Howdy Folks! I'm Glad you are here!
Howdy Folks, I'm glad you are here and thank you for taking the time to read my post. I want to give you a heads up as you scroll through the page and come across exciting things, you might be tempted to visit the Texas Fair. However, please note that the Texas State Fair for this year (2023) has already ended. The next season will commence on September 27, 2024, and will end on October 20, 2024. Until then, please take your time to read the article, and explore what went on during the 2023 State Fair of Texas. Some things will be interesting, while others may seem exaggerated, but if you want to learn, this article will give you an overview of what happened and how to prepare yourself for the upcoming State Fair in 2024. Let's delve in and explore together!
Fair park's visitor center is located at 3535 Grand Avenue. Also you can find Hospitality Center near the entrance gates where you can get helpful information and apart from that you can also pickup coupons.
Do you know?
If you want to buy anything or need to experience any rides at the Fair, you must pay in coupons. Cash/Card is not allowed as of 2023. But, check with the Fair authorities if things have changed in the future.
As you go through the article, you will be able to find more details about the coupons.
It's important to have a plan for your day at the park. Make sure to arrive when it opens to avoid crowds and enjoy the fresh food and rides. As the day goes on, the crowds will increase and the fair can get very busy.
Now, do you know about the following gigantic cowboy? If you don't, I hope you will get an insight about this big boy. On the other hand, if you know, then feel free to click on the button down below which will take you to the history of State Fair.
Big Tex
The Texas State Fair is a tradition that fosters a sense of community among Texans. A 55-foot-tall animatronic cowboy who has been a beloved icon of the Texas State Fair since 1952, Big Tex is a symbol of Texas pride and culture. He wears a 95-gallon hat, and his belt is 33 feet long and 1 foot 5 inches wide. His boots are 96 in size, and they are 1949 replica boots designed by Lucchese.
Big Tex has become a symbol of Dallas, Texas, and the State Fair, serving as a cultural ambassador. He is a part of State Fair's many attractions including rides, games, and live music.
Do you know?
According to experts, the Texas State Fair contributed 10,000 jobs and boosted the local economy by $50 million in the early 1960s, which is approximately $500 million in 2023.
Fiestas De Marionetas
Fiestas De Marionetas is a puppet show that takes place at McDonald's Amphitheater on First Avenue. It is a family-friendly show designed for all ages, from kids to adults, and runs for 24 minutes. The show is surrounded by beautiful landscaping and lights, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Kudos to the team who organized the event so well. The show was captivating, and immersive, made us lose track of time, and left us with a desire for the experience to continue. I believe that attending the show in the evening would significantly enhance the over all experience. The show, which is a vibrant celebration of colors, culture, and creativity, would further be amplified by the beautiful lights that surround the small village of handmade Marionettes.
Do you Know?
You are not allowed to carry selfie sticks into the Fair, due to security and safety reasons. The fair also bans Tripods, Monopods, Professional camera equipment, Drones, Large Signs, Air horns, weapons, Bull horns, and Megaphones. Please check with the Fair authorities before taking them into the park. The Fair authority asks visitors to leave these items in their homes or in the car.
Centennial Hall
Centennial Hall is the largest exhibit building at the Fair Park covering an area of around 94,000 square feet. The building was originally named as Exposition Building. It was built in 1905 as the first exhibition building on the fairgrounds made of steel and masonry.
The Centennial Hall is used for Exhibitions, Fairs, Performances, Parties, Car shows, Galas, Markets, Trade shows, Indoor Sports, and Conventions. The building comes with amenities such as large hall with columns, Centennial Monuments and Art Deco Exterior.
Esplanade Fountain
The Esplanade Fountain at the Fair Park is a 700-foot-long by 60-feet wide reflecting pool with three fountains. With $12 million budget, the Esplanade (Long open area) at Fair Park underwent renovation in February of 2009, inspired by the Bellagion fountains in Las Vegas. The main pool (Esplanade) is 700' long by 60' wide. It includes 172 nozzles and hundreds of lights synched to music allowing limitless creativity for programmed performances. All control equipment and treatment equipment is housed in the mechanical room which is located just beneath the fountain basin. The mechanical room is 80' long by 20' wide, contains twenty-two 50 HP pumps, four 20 HP pumps, and one 10 HP pump.
Cars, Trucks and More
The Texas Autoshow takes place at the Automobile Building, Centennial Building, and the Truck area outside. It's an opportunity to see the latest vehicles from your favorite brands, as many auto manufacturers come together to create a world-class auto show.
Dianosaurs!
Dinosaurs at the logoon is a bilingual exhibit. This exhibit is accessible to everyone and as of 2023, the exhibit is included with admission. It contains 10 life-sized dianosaurs that were native to Texas. Make sure you take a picture with the astounding 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus.
This exhibit also includes,
A kids play area.
Interactive storytelling.
Food and Dining.
Swan paddle boats and many more.
Skyway
The Texas Skyway is a gondola ride that takes visitors on a journey around the fairgrounds. This amazing ride offers a breathtaking view of the fairgrounds and the surrounding area. The track is 1,800 feet long, connecting two stations. The gondolas are designed to accommodate strollers or wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride. This ride is only available for 24 days of the year, so make sure to catch it while it's still running!
Cottonbowl Stadium
The Cotton Bowl Stadium is an outdoor arena located on the Texas State Fairgrounds. The stadium was designed by architects George Dahl and Mark Lemmon in the Art Deco architectural style. It was first opened to the public on October 11, 1930, and has since undergone several renovations in 1936, 1968, 1993, and 2008. The total cost of construction and renovations amounted to approximately $328,200, which today would be equivalent to $5.75 million. The stadium has a seating capacity of 92,100 guests.
The stadium is the venue for the annual Red River Showdown football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma. From 1937 to 2009, it was also the home of the Cotton Bowl Classic, until the game was relocated to AT&T Stadium in Arlington in January 2010.
As per the policies, anyone who is 15 years or older can go by themselves, but those younger than that need to be accompanied by an adult. Make sure you double-check the policies with the authorities of Fair Park before you send your kids by themselves as the policies may tend to change every year. People who need wheelchair assistance can request it from the Fair Park authorities.
Midway
The Texas State Fair's 2023 theme is Explore the Midway. The Midway features more than 70 thrilling rides including Midway Barker, the Thrillway, The Kidway, the 1914 Dentzel Carousel, the Iconic 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel, the 500-foot Top O' Texas Tower, and many more. Infinity ride, Bumper Boats, Toy cars are new in 2023.
Haunted Castle, located right next to the Texas Star Ferris wheel, is an attraction worth visiting. For those with faint hearts, be sure to carry some courage in your pockets.
The Texas Star
The Texas Star is a Ferris wheel located in the Texas State Fair and it is one of the popular rides.
The wheel was built by Reggio Emilia in Italy and debuted at the 1985 State Fair of Texas. The wheel diameter is 212 feet and It has 45 gondolas. The ride costs upto 12 coupons and If you buy a ticket you would spend 12 mins on the Ferris wheel . On a clear sunny day, you could see the skyline of Fort Worth downtown which is 35 miles away from the Fairgrounds.
Food
If you're a food lover who enjoys small bites of tasty and flavorful food, the Texas State Fair has something that will make your taste buds dance with delight. As the park opened, With no expectations, we visited a Chimichurri Argentinian food stall and ordered some Chimichurris which turned out to be delicious. Later, we tried fried mac and cheese balls from another stall and they were just as delicious.
At the Fair, you can easily find the traditional corny dogs and turkey legs which are available at various locations. Although the fair is known for its deep-fried food, it also offers a wide range of gourmet, regional, national, and international dishes with a Texas twist.
Coupons
This is the coupon booth where you can purchase coupons using credit cards, debit cards, or cash.
Parking
Google Maps
Conclusion
If you're planning to visit the State Fair, it's important to take a few things into consideration. First, be sure to check the weather before you go, so that you can dress appropriately and be prepared for any conditions. Additionally, it's a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance either online or at a discount at your nearest Kroger, if available. This will save you time and money, and allow you to avoid the long lines at the entrance. When it comes to parking, make sure you find a spot close to the park that is safe and secure. You don't want to be walking long distances or worrying about the safety of your car after a long day of rides and physical activity.
The State Fair offers so much to see and do that it may take more than a day to experience it all. Therefore, it's important to plan accordingly and make the most of your time there. There are various types of tickets available for purchase, including Premium tickets, Group passes, Season Passes, and Corporate Tickets. Be sure to choose the best option for you, based on your needs and preferences. Talk to authorities about current park policies and prioritize your family's safety.
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