From entries to events, numbers are up across the board for this year’s Oklahoma Youth Expo.

Less than two weeks away from the start of the 107th Oklahoma Youth Expo, and things are already looking up. This year’s entries are up 1,233 compared to last year with a total of 25,034 entries from 7,499 exhibitors. This year there are more opportunities than ever for Oklahoma agricultural youth at the OKC Fairgrounds. 

The entry report shows numbers have increased across all four species for 2022, including gilts up 450 head, barrows up 350 head, and does and heifers each up 150 head.

Even more impressive, entries for the Agricultural Mechanics and Engineering contest are up 50% after nearly two years of being at the same amount of entries. 

“To see this raise in numbers is truly exciting,” said Executive Vice President, Kass Newell. “Continuous growth means greater opportunities for the most deserving students, and we are eager to welcome them all to Oklahoma City this March.”

With elevated entry numbers comes greater exhibitor numbers, ensuring the continuation of OYE having representation from all 77 Oklahoma counties each year. 

Additional opportunities for exhibitors to take part in this year are the Diamond Hats’ This One’s For the Girls event and the OYE Skillathon, which presents students the chance to win scholarship money. 

A special celebration is also in store this year, as it is the 20th anniversary of the Grand Drive, arguably the most renowned event of OYE. Complete with pyrotechnics and a laser light show, the Grand Drive is an event designed to celebrate and crown OYE champions at the end of the show on Thursday, March 17. 

“This is going to be a special year for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, and it’s all for the youth of our state,” Newell said. “We appreciate their belief in this show, and we are humbled to both support and celebrate them along the way.”

The 107th Annual Oklahoma Youth Expo is set to be held March 8 through the 18, 2022 in Oklahoma City. For the latest information regarding OYE, visit okyouthexpo.com

— Written by Emile Mittelstaedt