Mullins says of Fair: ‘Everything has a stick’

By Warren Black

The State Fair of Texas (Fair) always has a hidden treasures around every corner. One of the Fair’s favorite such attraction is the “Midway Barker,” or the “Man on the Pole.” Andy Mullins amazes fairgoers in front of the Cotton Bowl at the entrance of the Midway every year. 

Fair magic has long been a part of a fairgoers’ enjoyment. The history of fairs and circuses include multiple oddities — the World’s Smallest Horse, a Two Headed Calf, Tall men, sword swallowers, etc. These days, some of the attractions are no longer weird or unusual, and some would find their historical attraction even comical, like the tattooed man. Many of the historical attractions were merely illusions created by their producers.

Mullins grew up in Fort Worth as the youngest of seven children and attended Southwest High School. He got a bachelor of arts degree and had some regular jobs prior to acting. He jokingly said, “His better half got half of everything in his divorce.” The man is very funny. His advice? “Don’t take a laxative and a sleeping pill at the same time.”

Mullins has worked as a professional actor for most of his career. He was a stand-up comedian “even though I can’t stand up” before the Fair gig, as well as a magician. He also owned a murder mystery theater. Mullins has been captivating audiences as the “Man on the Pole” and as a regular Fair Ambassador in his red and white circus tent at the entrance of the Midway near the steps of the Cotton Bowl for more than 22 years. “Show’s got legs even though I don’t,” he joked. 

In September 2009, National Geographic published an article about “Top 10 State Fair Joys” featuring Mullins. He loves to entertain, participate and eat at the Fair.

Jokingly, Mullins brags that his previous jobs were a buoy in the South Pacific, working at Lego’s (get the pun) and even second base for the Ranger’s (literally the second base). He boasts, “Here is my seat and I’m not taking sides.” He admits he is half and half on most issues. His last job before becoming the Midway barker during an election year was as a pole watcher. He said, “Go to the poles; I don’t.” Mullins said when he saw his bank balance “it pushed me over.” 

Some of his favorite songs he sings from the stand are, “I ain’t got no body,” “All of me, why not take all of me” and “I’m a pole man.” He brags of being Elvis on a pole. Mullins likes to “get down” even though he can’t. 

Mullins is not just an entertainer; he is quite the Fair ambassador and has a great working knowledge of the Fair and its attractions. 

Like the other live performers, Mullins is unique to the Fair. Mighty Mike, the Pig Races, the dog agility course all lend a certain whimsicality that is rare in a day-to-day life. Ask Mullins anything and he will convincingly pretend to have the answer. “Everything’s got a stick: corn dog on a stick, sausage on a stick; everything good at the Fair is on a stick.”

In reference to Big Tex, Mullins said: “What does he got that I don’t got? He has 56-foot tall Cavender’s boots and a Resistall hat — He’s got legs and doesn’t know how to use them!” 

The Midway Barker Show is performed six times a day starting at 12:30 p.m. and continuing on the half hour every hour until the last show at 5:30 p.m. 

Mullins loves audiences, especially the children. “God’s still working on me,” he explains to them. “What are those?” he says as he points to the children’s legs. Later this year, Mullins is standing in for Santa Clause at the Bass pro Shop in Little Rock Arkansas. 

Mullins’ quick-witted charm is not just part of the fun at the Fair … it is the fun!

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