Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Senior citizens flocked to the OKC Fair Park in record numbers on Sept. 17, turning the Modern Living Building into a bustling hub of travel activity for their free admission day.
The unique ‘’Your Passport to Adventure” theme turned the exhibitors’ booths into international havens, offering seniors a chance to embark on a metaphorical global journey. This, along with the ‘Senior Accessibility Shuttle’ that ferried guests from the Hurricane Harbor parking lot to the fairgrounds entrance, made the event truly senior-friendly.
The entertainment soon kicked off when 2025 Ms. Oklahoma Senior America, Kristy Fancher, sang from the stage. “It was exciting to sing for everyone!” Fancher said in an interview. “I sang “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” which is what I’ll be doing when I compete at the national Ms. Senior America Pageant in October in Atlantic City!”
She expressed how meeting the wonderful visitors was fun, and several of her classmates from her 1981 graduating class in Newcastle attended the event.
“I participated in line dancing as well as chair dancing!” Fancher said. She was selected by drawing to play the fastest feet game and won in heels in three rounds. “I was excited to receive a beautiful basket of goodies for winning. If you have never participated in this event, I truly recommend you come next year.”
Fancher was at the event with her group’s special booth in the center of the area, alongside the former Ms. Oklahoma Senior America pageant winners and organizers. They provided visitors with information about who they are and what they do, and also supported the event’s global flair as volunteer greeters at the door.
More than $10,000 in door prizes were given away in three sessions. Many seniors picked up a ticket for each session to win one of many donated gifts. The multiple drawings in the morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon saw many happy seniors celebrate as they made their way to the stage to receive their prizes.
Irving Senior Center was the first entertainment group on the stage. Several entertaining community dance groups also entertained the crowd. The event’s crowd did not slow down as attendance increased during the CommUNITY TEAM dance group’s lengthy presentation on stage.
“Global Grooves” took place on the stage, inviting seniors to “shake your global groove thang” in a game focused on identifying “worldly tunes.”
A line dancing group concluded their session on stage by inviting 15 audience members to join them just below the front of the stage for their final song, providing each with a bandana to encourage participation.
Later, nine members of The Okie Stompers of Norman, a well-choreographed group, showcased their unique blend of tap dancing and line dancing. Their performers dazzled with a well-received performance. Led by director and instructor Linda Jones, the group has won awards in clogging competitions. They are a fixture at many annual Oklahoma events and have also performed nationally and internationally.
At 1 p.m., audience singers took the stage to perform in the “Travel the World Karaoke Contest.”
After that, Oklahoma City’s longest-established men’s choral group, the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma Singers, took the stage for several well-received classic songs. The 18-member group shared their award-winning a cappella men’s chorus singing several Americana ballads from the stage, with four-part close-knit harmony for the crowd.
Contests and games were interspersed throughout the bill of fare, offering a variety of entertainment options. The day featured a Couples challenge: The “King and Queen of the World Couples Challenge” tested senior couples on how well they knew each other, adding a fun and entertaining element to the event.
All day visitors were asked to judge a video contest: A “Seniors in Motion” video contest showcased dance moves submitted by senior communities across the state. The one-minute video entries from area independent, assisted living, and long-term care communities, featuring their residents, “In Motion,” were shown throughout the day to allow the public to select the winner.
The day wrapped up around 5 p.m. as visitors returned to their local Oklahoma destinations after their worldly travels, provided by OG&E and the Fairgrounds.
The volunteer Senior Day committee’s unwavering dedication and inspired work were evident in every aspect of the event. Fair Special Programs & Events Manager Amber Roberts also contributed to its resounding success, leaving the attendees feeling proud and satisfied with their participation.
Adjacent in the building, the Oklahoma Senior Games demonstration area was busy all day, with many waiting to play Pickleball on a demonstration court. As America’s fastest-growing recreational sport, it is being widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.
Dee Guyer, Moore, won the Senior News and Living door prize of a self-care package.
