By Jessica Domel
News Editor
Big Tex is tipping his legendary hat to Texas farmers, ranchers and dairymen. The 55-foot tall icon will greet visitors to the State Fair of Texas Sept. 30-Oct. 23 where this year’s theme is “Celebrating Texas Agriculture.”
“This year, acknowledging the significance of farming and ranching in Texas’ past, present and future, the fair will continue to promote agricultural growth through our large number of learning initiatives,” Karissa Condoianis, vice president of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas, said. “The 2016 theme is to recognize agriculture and its relevance to both the fair and the state of Texas as a whole.”
The State Fair was established 130 years ago—in 1886—as a livestock exhibition.
Over the years, much has changed. But agriculture has remained at its heart.
“Although agriculture plays a key role in our daily lives, it is not something we often stop and think about—especially those of us living in urban areas like Dallas,” Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president, said. “With fairgoers coming from both urban and rural backgrounds, we strive to promote agriculture to all visitors through our educational opportunities that are as enjoyable as they are informative.”
With this year’s theme in mind, fair officials have implemented more agricultural-related activities this year.
“I Spy Texas” focuses on the state and its natural resources. There will also be milking demonstrations and a Livestock 101 stage where resident livestock experts will offer daily presentations.
Guided livestock tours and school tours of the fair will also be available.
This year’s exhibits include “Six Nations over Texas,” which tells the story of the six countries whose flags have flown over Texas. It includes rare artifacts from each nation.
Another exhibit, “Ways of the West,” features tales of the American West and its prevalence in Texas culture.
“Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy” features tales of Texas cowboys and their cow-herding skills.
“The State Fair really provides our guests with a unique way to experience every aspect of Texas culture all in one place,” Condoianis said.
The State Fair will also offer livestock exhibitions, exhibits, Texas Farm Bureau’s Planet Agriculture, concerts, an auto show, games and plenty of fair food.
“We have some incredible new foods at the fair this year,” Condoianis said. “Within our Big Tex Choice Awards competition alone, we had things from chicken pot pie pockets to deep fried pulled pork Funyun dingers.”
The winner of this year’s Most Creative Award was State Fair Cookie Fries. The winner of this year’s Best Taste Award was Fried Jell-O.
“No matter which corner of the great Lone Star State or the world you come from, the State Fair of Texas has something for everyone,” Condoianis said.
A full fair schedule is available at BigTex.com.
“Big Tex is up. He’s just waiting for opening day to welcome everybody in and say ‘howdy folks,’” Condoianis said.