24 Days of Fun: Texas State Fair

The Texas State Fair is considered the biggest and best state fair in the entire country. This monumental event takes place every year for 24 days at the end of September and the beginning of October. If you want to have fun all the way, listen to the classic movie musical that declared, Our state fair is the best state fair, dont miss it, dont even be late!?

The Texas State Fair is held at Fair Park in the heart of Dallas. This monstrous fairground measures a phenomenal 277 acres. It is certainly the biggest of the big in Texas, where everything is bigger and better! Owned by the city, this complex houses the Cotton Bowl, Music Hall, and eight museums, including one devoted to the history of the state fair. However, during the time of the state fair, Fair Park is turned upside down.

The first Texas State Fair took place in Dallas in its current location way back in 1886. This fair was mainly for agricultural reasons, showcasing prize winning livestock and crops brought in by farmers from all over the state. The world famous football game pitting hometown heroes University of Texas against the Sooners from the University of Oklahoma has been held at the fair ever since 1929. 1936 was an especially popular year for Fair Park, as it hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition and welcomed in a crowd of over six million people for the six month duration of the exposition.

Most visitors to the Texas State Fair agree the biggest and best feature of the fair is Big Tex, the huge cowboy that welcomes all visitors into Fair Park. Big Tex first appeared at the state fair in 1952 and has been to every fair ever since. The gentle giant welcomes visitors in with a true Texas, Howdy partner and a friendly wave.

Each year, the fair brings in approximately $350 million during its 24 day span. That number is astronomical, but considering the fair draws over 8,000 livestock entries, 7,000 creative arts entries, and over 200 food locations and restaurants, its no surprise this is a lucrative business for the state. Additionally, travelers from far and wide flock to Dallas each year, bringing in welcome dollars for hotels and lodgings. The money from the fair is put to good use, including funding a scholarship program that gives $1.5 million each year for eligible students to use each year towards college.

If you are into rides, look no further than the Texas State Fair! The ride revenue brings in a whopping $23 million each year as visitors wait in line to ride everything from the daring to the classic. Do not miss out riding the colossal 212 foot Texas Star, which is only the tallest Ferris wheel on the continent! Things do come bigger and better in Texas.

Take time to visit the great exhibition halls in between riding the many rides and eating all the fantastic fair food. These exhibition halls are packed with livestock and agricultural products from all over the state. Also, check out the great arts and crafts entries from everyone from the 4H crowd to the professional crafters that take their hobbies seriously.

In a nutshell, the Texas State Fair is a treat to watch. You would be amazed to see the number of visitors to the fair every year, and it is strongly recommended that you be one.