Corny dogs, giant cowboys, prize-winning livestock, and enough fried food to feed an army – this Dallas tradition is an over-the-top celebration of all things Texan.

DALLAS, Texas – The air crackles with the scent of fried batter, the Midway lights flicker on, and a booming “Howdy, Folks!” rings out across Fair Park. It can only mean one thing: The State Fair of Texas is back in town.

The Basics

The State Fair has been a Texas institution since 1886. It’s massive and undeniably Texan:

• Big Numbers: It runs for 24 days annually, drawing millions of visitors and generating significant economic impact for the Dallas area.
• Fair Park: The fairgrounds are a National Historic Landmark, with beautiful Art Deco exhibition halls built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition.
• More Than Just Food: While culinary adventures are a highlight, there’s also auto shows, top-notch livestock competitions, concerts, exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.

You can’t talk about the Fair without mentioning Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall cowboy:

• Fiery History: The original Big Tex was built in 1949 and literally wore a giant Santa costume during the holidays. He burned down in 2012, but a bigger and better version was swiftly rebuilt.
• Howdy, Folks!: His booming, slightly drawling welcome message is a Fair staple, and his outfit changes each year to reflect the Fair’s theme.
• Symbol of Texas Pride: He’s either a beloved symbol of Texas-sized hospitality or a prime example of kitschy excess – sometimes simultaneously, even for the same person.

Deep-Fried Wonderland

The State Fair of Texas is ground zero for culinary creativity and sometimes dubious decisions:

• Fried Everything: Past creations include deep-fried Oreos, butter, beer, and even lattes. The quest for the next viral sensation is endless.
• Big Tex Choice Awards: This official competition recognizes both the tasty and the truly outlandish in fried food innovation.
• Beyond the Fryer: Tried-and-true favorites like corny dogs, Fletcher’s giant corn dogs especially, funnel cakes, and turkey legs remain crowd-pleasers.

Livestock Showcase: The Fair’s Other Side

While fried food gets attention, the Fair has deep agricultural roots:

• Serious Competition: Top breeders from across Texas compete in cattle, swine, sheep, goat, and even poultry and rabbit shows.
• 4-H and FFA Roots: Youth programs are a vital part of the Fair, showcasing young Texans’ skills with livestock and various agriculture-related projects.
• Urban-Rural Connection: Many city dwellers have their only exposure to farm animals via the Fair, highlighting the importance of Texas agriculture even as the state becomes increasingly urbanized.

The State Fair of Texas is about more than any single element; it’s the whole over-the-top package:

• Sensory Overload: The smells of fried food and livestock barns, the roar of the Midway rides, and the constant soundtrack of live music – it’s a feast for the senses.
• People Watching Paradise: From bouffant hairstyles to custom cowboy boots and families wearing matching fair-themed shirts, it’s the place to see and be seen.
• Pure Texas Tradition: Even for Texans who may roll their eyes at some of the excess, going to the Fair is simply what you do. It’s a slice of shared culture, even if your preferred slice is a funnel cake rather than a deep-fried Twinkie.

Tips for Your Visit

• Go Early or Late: Avoid peak weekend crowds if possible, especially with younger children in tow.
• Embrace the Calories: Diets take a holiday at the Fair. Pace yourself and share the more outlandish treats with friends.
• Seek Out the Unique: Beyond the Midway, there are craft exhibits, car shows, and free events tucked around the fairgrounds. The nightly light parade is surprisingly mesmerizing.
• Wear Comfy Shoes: Fair Park is vast, and you’ll clock a lot of steps exploring the exhibits and attractions.