There are three kinds of people in this world, at least for our current purposes: Those who love the fair, those who say they don't but secretly do, and those who don't know what they're missing. Count us squarely in that first camp.

Kicking off Thursday, Sept. 15, and continuing through Sept. 25, the great State Fair of Oklahoma offers more attractions, rides, games, exhibits, food and shopping opportunities than you can shake a giant turkey leg at. Just a cursory listing of our faves can induce spontaneous giddiness: the Ferris wheel, Poncho dogs, chainsaw carving, pig races, petting zoo, Tilt a Whirl, sea lions, auto shows, roasted corn on the cob, tractor parades, the City of AGtropolis, Disney on Ice, an abrasive clown in a dunk tank and much, much more. Music will be in the air, too, with State Fair concerts featuring the likes of Leon Russell, the Eli Young Band, En Vogue and the Village People, to name a few.

And if all this isn't enough for you – and, honestly, shouldn't it be? – the State Fair offers an experience in people-watching that borders on mystical. Trust us on that.