TULSA - It takes a big community to put the fair on every year, with many of the workers traveling across the country for several months out of the year.
A local group is there every year just in case anyone needs support.
For decades a chaplain and several volunteers have set up on the fair grounds, offering a lending hand or just someone to talk to.
The service started just over 30 years ago, going through different production companies and transitions along the way.
Chaplain Tom Branch said when they first started, the biggest need fair workers had was personal care items.
Many of the workers would also sleep outside with their booths to protect the merchandise or by the rides.. And the biggest need then was blankets.
Branch said fair travels across the country and it’s sometimes months before some of the workers see their families again.
“Our best stuff is we just try to engage the carnival, and ask, 'Where are you from? What’s your name? We’re probably one of the few contacts they’ll have during the day that’s not trying to beat them out of a toy,” said Branch.
Over the years, the needs have changed but the group still offers useful items during the duration of the fair like bibles and towels to wipe down counters.
The chaplain service is also there for anyone at the fair who just needs someone to talk with.
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