“Big Tex” and corn dogs mark 135th anniversary

By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette

For those who missed their favorite Midway games and fairground snacks due to the pandemic last year, there’s good news coming on Friday Sept. 24 though Sunday Oct. 17: The State Fair of Texas is coming back to Fair Park in Dallas for 2021. Tickets for the event are available here.

Celebrating its 135th year with the theme of “Howdy Folks,” Big Tex will again greet visitors as the venue offers its guests new shows, 70 Midway rides, musical performances, and all the fried food they can eat. A listing of shows and events can be found here.

“This year’s commemorative theme art encompasses the foundation of what the Fair is all about – being together,” said President of the State Fair of Texas Mitchell Glieber, in a statement. “None of us could have predicted all that the COVID-19 pandemic would bring with it, but we feel so grateful to carry on the State Fair’s 135-year history and welcome everyone back with a warm, ‘Howdy, Folks!,’ this year.”

The Hall of State at night. Courtesy photo by Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas

“We’re excited to make up for lost time and help families and friends from all walks of life reconnect again, while making new memories to last a lifetime,” Glieber said.

The fair is reportedly going to look a little different this year to adhere to the health and safety concerns of visitors, vendors, entertainers, and staff, adhering to all applicable CDC guidelines.

As a side note, Big Tex has his own early history with Navarro County, having made his debut in 1949 as the “Big Santa” of Kerens.

“Howdy Folks” is the theme for the 2021 State Fair of Texas – Courtesy photo

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