17 Fun Facts about the Upcoming State Fair of Texas
The countdown is on!
For the 132nd year, the State Fair of Texas will grace Fair Park with rides, food, and fun. Are you ready? Our truck delivery services team will fill you in on a truckload of facts about the greatest fall happening in North Texas.
On September 28th, the State Fair of Texas will kick off its 24 day run in Downtown Dallas. And, like it has for over 100 years, Fair Park will serve as its stomping grounds. The first ever Texas state fair was held in October of 1886. Then called the Dallas State Fair and Exposition, the fair was an idea chartered by Dallas businessmen. Much like today’s event, the fair featured the sale of cattle, decorations, concerts, and, of course, food. In fact, many of the fairgoers participated in contests for the tastiest creations- similar to today’s Big Tex Awards (which we’ll get to later!).
The fair has been an annual event since then, save for the years during times of war. In 1918, during World War I, the fairgrounds became temporary Army bases, and from 1942-1945, the fair was cancelled due to financial constraints of WWII.
In 1952, the State Fair of Texas got a little…bigger. Big Tex, the 52 foot denim clad cowboy, joined the welcoming crew at his place near the opening gates. He was present at every state fair for decades until the last night of the 2012 state fair, when Big Tex faced a tragic and flame-filled ending to a great life as one of Dallas’s greatest attractions. Thankfully, Big Tex (part 2) was completed in time for the 2013 fair. He came back better and bigger than ever, now a staggering 55 feet tall with new words, phrases, and gestures.
Big Tex isn’t the only oversized fact that our truck delivery services team is going to deliver in this blog.
Here are a few fun facts about the great State Fair of Texas, coming soon to DFW:
The Big Tex Awards are given out annually for the best fair food. This year, be on the lookout for the Cotton Candy Taco (Most Creative), the Hoppin’ John Cake (Best Taste- Savory), and the Arroz Con Leche (Best Taste- Sweet).
State Fair of Texas coupons don’t expire.
The famous Red River Showdown, the football game between UT and OU that occurs during the fair, got its start in 1929. (But UT and OU have been battling it out since about 1900.)
The State Fair of Texas is the longest running fair in the USA.
In 1942, the most famous fair food of all, the corny dog, made its debut at the fair.
The fair has been held at the same location- Fair Park- since its inception.
One of the most famous musical acts was Elvis Presley, who performed in 1956.
In 2017, 2.25 million people visited the fair. It generated $54.5 million.
The most attended fair days are the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the fair closes. Except, of course, during the Red River Rivalry, when nearly 200,000 people passed through the gates.
On opening day in 1886, a reported 14,000 people attended the fair.
In 1897, the featured exhibit was an 80,000 pound whale preserved in embalming fluid.
Before Big Tex was cowboy, he was a giant Santa Claus in a small town in Texas.
In 1920, electric turnstiles were put to use for the first time at the fair.
In 1924, Harry Houdini performed for crowds, wriggling free from a strait jacket while hanging upside down.
Until 1968, the Dallas Cowboys played at the Cotton Bowl.
In 1970, just before opening day, Big Tex’s shirt was stolen. The Lee company scrambled to make another size 90 shirt, which was completed just a few hours before opening day.
In 1977, Debbie Reynolds performed on the stage. During this time, Carrie Fisher, her daughter, who just starred in the biggest movie of the summer Star Wars, toured the fair unrecognized without her signature Leia buns.
There you have it! A truckload of fun facts from our truck delivery services team! The State Fair of Texas kicks off in just a few days. For more info on the 2018 fair, head to the State Fair website.
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