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THE TEXAS STATE FAIR SEPTEMBER 25TH - OCTOBER 18TH 2009
You expect things to be big in The Lone Star State and the Texas State Fair is no exception. It is the largest State Fair in the United States, based upon annual attendance. Minnesota has the largest daily attendance, of over a million, but is only open for 12 days.
Held in Dallas, the fair has been held at Fair Park since 1886 and expects over 3 million visitors, bringing around $400 million into the Dallas economy.
Traditional State Fair attractions include livestock shows, competitions, carnival rides, musical entertainment and exhibitions. As in a previous article we highlight some of the more attractive and unusual events.
The Fair’s mascot is Big Tex, a 16m (52 feet) high model of a cowboy first introduced in 1952. His hinged jaw makes him appear to speak and he is used for programme announcements.
MUSIC
The Chevrolet Main Stage provides open air concerts daily, with top artists at the weekend. The US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps perform in afternoon concerts at Marine Square and in the evening parade. Throughout the park, street entertainers perform on small stages and street corners. On the Backdoor Stage, The Killdaires perform celtic Rock daily.
VEHICLES
The State Fair of Texas is the only State Fair to include an Auto Show, dating from 1904. This is the biggest new car and truck show in the Southwest. As you would expect, Texans love big trucks. The Truck Zone provides entertainment and offerings from all the main truck dealers. Classic Corral is the place to see and meet the owners of vintage autos and motorcycles. The BMX Bike Show has The 720 Action Sports Team performing gravity defying stunts.
MIDWAY
The traditional Midway has over 70 attractions including The Texas Skyway with 1800 feet of track, The Texas Star Ferris Wheel which at 212 feet is the largest in North America and the 1914 Denitzel Carousal.
ANIMALS
The Spirit of The Horse showcases training methods and communication with horses and is held in The Ranch Arena. There are traditional Livestock Breed Displays with pigs, sheep, cows and goats. Pig Races take place daily in The Pan American Arena. Have a bet on these cute piglets.
KIDS AND FAMILIES
The children can see and feed the sows, ewes, and nanny goats with their offspring at The Childrens Medical Center Backyard. Wannabee Buckaroos can join the Pee Wee Stampede on stick horses daily. At Little Hands On The Farm, the kids can indulge in pretend egg gathering, planting and harvesting and caring for a cow. World On A String is a daily puppet show in The Creative Arts Showplace Theatre. At The Schepps Backyard Circus the young ones can dress up and perform a make believe show with circus performers.
FOOD
Fair Days are strenuous and food and lots of it is necessary! The State Fair of Texas has acquired a reputation for providing unique fried food. Corny Dogs first appeared at the 1942 event. Recent years have seen the arrival of unusual dishes. These include, deep fried:
Oreo Cookies
Twinkies
Pork Ribs
Cheesecake
Peanut Butter
Jelly and Banana Sandwiches
and even deep fried Coke!
Forget your diet and make sure you pack your cholesterol pills.
PARADE
Every respectable State Fair has a parade and Texas has the daily Starlight Parade with illuminated floats and costumed characters.
FOOTBALL
The restored Cotton Bowl, seating 91000 spectators hosts two College Football Games and the annual Texas v Oklahoma clash on October 3rd.
SHOPPING
Before leaving indulge in a bit of shopping amongst the 300 stalls in The Coliseum Market Place, Grand Place, Gateway Pavilion, Embarcadero, The Pennsylvania Gate and other sites.
With about 7 weeks to go, now is the time to plan your visit to Big Tex and join the other 3 million in Dallas for this extravaganza of fun (and food) the Texas State Fair.
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The Iowa State Fair is actually the largest and most developed fair in the nation. The Iowa State Fair (ISF) resides on 445 acres of land and is not in a major metropolitan area. The ISF is located on the eastern edge of Des Moines Iowa and for its 11 day run, will get roughly 1,010,000 people a year. The food exhibits, the contest, the ISF will hand out 46,000 ribbons for all of the 4H and all other contest. Des Moines is a metropolitan area of about 300,000 people, not like Minnesota or Texas where they are well over 5,000,000 people. Its a little different. So, put the proportions together and you will see that the Iowa State Fair didnt hold its 155th year running for nothing.
Kyle