The State Fair of Texas opened in-person on Friday after a year off due to the pandemic. Crowds flooded Fair Park’s entrances to grab corny dogs, watch the parade and hear Big Tex’s iconic “Howdy, folks!”
The event's return has been long awaited by fair fanatics like 71-year-old Ron Richardson from Mesquite.
“I’ve been coming to the fair since I was 7 years old, and I haven’t missed a year since except for last year because of COVID,” he said.
In an effort to keep the spirit of the event alive, the city created a Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru. Richardson went to the drive-through 13 times, but he says it wasn’t the same.
The Mesquite local recalled when the 2020 state fair was canceled, saying “that was one of the hardest days of my life.”
Now, he’s excited to get his favorites: a cinnamon roll, corn-on-the-cob and baked potato.
Other visitors like 9-year-old Maggie Boone may have less experience with the state fair, but she’s just as enthusiastic about its return.
She munched on a bright-red candy apple with her mom Ashley and her younger sister Blakely. The young fairgoer could hardly contain her excitement about all the things she loved about the state fair.
“The games and seeing big Tex!” she exclaimed. “I’m most excited about winning a giant prize.”
Her mom says her family plans to visit the petting zoo, watch the stunt show and play some games.
For some visitors, the opening of the fair is such a momentous occasion, they took the day off of work or school.
“It’s definitely worth missing at least a day,” said 17-year-old Alexandra Ganez with a laugh.
Her family has a tradition of visiting the first day of the state fair every year, so she said the cancellation of the in-person event last year was a disappointment.
Now, she’s eager to enjoy a corny dog and turkey leg. More importantly, she said she’s just grateful to see all the people who came out.
“I think just seeing everyone come together and unite as a community is really great since the pandemic started,” she said.
Visitors can enjoy the festivities until Oct. 17 at Fair Park.
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Got a tip? Email Elizabeth Myong at Emyong@KERA.org. You can follow Elizabeth on Twitter @Elizabeth_Myong.
Keren Carrión is a corps member with Report For America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. Got a tip? Email Keren at Kcarrion@kera.org. You can follow Keren on Twitter @kerencarrion8.
