State Fair of Texas

It’s that time of the year again, the State Fair of Texas is finally here. Get ready to spend lots of money and eat all the fried food that you can imagine. This annual event has been held every year since 1886. Like the old saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” our state fair is the largest in the United States by annual attendance. The fair’s past estimates suggested that nearly 3 million people visit the fair annually*.  We are also the only fair that has a full blown auto show, which will be over 300,000 sq feet this year.

One of my favorite things about the fair, I’m sure just like everybody else, is the collection of fried food that you are able to eat. You won’t find this food anywhere else. You can get any type of food possible fried there from oreos, to green beans, to butter, and even beer! Be sure to wear your clothes one size larger than normal so you can eat your life away. Since 2005, The State Fair of Texas has held annual Big Tex Choice Awards that is held between the different food concessionaires at the show. Some of this year’s winners are Fried Beer for Most Creative and Fried Frito Pie as best tasting. I’m sure you are wondering how in the world you fry beer. Well, it is a beer filled pretzel pocket that is deep fried, so when you take a bite the beer escapes into your mouth and serves as a sauce. Don’t forget your ID, because you will be carded to try this concoction. Some other great fried items are Fried Smores pop tart, Fried Frozen margarita, Fried Club Salad, Fried Chocolate, Fried Lemonade and Fried Texas Caviar. Be sure to wear your clothes one size too big for this event.

Sometime going to the Fair year after year is a drag. This year there will be 3 large additions to mix things up. There will be over 11 new rides to play on. Thank God, that one huge jumbo slide gets dull after you go on it a few times. A large greenhouse will be on the Midway that has been built recently. The Greenhouse will, obviously, be full of plants but will serve as a place for visitors to learn about different greenery, plants and how to care for them in your house.  Last but not least, just in time for Football season, the State Fair has added The Hall of State which will exhibits dedicated to Football including a showcase from football legend, Tom Landry.

Parking is quite expensive this year. It will cost you $30 for valet and $15 for self parking. Your best bet is ride the Dart Green Line, which will drop you off at one of two locations for entering the fair. Safe yourself the $15 and buy some fried beer with it instead, you won’t regret it.

Attending the State Fair is a tradition that many people hold not just in North Texas but all over the country. What is your favorite (or not-so-favorite) part about it?

* Pam Wagner.“BigTex.com: Texas State Fair ropes in visitors, revenues,” Fiscal Notes, September 2003 (Texas State Comptroller’s Office). Retrieved August 19, 2007.