Every year for 20-plus glorious days, the nation’s largest state fair happens in Dallas. From Big Tex to big-time college football, fried foods, and a whole bunch more, generations of Texans have enthusiastically streamed through the gates of Fair Park for the one-of-a-kind experience.
I’m Sue Krider, the high-rise real estate authority in DFW. I have lived and worked in Dallas for many years and attended The State Fair of Texas many times. It’s truly a joy.
As a real estate professional, I take great pride in keeping my finger on the pulse of so many wonderful things in our area, including the incredible depth of top-notch entertainment booked in DFW, fall sporting events (Go Cowboys!), a diversity of award-winning and up-and-coming restaurants, fall festivals, and more.
But for the purposes of this Blog, let’s focus on the Fair.
Ready, set, go!
This year, the State Fair of Texas is celebrating a milestone: 137 years of operation. The 2023 edition started on September 29 and is now in full swing through October 22.
If you’re new to the Fair, get to know Big Tex, the official greeter. He has been on the job for 65 years with a fabulous history and an iconic presence, towering over Fair Park.
With a midway packed with thrilling rides, games, various stages with musical entertainment of all shapes and sizes, historic college in the Cotton Bowl (this is the last year that the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners will play before moving together to the Southeastern Conference), creative foods, and an array of farm animals, petting zoos, and prized pets from all over Texas on exhibit.
Highlights include the annual Texas Auto Show, where you can get up close with new models of vehicles from many of the most popular brands on the road such as Chevrolet, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Toyota, Buick, Chrysler, Ford, KIA, Honda and more. There is even a Chevy Ride & Drive exhibit.
No visit to the Fair is even close to complete without a spin through an area affectionately known as The Barns. Since the State Fair celebrates all things Texan, The Barns hold vital Fair components; here is a schedule of what to see when, and where. Kids come from all over the state to show their prize livestock hoping to win blue ribbons and other honors. And the nightly rodeo is another Texas tradition that cannot be missed.
Fried food is always a huge draw for fairgoers, and this year is no exception. While Deep Fried Pho, a popular Vietnamese street soup from Michelle Le, took home the 2023 “Best Taste-Savory” prize, there are many others to sample as well. Some 57 entries competed for this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards. Visitors will be able to sample winning dishes and some of the finalists.
Golden brown at its best comes in the form of a delicious little staple known as Fletcher’s Corny Dogs. The Fletcher family debuted their creation at the 1942 State Fair.
Since then, that unique Texas treat on a stick has been tickling taste buds for 80 years. The company celebrated a milestone anniversary just last year … and the Lone Star cuisine machine isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Nowadays, Fletcher’s serves their famous Corny Dogs at seven locations around Fair Park during the event. They also have specialty food trucks in the region (and at Dallas’s favorite urban oasis, Klyde Warren Park) that are deployed before and after the Fair, as well as via e-commerce shipping to all 50 states.
There are several new events to enjoy this year such as the Soap Bubble Circus. The talented team performs Guinness World Record-breaking acts of bubble-ology. “You’ll see a snowman dancing across a tightrope, an exploding volcano, and more at this show,” says a State Fair of Texas representative.
Also new are the Afrobuffos and their exciting water bomb shows … and in this heat, what’s not to like? Street performer Sara Twister is another new, can’t miss attraction at the Fair, with her sensational, body–bending archery trick shots laced with plenty of comedy, and Mundo Latino brings their awe-inspiring exhibit, “Día de Los Muertos,” to the town to explore the traditional Day of the Dead.
Returning fan favorites include old school strongman Mighty Mike, “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” and the crowd pleaser, the All-Star Stunt Dog Show.
The Creative Arts Building is another terrific place to visit. This is where chefs share tips, while cooks go head-to-head it heated competition. Wine Wednesdays, with a particular emphasis on Texas wines, has a special on-site presence.
Another important part of the Fair is the music. This year the Chevrolet Main Stage is a gas … and its’ all free with your admission. This is where you can see artists ranging from rock and pop, to country, Tejano, hip-hop and so much more.
This year the top-notch line-up of artists include the following: Lonestar, Ceelo Green, La Zenda Norteña, Bowling for Soup, Sabor Puro, Lil Jon, 38 Special, Outlaw Mariachi, Shane Smith & The Saints, the Sazerac Jazz Band, the rising stars of The War & Treaty, and many others.
I hope to see you at the Fair – you’ll love it!
In the meantime, for more information on top high-rise properties in Dallas, and a continuing flow of information about the market, as well as community happenings and special things to see and do, check with me at SueKrider.com now.
Be sure to check my website at www.dallashighrisecondo.com for more.