Fall Fun at the Fair

The State Fair of Texas is over now, but we were able to fit in a trip last minute so that baby Z could experience it for the first time. There is something nostalgic about going to the fair. In Texas, the fair has taken place in the fall for over 122 years. It's the one time of the year we get away from most of the technology and media of our culture to go back to the days of Ferris wheels, cotton candy machines, and simple tossing games with cheesy giant stuffed animal prizes.



They say everything is bigger in Texas and this is true when it comes to the Texas State Fair. It is the largest in the country including the 212 foot Ferris Wheel. I happen to love carnival rides and the state fair has over 70 to choose from. I happen to love the one that is shown in this photo. Although, make sure you hold down your Frito pie if you have a weak stomach.



I think the biggest icon of all though would have to be the legendary Big Tex. Big Tex is a 52 foot tall cowboy that wears size 70 boots and a 75 gallon hat. He has been a part of the fair since 1952. Baby Z was quite entranced by it all.



Another BIG part of the state fair, and a personal favorite of mine is the Auto show.

I pulled this info off of Wikipedia
The State Fair of Texas is the only fair in the country to include a full blown auto show, dating back to 1904. It includes over 300,000 square feet of new model vehicles, two buildings, a Truck Zone and a Test Drive Track. The State Fair has been the site for several international launches including the 2007 Chevy Tahoe, the 2008 Ford Sporttrac and the 1998 Chevy Blazer.

Pretty big deal, but what I enjoyed the most was being able to play the Ford version of Deal or No Deal for free.


I love Deal or no Deal and have always wanted so badly to be a contestant. This is probably the closest I will ever get. I had to choose between a 1 in 10 chance at $12.00 or a guaranteed prize of a Ford mini flash light. I took the flash light!



Then of course there is the food, which I have mentioned before. They've got every kind of fried food imaginable like fried Twinkies or chicken fried bacon. I know they might sound gross, but you never know what's going to catch on. Corn dogs actually originated at the Texas State fair in 1942 and now you can get them anywhere!



So even though the fair can be a little crowded, and over priced, and maybe it is kind of dirty too, but come on, it's the State Fair and there is nothing else like it anywhere!