Tulsa State Fair Livestock Shows Grow with Scholarships

Tulsa State Fair Livestock Shows Grow in 2025

The Tulsa State Fair is gearing up for its annual event, and organizers say livestock competitions are breaking records this year. Fair officials confirmed significant growth in entries across several categories, including meat goats, breeding does, gilts, and market steers.

Brandi Herndon, who works closely with the fair’s livestock programs, told Farm Director KC Sheperd the numbers are “looking awesome.” She credited the increased participation to stronger community support and the growing prestige of the fair’s showcase events.

Night of Champions: A Showcase for Oklahoma Youth

The highlight of the livestock competition is the Night of Champions, held in the Ford Truck Arena. The event celebrates winners across all livestock species in what organizers call the “Super Bowl of livestock shows.”

Herndon said the fair wants youth exhibitors to “feel like rock stars.” Students walk a red carpet with donors, enjoy special effects including pyrotechnics, and receive scholarship checks as recognition for their hard work. The event is scheduled for October 1, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the program beginning at 6 p.m.

Scholarships and the ‘Back the Banner’ Campaign

Scholarship funding is a major part of the Night of Champions. This year, the Tulsa State Fair Ringmasters, a volunteer-led 501(c)(3), raised a record amount of money through its annual golf and gala fundraiser.

With those funds, the fair launched a new initiative called “Back the Banner.” The campaign ensures all breed champions in the breeding shows—including heifers, gilts, does, and ewes—will now receive scholarship support.

Herndon said the campaign has received an “overwhelming response” and she expects it to grow in future years.

How to Support Exhibitors

Herndon encouraged donors and community members to get involved. After the Night of Champions, a complete sale listing will be posted on SC Online Sales for one week, allowing supporters from across the U.S. to contribute to scholarship funds.

More details about the event and how to support youth exhibitors are available through the Tulsa State Fair’s website.

Story courtesy of Director of Farm & Ranch Programming, KC Sheperd and The Oklahoma Farm Report. Edited for clarity by Radio Oklahoma News.

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