year of the Tulsa State Fair.
- Please make plans to join us for the annual Fair Kick-Off Party on Friday, September 12, 2008. Help us raise needed funds for worthwhile projects that will benefit ‘Your’ community!
