State Fair of Texas

State Fair of Texas
Name	State Fair of Texas
Caption	Big Tex, the iconic symbol of the fair, at Fair Park.
Genre	State fair
Dates	Late September through October
Location	Fair Park, Dallas, Texas
Years active	1886–present
Attendance	~2.25 million annually
Area	277 acres
Website	https://bigtex.com

State Fair of Texas is an annual celebration held at Fair Park in Dallas. Recognized as one of the largest and most-attended state fairs in the United States, it typically runs for 24 days from late September through October. The event is famous for its iconic symbol, Big Tex, and features a wide array of exhibits, midway rides, live music, collegiate football games, and unique fried foods.

History

The inaugural event was organized in 1886 by a group of Dallas businessmen, including W.H. Gaston and John S. Armstrong, predating the construction of the permanent Fair Park grounds. Early fairs focused on promoting Texas agriculture and livestock, with the Dallas Morning News providing significant promotional support. A major turning point came in 1936, when the fairgrounds were selected as the site for the Texas Centennial Exposition, a world's fair that led to the construction of many permanent Art Deco buildings. The fair has been canceled only a handful of times, notably during World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fairgrounds and Big Tex

The event is permanently housed within the 277-acre Fair Park, a National Historic Landmark district known for its concentration of 1930s Art Deco architecture. Key venues include the Cotton Bowl Stadium, the Music Hall at Fair Park, and the Hall of State. The undisputed centerpiece is Big Tex, a 55-foot tall animated cowboy figure who has served as the official greeter since 1952. The current Big Tex is a reconstruction following a fire in 2012; his booming voice and iconic Stetson hat are synonymous with the event. Other landmarks include the Texas Star, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America.

Annual events and attractions

A major highlight is the Red River Showdown, the annual college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas at Austin Longghorns played at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The fair's midway, operated by Ray Cammack Shows, features hundreds of rides and games. Daily events include livestock shows, creative arts competitions, auto shows, and multiple parades. The Chevrolet Main Stage hosts a concert series featuring major musical acts, while the Birds of the World show and pig races offer family-friendly entertainment.

Food and cuisine

The event is renowned for its innovative and often deep-fried culinary creations, serving as a testing ground for new foods. Legendary offerings include Fletcher's Corny Dogs, introduced in 1942, and more recent creations like fried Oreo cookies, fried butter, and fried Coca-Cola. In 2005, the fair introduced the annual Big Tex Choice Awards contest to crown the best new food items. Vendors also serve classic Texas fare such as turkey legs, barbecue, and Texas-sized desserts, solidifying its reputation as a major food destination.

Economic and cultural impact

As one of Dallas's most significant annual events, it generates a substantial economic impact, estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars for the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It provides a vital platform for Texas 4-H and FFA students to showcase livestock and projects. Culturally, it is deeply woven into the identity of North Texas, celebrated in music, film, and literature. The fair's emphasis on agriculture, industry, and community reflects the broader spirit and heritage of the state, attracting visitors from across the United States and internationally.

Management and organization

The event is produced and managed by the State Fair of Texas (organization), a private, non-profit organization. Key leadership has included figures like Errol McKoy, who served as president for decades. The organization works in close partnership with the City of Dallas, which owns Fair Park. Major corporate sponsors, such as Chevrolet, Dr Pepper, and Frito-Lay, provide significant support. A large staff and thousands of volunteers work year-round to plan and execute the event, overseeing everything from security and sanitation to entertainment programming and competitive exhibits.

Category:Fairs in Texas Category:Annual events in Dallas Category:1886 establishments in Texas