| Updated: 9/28/2012 7:50 pm |
Published: 9/28/2012 7:43 pm
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Despite plenty of competition from high school football games, the Tulsa State Fair is expected to be packed with teenagers.
Adding to tonight’s crowds is the influx of Tulsa Public School students. This was an early release day for TPS.
Tulsa County Deputies said they are prepared for the crowd and teenagers said every year they gear up for the Fair on the weekend.
"That's the fun, being out here and being with friends," said Edison High School Junior Jose Rodriguez.
Another teen said she doesn’t miss a day at the Fair.
"Everyday. Everyday," said East Central High School Junior Samantha Burley.
Their Friday started earlier than normal after TPS let out early because of teacher professional days.
"There are a whole lot here. I just was just thinking ‘don't these guys go to work or go to school?’" said mother Christy Buford.
She was with her son after his private school had a planned 'fun day' at the Fair.
With more kids headed out to the Fair on Friday night, the Midway is expected to be full.
"At night I hang out with friends and the rides are full," said Rodriguez.
Rumblings of fights spread before the Fair starts.
"Supposedly there is supposed to be a fight going down here,” said Edison Sophomore Juanita Garcia.
Deputies said each year they hear of the rumors that’s why they have up to 150 deputies and reserve deputies saturating the Tulsa State Fairgrounds.
"They're going to test us. Little things happen because there are a lot of people and it gets crowded and people push and shove and get upset but we have never had a major outbreak," said Tulsa County Sergeant Mark Stevens.
Kids who get in trouble will have to see a judge who brings his courtroom to the fairgrounds.
"The kids realize real quick ‘my parents are going to get called' and they're [minors] going to have to come out here and go before a judge’" said Stevens.
They either end up going home with their parents, pay a fine or are sent to the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center.
Two patrol towers are placed on the Midway in high traffic areas where teens tend to congregate.
Tulsa Police Organized Gang Unit officers also patrol the Fair on Friday and Saturday nights.
Deputies said the crimes among teens more often committed at the Fair are shoplifting, fighting and underage drinking.
Undercover ABLE Commission agents are at the Fair are also at the Fair to spot any underage drinking.
