A Pineapple Whip, a Proud Dad, and a Tulsa Tradition

There are certain milestones in a Tulsa kid’s life. Your first day of school. Your first trip to the zoo. Your first ride on the Ferris wheel.

And, of course, your first Pineapple Whip at the Tulsa State Fair.

This year, I had the pleasure of introducing my 12-year-old daughter, Angel, to that last one. As a 20-year Tulsa State Fair fan, I consider Pineapple Whip practically a rite of passage. And as her dad, I was proud to be the one handing her that first delicious taste of Tulsa tradition.

It’s funny how something as simple as frozen pineapple soft serve can become a special father-daughter memory.

She liked it!

Of course, Pineapple Whip is just one of the many reasons I love the Tulsa State Fair.

Let’s talk food!

According to statistics reported by News On 6, fairgoers purchased a whopping 52,490 corn dogs, along with 7,770 Dairy Bar milkshakes and ice cream cones. They also went through 13,562 bottles of water and an astonishing 218,000 pounds of ice!

That’s a lot of brain freezes.

Personally, my favorite fair food is Moink Balls. If you’ve never experienced these little masterpieces, imagine meatballs wrapped in bacon and dunked in barbecue sauce.

Yes, bacon-wrapped meatballs. You’re welcome.

I’m also a big fan of the BBQ parfait, a delicious combination of barbecue goodness served in layers. Whoever invented that deserves some kind of Oklahoma culinary achievement award.

Unfortunately, enjoying all this deliciousness isn’t getting any cheaper.

News On 6 reported that vendors were struggling with rising food, fuel and operating costs, forcing some to pass those expenses along to customers. I also saw reports of vendors concerned about disappointing sales.

As a dad, I understand how quickly a family outing can become expensive. Between admission, rides, games and food, your wallet can take a bigger beating than your stomach after three corn dogs.

I was surprised by news reports about fighting and arrests this year. That’s certainly not the kind of excitement families come to experience.

But despite the occasional trouble, the fair remains one of my favorite Tulsa traditions.

And let’s not forget the rides!

I’ve always loved the swings. There’s something wonderful about flying through the air with your feet dangling and the fairgrounds spinning below.

The Ferris wheel is another favorite, especially at night when the midway lights up.

I do miss the old Skyride. Floating above the crowds was one of my favorite fair experiences, and I’m genuinely disappointed it’s no longer part of the fair.

And then there’s the Mach 3.

Every year I look at that giant thrill ride and tell myself, “One of these years, I’m doing it!”

Every year, my survival instincts suggest otherwise.

Maybe in 2027.

But even without riding the Mach 3, there’s plenty of entertainment. You know I am a big supporter of local music, and my friend Matt Eidsen has curated an awesome local lineup including Ozzolution, Travis Kidd, and many more. Here is my interview with Mingo Drive:

 The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. Where else can you see cowboy boots, glittery outfits, giant stuffed animals and someone carrying a turkey leg the size of the Golden Drillers left leg?

For me, though, this year’s highlight wasn’t a ride, a concert or even my beloved Moink Balls.

It was watching Angel experience her first Pineapple Whip.

As parents, we sometimes get caught up in planning elaborate adventures and expensive experiences for our kids. But often, the memories that stick are the simplest ones. A beautiful fall evening. Although Day 1 threatened rain all day, and for some reason summer refuses to quit, so it was still pretty freakin !

But amongst the bustling midway, the magic of a dad and his daughter sharing a Tulsa tradition is so precious, and we’ll remember it forever.

And one very special Pineapple Whip.

That’s what being a dad is all about.