LARRY LARKIN Column

Maybe it’s not a case so much now for youngsters today, but when I was growing up most boys dreamed about running away to join the circus. If a circus couldn't be found, the traveling carnivals were almost as good.

What colors, what sounds, what magic.

To recall some of those memories this week I decided to take in the Tulsa State Fair. Granted it is not a circus with all the clowns and high trapeze fliers and Zingo has been knocked down. Still, a midway with thrill rides and countless games was present along with a wide assortment of animals.

And they had Sandy the Spider Lady and Angel the Snake Woman.

This would work.

Parking wasn't a problem when I arrived about 2 p.m. On the drive over from Claremore, I started making battle plans on how to attack this objective. There was food to consider, things to see, rides to ride. How many coupons ($1 per one, $15 for 20) to buy? Since the coupons can't be refunded, certainly didn't want any left over.

OK, first things first. Having heard about the food prices, I decided to stop for a sandwich and Coke before arriving at the fair. The $7 turkey legs and $8 Indian tacos could wait until wife Cherl arrives after work.

What about the rides? That wasn't hard. Past experiences have taught me to stay off the rides. Turning green and heaving for others' benefit has never been a favorite pastime. The Ultimate Thrill Ride that stands 165 feet in the air and then dives downward at 70 miles per hour might have been a challenge at one time. Not now.

This was the only ride I saw that didn't accept coupons. It took hard cash for this sucker. Only four people were able to ride at one time, at $25 a pop.

Taking the money was Tabetha, a pretty young lady from Sapulpa. She said weekdays are sometimes a little slow, but there is always a line waiting at night and on the weekends. As we visited she had collected from about 30 people waiting for their turn.

Actually I did get on one ride and I didn't need a coupon. I rode the elevator from the first level to the second in the QuikTrip Center.

With food and rides by the wayside, only things to see remained on tap for the current time.

Since the new Exchange Center was in my path toward the stock barns, I decided to check it out. The name of the building fits. All the merchants inside wanted to exchange my money for their various products.