Newkirk in Kay County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Newkirk Kay County Fair
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 24, 2011
1. Newkirk Kay County Fair Marker
The Newkirk Kay County Fair was organized in 1896. Five dollar shares were sold in order to purchase property for the facilities, build a race track, grand stands and sheds. The share also gave free admittance to all shows and fairs for three years. By 1905 the fair was in full swing. A new barn, 320 feet long containing eighty stalls, had been built along with grand stands that seated 600 people. The fair lasted five days with a schedule that included stock racing, automobile racing, a gentlemen's driving race, a ladies' driving race, balloon ascensions, a merry-go-round, and a ferris wheel.
In addition to the usual exhibits, races, and rides at the fair, early day airplanes were also a source of excitement. Many Newkirk citizens saw their first airplane at the Newkirk fair.
One of the more unusual races was Black Diamond, the famous trotting ostrich, which was hitched to a four wheel cart instead of a racing cart and raced against a horse around the track. Of course, the ostrich won.
For a number of years the fair alternated between Ponca City, Blackwell and Newkirk before its permanent home was established in Blackwell in 1923. The Newkirk Fairgrounds were located a few miles north and east of Newkirk.
Erected by Modern Woodmen of America.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 36° 52.936′ N, 97° 3.209′ W. Marker is in Newkirk, Oklahoma, in Kay County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 77) and 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 South Main Street, Newkirk OK 74647, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oklahoma State Centennial 1907 - 2007 (here, next to this marker); Newkirk (a few steps from this marker); Fire of 1901 (within shouting distance of this marker); Kay County Abstract Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Cherokee Allotments (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cline Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Land of Hope (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newkirk.
Also see . . . Kay County Free Fair. (Submitted on October 22, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 24, 2011
2. Newkirk Kay County Fair Marker
Photographed By Unknown, pre 1923
3. Photo of Newkirk Kay County Fair on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 560 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
