Have you ever been to a State Fair? If not, you definitely should. They are usually designed to promote local industry and community but provide quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. My own early memories of attending one are from my own home town Hyderabad in India which I used to look forward to each year. When I went to the Texas State Fair last year, I did not know what to expect but I was surprised at the amount of fun I had.
The State Fair of Texas happens each year from the last Friday of September for a period of 24 days at the historic Fair Park in Dallas.
The State Fair opens to a huge fanfare with a specific theme each year, the theme for 2018 being ‘Celebrating Texas Innovation’.
One of the many unique things about the State Fair of Texas is the 55 feet tall Big Tex, the official greeter and icon who is also termed as the world’s tallest cowboy!
A huge attraction for the fair goers are the 24 days of free concerts, about 3 per day, on the Chevrolet Main Stage. The concerts are one of the best values of the State Fair since they are totally free with the price of admission showcasing national and regional talent of all types.
Another notable attraction is the Texas Auto Show that is spread across three regions within Fair Park. The Auto Show is believed to showcase about 400 of the latest models from the world’s leading manufacturers and the general public is allowed to check out the automobiles while enjoying the live entertainment at these arenas, whether you are in the market for a new automobile or just window shopping for one.
If you are not already aware, by now you should have realized that everything about Texas is big! At an event as big as this where Texans take the pride in showcasing their culture and innovations, will they fall behind in showcasing their culinary skills and eating habits? NO!
Each year at the State Fair, Texans prove that they are the most innovative people when it comes to food as well. Yes, their innovation with regards to food did not just stop at deep-frying everything. In addition to the old traditional favorites - Corny Dogs and Turkey Legs, each year you will find a Texas touch to a wide variety of well known classics.
Being a foodie myself, I could not resist but try some of them of which I liked:
Orange Julia’s Beermosa, a cocktail made on the lines of a Mimosa except that the Champagne was replaced with Bluemoon Beer.
Pico Frito, a spring roll that is stuffed with Pico De Gallo and served with a side of Cilantro Sauce
Southern Fried Chicken Nachos and
Fruity Dessert Nachos which was basically crispy cookies smothered in berries, bananas topped with a generous dose of whipped cream and Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauce. I did not care to check the calorie count on this one for obvious reasons.
If you are not much of a foodie but love cooking, you can head to the Cutco Celebrity Chef Kitchen where some popular chefs from across Texas prepare their favorite dishes and present you an opportunity to taste some of their favorite dishes, tips and answer questions.
In addition to these, the Fair also has some usual attractions that you would find in any State Fair such as Family Shows, Animal Shows and Barns, Shopping, Live Stock Auctions & Shows and Arts Shows. If your schedule allows you to stay beyond 5 PM, do not miss the Starlight Parade, the Wine Garden, The Texas Star Ferris Wheel and the Top O’Texas Tower.
I hope I have been able to encourage you to go visit the next State Fair in your state. If you are interested in coming over to Dallas, the theme for 2019 is ‘Celebrating Texas Creativity’. I am certainly looking forward to it!
I have been to the State Fair of Texas twice in 2018 and was able to capture some good images (while I was not eating or drinking, that is). Here are a few of them which I hope you would enjoy.
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