Fair makes big changes to yearly events

By Warren Black

Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas (Fair) has been the Crown Jewel of Dallas. From its inception, the Fair has been the largest annual tourist event in the city. Celebrating all things Texan by “promoting agriculture, education and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family friendly environment” is the motto and focus of this grand event. This year — the 140th anniversary of the Fair — the theme is: “Stars, Stripes and Howdies.” Other cities in Texas and even in surrounding states all come together to celebrate in Dallas. The Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, covering 277 acres.

Big Tex showed up on the scene at the 1952 State Fair. Wearing a size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat, Big Tex towers 52 feet above fairgoers in the median of the Court of Honor. A new, rebuilt statue was introduced in 2013 after a fire destroyed the original Big Tex structure in 2012. 

For the first time ever, the Chevrolet Main Stage and its’ all-star line-up of performers will move into the Fair Park Coliseum with auditorium seating for fans to now enjoy the music in air-conditioned comfort. This year’s line-up includes Clint Black, Bowling for Soup, Lee Brice, Kansas and many other entertainers for free concerts included with fair admission. 

Surprising many, the Fair is pausing all rodeo and equine events this year until suitable accommodations can be worked out. Fair organizers stressed that this is not signal a permanent departure from the long history of these events, stating, “Most importantly, this is not goodbye.”

The pig racing competitions have been a tradition for more than 35 years and are a popular Fair staple, as is the Birthing Barn. With delicate timing, farmers and ranchers partner with the Fair to time the birth of their livestock to be while they are on display at the Fair. Seeing the new births and the baby animals and chickens being hatched is a natural education that visitors don’t want to miss. 

The Fair features a new car show every year in the Automotive Buildings with hundreds of cars and trucks on display. This tradition dates back to 1913. Visitors today can now engage in realistic driving simulators, AI entertainment, contests and even test drive the newest 2027 vehicles. Many car dealers offer special Fair pricing on purchases. 

Guests can also explore prize winning jams and jellies, nostalgic toys and other arts and crafts in the Creative Arts Building. The annual State Fair of Texas Cookbook, on sale in the building, is a popular gift item for visitors.

The Fair offers Sensory Friendly Mornings every Wednesday. Organizers works with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to provide guests the opportunity to experience the Fair in a more accessible and comfortable environment to help accommodate sensory related concerns. The Midway reduces the lights and sounds from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. when normal operations resume. There are also quiet zones available daily throughout the Fair grounds to give even the most seasoned fairgoer a space to take a break and decompress. 

At dusk, the Starlight Parage winds its way through Fair Park featuring floats, local celebrities, beauty pageant queens and always ending with the Shriners Band. Immediately following the parade, the evening show by the fountains of the Esplanade begins. This fan favorite has something for everyone. Laser lights, fireworks, fountain displays, dancing and music all explode in an array of colors, lights and sounds.  

Aware of the troubling economy, the Fair is introducing discounted prices this year on some of its food, Midway Rides and Midway Games. The Fair is also offering a series of discount days, making this years’ Fair more accessible and more affordable. For the best savings, purchase a season pass and go often to be able to see and enjoy all the sights. Take the DART train green line straight to the front entrance of the Fair to save on parking. 

The Fair hosts between 2.02 and 2.5 million visitors to Dallas. The Annual Texas vs. Oklahoma football game and the Grambling State vs. Prairie View football games are always a sell out and a wonderful way for fans from other areas to enjoy the Fair. 

The Fair is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve its home, Fair Park and its historic art deco buildings, statues and art. The event underwrites museums, community initiatives and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education and helping to improve State Fair operations. The Fair gave back more than 12.4 million dollars last year alone through a variety of programs and initiatives. 

Opening day is September 25. Visit BigTex.com for more details.

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