The event moved to nearby Craterville after my Grandfather quit.
A few years later it was reincarnated into the Exposition and has
been held in Anadarko ever since.
As to the issue over use of the fairgrounds. If my memory serves me
correctly it was the Indians who threatened to pull out of the
location due to the poor repair of the county buildings. The county
commissioners did provide some money and labor to make repairs in an
effort to keep the Exposition there. Volunteers also assisted and
many local businesses brought free meals daily to the workers. That
was only a temporary fix, however, because the facilities are in dire
need of major reconstruction. Anyone who's ever been to Anadarko and
Caddo county can readily see that "cash flow" is not something that
comes easily. Taxes are low, budgets are extremely tight and mother
nature takes her toll on the commissioners' budget with floods, bridge
failures, roads that need gravel and paving, etc. It's not because
they don't want to help, it's a matter of more urgent priorities.
Another matter that some local people believe threatens the
Exposition has been the RED EARTH celebration now held in Okla.
City every June. Many Anadarko area residents are fearful that it
will detract from the Anadarko event and ultimately cause its demise.
Those of us who've lived the history of the area do appreciate the
concern of others and welcome your assistance in keeping this
traditional event alive and well in Anadarko.
Dr. Lotsee Patterson
Associate Professor
School of Library and Information Studies
The University of Oklahoma
401 West Brooks
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-3921 FAX 325-7648
Internet: LPatterson@slis.lib.uoknor.edu