Fair tackled COVID with Drive-thru fun

THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

By Karissa Condoianis

As the 2020 State Fair of Texas season ends, it’s clear that this year was one for the history books. While the 24-day event was unable to happen this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Fair of Texas found ways to continue fulfilling its nonprofit mission and creatively keep the State Fair of Texas spirit alive this fall. 

“While we are disappointed we weren’t able to host the 2020 State Fair of Texas as we had hoped, due to COVID-19, we are thankful for all the folks who have joined us for our alternative offerings to help continue the tradition of celebrating all things Texan this year,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “As the 2020 State Fair season comes to a close, we look forward to better times ahead and Big Tex welcoming fairgoers back for the 2021 State Fair of Texas, as we celebrate 135 years of an iconic Texas tradition next year.”

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Fair aims to support the community, both locally and statewide. The net proceeds from the Fair are used to preserve and improve Fair Park, the Fair’s home for 134 years; underwrite museums, community initiatives and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education and help improve State Fair operations to continue hosting a world-class event each fall. A successful 24-day run for the Fair means more support for Fair Park and the surrounding community. When the Fair announced cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas in early July, the Fair’s commitment to our nonprofit mission of promoting agriculture, education and community involvement continued. The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and livestock shows, Big Tex Scholarship Program, Big Tex Urban Farms and our community outreach initiatives continued to have funding and we committed to maintaining as many participation opportunities as possible as it related to livestock and creative arts this year. The State Fair of Texas has fulfilled those promises.

Whether it was from the car, from the livestock barns, or from the comfort of home, we would like to give a Texas-sized thank you to each person who celebrated all things Texan during the 2020 State Fair of Texas season. The 2021 State Fair of Texas is scheduled to run from Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 17 in Fair Park. Big Tex and everyone at the Fair will be eagerly waiting to welcome y’all back next year. Stay tuned to BigTex.com and the Fair’s social media channels for updates.