State Fair of Texas

State Fair of Texas. The State Fair of Texas is an annual state fair held in Dallas, Texas, at Fair Park, a complex that includes the Cotton Bowl, Dallas Museum of Art, and other Dallas-based attractions like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Zoo. The fair is organized by the State Fair of Texas organization, which works closely with the City of Dallas, Dallas Independent School District, and other local institutions like the University of Texas at Dallas and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The event typically takes place over a period of 24 days, starting on the last Friday of September and ending on the third Sunday of October, with notable attendees including Texas Governor, Dallas Mayor, and other prominent figures like Ross Perot and Mark Cuban.

● History

The State Fair of Texas has a rich history dating back to 1886, when it was first held at Fair Park in Dallas, with early supporters including Texas Instruments founder Patrick E. Haggerty and Southwestern Bell founder Alfred P. Southwick. Over the years, the fair has grown in size and popularity, with notable events including the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, which was held at Fair Park and featured exhibits from General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and other major corporations like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble. The fair has also hosted various performances by famous artists, including Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, and Kenny Chesney, as well as appearances by notable figures like George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and Ronald Reagan. The State Fair of Texas has been recognized for its contributions to the state's agriculture and education sectors, with partnerships with institutions like Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

● Location and Facilities

The State Fair of Texas is held at Fair Park in Dallas, a complex that covers over 277 acres of land and features various facilities, including the Cotton Bowl, Fair Park Coliseum, and the Centennial Building, which was built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition and features exhibits from NASA, Lockheed Martin, and other major corporations like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The fairgrounds also include the Texas Star, a 212-foot tall Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city, as well as the Esplanade, a large open area that hosts various events and performances, including concerts by Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Other notable facilities at Fair Park include the African American Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, and the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park, which features exhibits from National Geographic and Discovery Channel.

● Attractions and Entertainment

The State Fair of Texas features a wide range of attractions and entertainment options, including live music performances by artists like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber, as well as carnival games and rides like the Texas Star and the Freak Out, a thrill ride that takes passengers on a journey through a series of loops and corkscrews, with safety features designed by NASA and United States Air Force. The fair also hosts various animal exhibits, including a petting zoo and a livestock show, which features animals from Texas ranches and farms, with judging by experts from Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University. Other attractions include the Auto Show, which features the latest models from General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Toyota, as well as the Texas Hall of State, a museum that showcases the state's history and culture, with exhibits from Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress.

● Food and Drinks

The State Fair of Texas is famous for its unique and delicious food options, including corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos, as well as traditional Texas barbecue and Mexican cuisine from vendors like Pecan Lodge and La Reunion, with ingredients sourced from Texas farms and ranches. The fair also features a wide range of drinks, including sweet tea, lemonade, and beer from local breweries like Deep Ellum Brewing Company and Lakewood Brewing Company, with partnerships with Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors. Visitors can also sample Texas wines from wineries like Driftwood Estate Winery and Becker Vineyards, with wine pairings designed by Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

● Attendance and Economic Impact

The State Fair of Texas attracts millions of visitors each year, with attendance figures averaging around 3 million people over the 24-day period, with visitors from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and other surrounding states, as well as international visitors from Mexico, Canada, and United Kingdom. The fair has a significant economic impact on the state of Texas and the city of Dallas, generating revenue from ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorships from companies like Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, and AT&T, with partnerships with Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. The fair also creates jobs and stimulates local economic growth, with estimates suggesting that it generates over $50 million in economic activity each year, with support from Texas Department of Agriculture and Dallas Regional Chamber.