Welcome To Texas: State Fair Of Texas
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - We're almost a full week into this year's State Fair of Texas -- the biggest state fair in the country. And, if you're new to the state and wondering what all the hype is about, here is what you can expect from the fair this year.
Big Tex, in some form or fashion, has been greeting visitors to the State Fair of Texas for the last 63 years. But the fair itself is much older than that. The original Dallas State Fair and Exposition was held in 1886, and has grown exponentially since then.
"This is a huge fair. I mean, the largest one in the United States," said Senior VP of Operations at the Fair, Rusty Fitzgerald. "It takes a lot to put together, a lot of planning."
And with an estimated 3 million visitors coming through the gates each year, Fitzgerald said that planning for the fair is a year-round job. "You have to keep a State Fair fresh. Our State Fair, we try to find new things every year. We have new rides, new shows. We have five new rides this year," he said.
But don't underestimate the appeal of the classics. Fletcher's Corny Dogs started at the 1942 State Fair and, after 73 years, it's still going strong. It expects to sell roughly a half-million corny dogs during the fair's 24-day run. But if corny dogs aren't your thing, not to worry. There are more than 200 other concession stands at the fair, all offering mouth-watering fried food goodness.
Another staple of the Midway is the games! There is something for everyone -- even the littlest revelers. All parents need to do is look for the signs that read "All Kids Who Play Win A Prize."
"Any kid that plays wins something, just like the sign says," said Craig Berry, operator of one of the balloon games. "If they play, they win. It's guaranteed -- even if they don't pop a balloon."
And, of course, what would the State Fair be without Big Tex? Folks found out three years ago, on the final weekend of the fair, when an electrical fire caused the giant cowboy to go up in flames. "It was almost like a live person," said Fitzgerald. "People were distraught over it. They were upset. I think it's just added to his iconic status. Everybody knows who Big Tex is."
From a new hat and boots to the way he moves, a bigger and better Big Tex is ready to welcome you to this year's State Fair, and you don't have to be a longtime Texan to appreciate that.
