Oklahoma State Fair kicks off Thursday

Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello gestures as he speaks during a news conference at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014. The Oklahoma State Fair begins Sept. 11. Department of Labor ride inspectors will be on the ground at the Oklahoma State Fair for the duration of the fair. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Oklahoma City (AP) — The 108th annual Oklahoma State Fair begins Thursday with new rides, new competitions and, of course, greasy new food.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected at the 11-day event, which will feature a new crocheting competition and the largest traveling roller coaster in the country.

In another new competition, teams of people will compete to spin fiber and weave it into fabric to create a shawl.

More than 20 new food items will be on the menu, including a Nutella donut, deep-fried giant gummy bears and a bacon-wrapped churro infused with Jack Daniels.

Labor Commissioner Mark Costello says nine inspectors have been checking more than 70 rides to make sure they are in proper order. Two inspectors will be on hand throughout the fair for any problems with rides.

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The Gayly – September 10, 2014 @ 1pm