Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read September 2023 — Final preparations are on the way for one of the biggest events in Texas — the 137th annual State Fair of Texas. Running from Sept. 29 through Oct. 22 at Fair Park, the event will feature the traditional elements that patrons have come to expect: music, shows, animals and food. There are also a few logistical changes and new attractions that will give this year’s event a different spin.
The biggest change comes after attendees last year attempted to create chaos by running through the fairgrounds, according to Dallas police. That led to claims of a shooting, which were investigated and found to be false. However, for this year’s event, fairgoers under the age of 17 will not be granted entrance after 5 p.m. if they are not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone over the age of 21. The new policy goes on to mandate that a chaperone must present a valid ID and can bring in no more than six minors. Although consistent communication is suggested, they are not required to stay with the minors once inside the park.
“The feedback towards our new After 5 p.m. Minors Policy has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mitchell Glieber, president of The State Fair of Texas, told Invest:. “Public safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming experience for all who attend our annual celebration at the most Texan place on Earth. The State Fair of Texas believes this policy is the best course of action to enhance the existing safety measures for all fairgoers, vendors and employees.”
Whether this will have an impact on attendance levels and revenue for the Fair remains to be seen. The 2022 Fair welcomed 2.5 million visitors, and total operating revenues exceeded $88 million. Over half of revenue (51%) derived from concessions, and a significant drop in attendance for this year’s event could have a negative impact on the bottom line. According to Glieber, however, they do not anticipate these issues, especially as such policies have been implemented at other fairs and events across the country.
Food is typically a draw for such events, but the cuisine at the State Fair of Texas is not just a draw; it’s a competition for gastronomic glory. The Big Tex Award categories for this year were Most Creative, Best Taste – Savory and Best Taste – Sweet. Most Creative went to Cody and Lauren Hays for their Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas, Michelle Le’s Deep Fried Pho snagged Best Taste – Savory, and Biscoff Delight by Stephen El Gidi won Best Taste – Sweet. There are also several new additions to the roster of food vendors for this year, including Pound Cake Experts, Stay Cheesy, The Cajun Cowboy and for a little Italian flair to the Texan experience, Eataly.
With three performance stages, attendees will also have a large entertainment lineup to check out between food stops and games. Opening weekend will feature musical acts including Lonestar, CeeLo Green and La Zenda Norteña. Artists such as Bowling For Soup, Lil Jon, Katie Toupin, The Powell Brothers, Sazerac Jazz Band and Charlotte Sand will hit the stages over the course of the event. There are also several new attractions for attendees, including the Street Circus, Dinosaurs at the Lagoon and Acrobuffos — an interactive water balloon fight.
“Opening Day is always my favorite day at the Fair,” said Gleiber. “It’s the opportunity to see all of the hard work that our team has done over the past year come to fruition. Most importantly, it’s very rewarding to see the excitement of the fairgoers as they enter the grounds on that first day. There’s a lot of work ahead over the next 24 days, but that’s why we do what we do. This is our chance to shine.”
Top image provided by State Fair of Texas
