Ah, just a few more days until Opening Day at the State Fair of Texas! This is the second in a five-part series leading up to the Big Tex, I mean, the Big Day, and we’re already ready already. Hope you enjoy this second article in our five-part series about the Texas State Fair.
Missed yesterday’s A-E? You can find it right here.
Win 2 Season Passes!Winners have been notified! Check your email, commenters!
Do you have your day mapped out? What are your State Fair of Texas faves? Let us know in the comments below and we will draw for two winners of TWO SEASON PASSES! – Andi Reis
Giveaway Rules
Drawing ends October 2, 2018. Winners will be notified by email provided with the post comment. Winner has 24 hours to respond, claiming the prize, or winner forfeits. This giveaway is cross-posted to our social media, and being the sole commenter on a post does not automatically mean a win by default. If you’ve claimed a prize from us in the last three months, you are ineligible to win. Must be 18 or over to win or claim season passes. Winning passes will be mailed via first-class USPS and FunCityStuff.com and it’s proprietors are not responsible for lost, stolen or misdirected mail. No purchase is required. You will be asked to share this post or an image of your visit to the State Fair of Texas to your own social media, but it is not a condition to win.
F
Fried Food and Farmer Mike
If it’s edible, you’ve probably seen it fried up and served at the State Fair of Texas. In fact, our state fair has become so synonymous with fried food, we’ve created special annual awards to recognize the best fair food (most of which is fried.) Many finalists (and even non-finalists) will be serving their Big Tex Choice Awards entries at their booths this year. Winning dishes from the past often make an appearance too and you won’t want to miss this year’s winner. Judged best in the sweet category is Arroz con Leche (Sweet Crispy Rice).
This year, Howdy Homemade made it to the finals of the Big Tex Choice Awards with their funnel cake ice cream. Stop by their booth, and if you aren’t in the mood for funnel cake ice cream, you may want to try their famous Dr. Pepper chocolate chip flavor.
Farmer Mike the Pumpkin Carver
Farmer Mike the Pumpkin Carver is a world-famous artist whose pumpkin carvings will surprise and delight you. Find him on weekends in the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway.
G
Go Texan and Gastronomy
The GO TEXAN Pavilion is the home of all things Texas. You’ll find food samples and food for purchase along with other educational exhibits about products native to Texas. You’ll also find this year’s Blue Ribbon Wine selection there and the State Fair Wine Garden just outside.
Gastronomy
Cooking competitions have been going on at state and county fairs for time immemorial, and this one is no different. They make it easy to participate, and the categories this year even include tex-mex, so break out your finest salsa recipe. The State Fair of Texas food is amazing, but so is YOURS.
H
Hall of State
Photo by Kristina Rowe
As far as buildings go, the Hall of State is, in a way, the jewel of Fair Park. The view of the portico and the Texas Warrior Statue from the steps outside is stunning, and it only gets more beautiful as you wander inside. The Hall of Heroes features statues of some of the giants of Texas history. You’ll find two fascinating exhibits during the fair this year: Celebrating Texas Innovation and Dallas in the Time of MLK. (Martin Luther King actually made a speech at Fair Park in 1963.)
If you attend the fair on opening day, you’ll want to be there in time for the opening ceremonies in front of the Hall of State at 7PM.
I
Information Booth and Innovation
Photo by Kristina Rowe
These familiar blue and red buildings are labeled Hospitality Centers, but they’re your first stop for State Fair of Texas information. One of these information booths should absolutely be your literal first stop at the fair. Pick up a copy of this year’s guide book and you’ll be delighted at what you’ll find inside. There’s a full list of food vendors with their locations plus coupons for savings on your delicious fair food. You’ll also find a map and a guide to many of the buildings and shows around Fair Park. Even longtime fairgoers know this little booklet is a must for your first trip to the fair each year.
Innovation
The letter I is taking center stage this year as part of the state fair theme: Celebrating Texas Innovation. You’ll see tributes to past, present, and future innovation throughout the Dallas fairgrounds.
In case you missed it, here’s Monday’s article covering A to E of our Ultimate Guide to the State Fair of Texas.Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow to see Kristina’s spotlight on fun things to do at the state fair for J through M!
Catch all of the 2018 Texas State Fair News here.
I’ve never been to the Texas State Fair and am so excited to bring my family with me for the first time since moving back home. I’m not sure what will be on their of things to do, but me personally I want to see a lot of things. Butter statues are always exciting, car shows are one of my favorite things to do, love exhibits of any kind and I of course can’t wait to ride the Ferris Wheel. And don’t get me started on the food. I’m gonna make sure to have bigger pants on because I’ll need all the room to try it all.
Hey there. From one Kristina to another, there’s so much fun stuff at the fair, you really can’t go wrong. I like to plan my day, but just wandering and enjoying the moment can be great too. Hope you and your family have a fabulous time!
I enjoy people watching, the car show, the farm animals, the food and the riding the train to avoid parking prices with long lines. I try to go every year.
I love the DART train too – it’s just SO easy. I’ve planned nearly a whole day of checking out the farm animals this weekend. I absolutely can’t wait!! Hope you have a wonderful time at the fair this year!
Corndog, beer and Dart is a must for our family! Thanks for the info.
Sounds like the Trifecta of the fair, Penny! Have fun This year. 😁
I’m coming in from out of town. Save me a corny dog or two!
Glad you can make it to Dallas for the fair, Lorrie. I’ll try not to eat ALL the corny dogs before you get here.
My wife and I take an adult day to go try all the new food items, we get a map and start our journey. We love to do this and have made it an annual date day for us that was really enjoy. We eat and walk around and just enjoy ourselves and reconnect. It’s the best time of the year.
What a wonderful tradition for you and your wife, Anthony. ❤️ I hope the two of you have a lovely date day at the fair this year.
I enjoy the car show as well as the unique foods. My kids enjoy the midway and the petting zoo.
The petting zoo is a can’t miss for me every year, even without kids. I’m going to spend a little more time with the cars this year – maybe even do the Ride & Drive thing. Hope you and your family have a great time!
Heading out to the Texas State Fair again this year! Starting out on the Dart, staying all day, and watching the parade and fireworks before we head back. Love the seafood, dark beers, and funnel cake! The kids love the Midway rides, and I love all the animals. My favorites are the dog shows, and I can’t wait to see the Clydesdales again! 😊
Wow, Tracee, that’s a FULL day of fun state fair stuff. Hope your family has a fantastic day at the fair this year!
I will start with food (whatever fried thing strikes my fancy), and go on to…more food (perhaps something healthy like those potato curl things), and after that I’ll probably have more food–roasted corn? I think yes.
We always take a stroll through the barns to see the huge rabbits, the funky chickens, and the cattle shows. A ride on the Texas Star is a must, And if we’re lucky we’ll get to see the Red River Shootout.
Butter statues are always interesting, and checking out the new cars is fun, but my favorite is the exhibit hall with all of the (you guessed it) food!
Giant rabbits?! How have I missed those all these years. Thanks for the heads up – I’ll search them out this year. Hope you get to enjoy fair food to your heart’s content!
I’ve never been – but I think I’m REQUIRED to eat a corney dog – right?? I think the people watching will be awesome too! Hit a few rides, but mostly gorge myself of cool fried foods and see what’s happening all around me!
Our family enjoys the parade, light show, fireworks , many state fair shows & being outdoors sharing the great state fair experience with friendly fellow Texans !
Out family loves the shows, fireworks, parade, tasty foods & festive atmosphere with fellow Texans… making happy memories!