Its fair season here in Tulsa again.. I used to love to go to the fair and see the midway lights and laughing rides. It is always fun to look at the new products and unique things the fair has to offer… People watching is particularly entertaining.
But with the economy going down the toilet who can afford to go to the fair? It is a whopping 8 bucks just to walk in the gate. That includes nothing except the privilege of being able to look at exhibits and bizarre people in the crowds.
I boycotted the fair last year because the fairgrounds terminated the lease for Bells Amusement park at the drop of a hat. I felt they had done them wrong by just throwing them out on their ear. With little explanation as to why.
So, with that in mind I aint got a couple of big bills to take my family to the state fair this year. Who can afford an $8.00 turkey leg anyways? And it wouldn’t be the same without Bell’s. A Tulsa tradition and landmark that the fair board eliminated for some parking spaces. It just ain’t right – ya dig?
Bell’s had a couple of years to comply with the fair boards wishes. They weren’t paying rent or taxes or something, I can’t remember the details now.
The last time I really enjoyed Bell’s was at least 15+ years ago. I quit riding Phantasmagoria with my family, because the ride was pitch-black inside and it cost $6 each. WTF? Any fond memories of it’s heyday has been replaced by the shittious ruins the Bell’s family let it become. The park wasn’t kept up well enough to enjoy. Pushing a baby stroller on those crooked bricks was not “fun”. I will miss the Log Ride and Zingo, but not one other thing.
The fairgrounds are more up to date now. All new buildings, new midway, more room. It was very enjoyable. I’m not very nostalgic about keeping things that “used to be good”. I loved the old colored animal barns, but the new ones are so much better.
I love the fair too… Maybe next year. I can’t hold on to the past forever you know…:)