Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
On September 23, the 49th Annual Senior Day 2026 at the Oklahoma State Fair featured many newsworthy activities, transforming the Modern Living Building into a dedicated senior center that celebrated the “Route 66” theme. The building’s Special Events Area hosted an energetic tribute to the Mother Road and thousands of seniors.
The day kicked off with Sharron Clifton singing the National Anthem, followed by songs from several Ms. Oklahoma Senior Americas to energize the crowd. In the first few hours, 1,000 attendees moved through the exhibit hall and visited the many booths.
As the presenting sponsor of “Senior Day Energized by OG&E,” OG&E hosted a prominent booth where customer support members answered questions and distributed information on senior-specific offerings.
Throughout the day, the stage hosted contests, audience-participation events, and age-appropriate headline acts.
One highlight of the mix of entertainment, health information, and social activities for fairgoers aged 55 and older was the performance by Charli Zee, a Patsy Cline tribute artist. The Moore resident electrified the audience early in the day with a note-perfect, nostalgic 45-minute tribute set, “Sweet Dreams: The Music of Patsy Cline.”
“I think Patsy Cline’s music is so important to today’s senior generation because singing her chart-toppers is more than just songs; they’re memories,” Charli Zee said in an interview. “Her music takes people back to a special time in their lives, while still connecting with generations who never had the chance to know her.”
Zee’s voice sparked generational memory in the crowd, with applause between songs as they rediscovered a sense of youth. “Singing Patsy Cline’s music for such an appreciative audience was truly special,” Zee said. “It’s a joy to perform songs that people have loved for decades and still hold close to their hearts.”
Later, 10 members of The Okie Stompers of Norman, a well-choreographed group, showcased their unique blend of tap dancing, clogging and line dancing. The performers wore special Route 66 tops for their well-received performance, fitting the theme’s mid-century nostalgia.
Led by director and instructor Linda Jones, the group has won awards at many annual Oklahoma events and has also performed nationally and internationally.
Longtime Okie Stompers member Mary Burleson clogged with them for the last time in her 30-year career after helping lead them for many years.
At 1 p.m., audience members took the stage for the Karaoke Contest.
The event was steeped in a “Route 66” celebration, with every booth featuring different Rt. 66 vista backgrounds on the fair’s most energetic day. The stage carried that theme, celebrating the historic highway with decorations, games, skits and trivia centered on the Mother Road.
This, along with the ‘Senior Accessibility Shuttle’ that transported guests from the Hurricane Harbor parking lot to the fairgrounds entrance, made the event truly senior-friendly.
Attendees played a “Road Trip”-themed Bingo game from opening until 2 p.m., encouraging seniors to visit various exhibitors throughout the building to fill their cards and win prizes.
Many health organizations offered booths with free health and wellness information, while the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department provided safety information.
The day also featured 24 exhibitors focused on senior health and recreation. Community service booths were available, including those from the Metropolitan Library System.
Organizers gave away more than $10,000 in door prizes donated by the booths across three sessions. Many seniors picked up a ticket for each session for a chance to win one of many donated gifts. Multiple drawings in the morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon saw many happy seniors head to the stage to receive their prizes.
The Oklahoma Senior Games booth, located at the far end of the building away from the exhibit area, drew a large crowd. Volunteers and special guests, including 2027 Miss Oklahoma State Fair Leah Hughes and her “Star,” Elara Law, staffed the booth, greeted visitors, and promoted active living.
While the Modern Living Building hosted the core activities, seniors accessed several other benefits throughout the fairgrounds, including discounted tickets to the massive “America 250” observation wheel for $5.
Elvis Presley tribute artist Mike Black rounded out the entertainment with seven of Elvis’ best songs and closed the show at 5:30 p.m. A crowd favorite, he has been in the lineup since 2021. Black started his show as Elvis in a high-collared, rhinestone-studded jumpsuit, with high-energy hip shaking on the stage.
After leaving the stage, he showed Elvis’ charisma, singing as he draped silk scarves on appreciative fans throughout the rest of his set.
The volunteer Senior Day committee’s unwavering dedication and inspired work were evident throughout the event. Fair Manager of Creative Programs Morgan Chappell also contributed to the event’s resounding success, leaving attendees proud and satisfied with their participation.
