State Fair of Texas Says Howdy
Every year Native Texans (and the ones who got here as soon as they could) wait for the moment when the last stinging temperatures of summer have subsided and the smell of autumn and corn dogs fill the air. That is Texas State Fair weather, ya’ll.
This year the Texas State Fair at Fair Park runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18. All the traditional attractions will be waiting, including: corn dogs, the Midway, the auto show, live stock exhibits, the Texas Star Ferris wheel and, of course, Big Tex.
The fair’s underlying draw is food, food, food. And outside of the roasted turkey legs and cotton candy most of it is fried, fried, fried. This year’s most anticipated fried concoctions are the 1st place winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards: Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream by Christi Erpillo and Deep Fried Butter by Abel Gonzales. Patrons should prepare for a day at the fair with a full wallet and an empty stomach.
State Fair exhibits, shows, and events cover every corner of Fair Park’s 277 acres. So, working off those extra calories should not be a problem.
Patrons can take in several concerts and shows in addition to the fair. Local favorite Jason Castro opens the fair on Sept. 25 followed by other headliner acts on the Chevrolet Main Stage.
The fair also plays host to two highly anticipated college football games:
-- Grambling State University vs. Prairie View A&M, Saturday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. – This game features a famous “battle of the marching bands” between the rival schools at halftime.
-- The Red River Rivalry – University Texas vs. Oklahoma University Oct. 17 at 11 a.m.
The fair offers RV overnight parking information during Red River Rivalry Oct. 16-19.
Just for kids, the State Fair offers several events and attractions like the Youth Cooking Contest, the Pee Wee Stampede, the Backyard Circus, and much more. The Kid Way, a special section of the grand Midway features kid-centric activities and kid-size rides.
Plus, city kids may enjoy taking a gander at the Youth Livestock Auction of Champions on Oct. 2. This premiere event and State Fair tradition gives 4H and FFA exhibitors to show off all their hard work raising just about every farm animal imaginable, including: beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and exotic breeds. The show and sale starts at 1 p.m. in the Tom Thumb Sale Pavilion.
To round out a full day of State Fair fun, visitors can take in the sights at the Starlight Parade starting every night at 7:15. Illuminated floats, giant puppets and costumed characters greet guests as they wind through the streets of the fair.
Another tradition at the State Fair is questionable parking by independent vendors at vacant lots and nearby homes. To make sure they are not parking in unsafe or illegal areas, officials recommend visitors park in the “Official State Fair Parking” lots, which cost $10.
Valet parking is available daily at the Grand Avenue entrance and on weekend days at the Haskell/Parry Streets entrance for $25.
Just two miles east of downtown, visitors can reach Fair Park via Interstate 30 – either exit 48B driving in from the West or exit 49B heading in from the East.
Visitors who have access to the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) are encouraged to take the GREEN LINE which drops off and picks up riders at the main entrance to the fair.
For more information, an online daily schedule and comprehensive listings of State fair events and attractions, visit bigtex.com
- by Jenn Emerson, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro
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