Another season of Texas-sized fun is right around the corner, bringing people from around the nation a unique way to experience everything the Lone Star State has to offer, all in one place.
As the saying goes, “everything is bigger in Texas,” and our deep-rooted sense of Texan pride is no exception. Since its establishment in 1886, the Fair has served as an advocate for this quintessential virtue throughout its 130-year history of celebrating all things Texan. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the State Fair of Texas ® passionately pursues opportunities to expand upon each pillar of its mission – agriculture, education, and community involvement. Honoring its past, present, and future Texas neighbors, the 2017 event, themed “Celebrating Texans,” will further support this initiative by highlighting the importance of community within every aspect of the Fair. This year’s annual exposition will run Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 22 at its historic Fair Park home in Dallas.
With more than 100 daily attractions that offer a wide variety of entertainment, art, agriculture, history, and cuisine, there is something for everyone and every kind of interest. “The Fair brings people from all walks of life together for the same purpose – to experience and celebrate our evolving Texan culture,” says Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “There is a unique sense of community that fairgoers develop during their visit. People acknowledge their differences while appreciating the value they have in our everyday lives. At the same time, fairgoers also come to discover more about their similarities,” explains Glieber. “The Fair itself is an event that draws people not only from across the state, but from all over the country, and we’re extremely proud to be a vehicle for that unity.”
As a homegrown Dallas institution, the Fair has a deep-seated appreciation for its local and statewide neighbors whose support makes such a big event possible each year. “Celebrating Texans” aims to shed light on the various communities that come together throughout the Fair’s 24-day run in celebration of their Texan heritage. 4-H and FFA members travel from all over the state to showcase their agricultural expertise in State Fair competitive livestock events. The Fair’s Youth Scholarship Program supports Texas high school students by awarding recipients with scholarships to help fund their college education. Exhibiting the community’s artistic talents, the Fair also hosts more than 1,100 competitions through its Creative Arts department. With community at the very heart of the Fair’s ongoing prosperity, this year’s theme pays tribute to the celebrated traditions that unite our Texas family.
The State Fair continually strives to create opportunities that support its ultimate goal of having a positive community impact. In recognition of those who share the same initiative, the Fair will be launching a community spotlight campaign throughout the year to highlight significant Texans and Texan organizations making a difference in their community. This campaign will run throughout the year to serve as another platform for people everywhere to join the Fair in “Celebrating Texans.” Illustrating 2017’s theme, this year’s annual artwork depicts the seven geographic regions of Texas as a celebration of our state’s diverse foundation. From now through the end of Fair season, get an up-close look at the artwork as a large-scale mural painted on Baker’s Ribs in Deep Ellum, located at the northwest corner of Main Street and Hall Street.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s record-breaking Fair, mark your calendars for the 2017 State Fair of Texas. Say “howdy” to Big Tex and join the annual celebration, opening September 29 at historic Fair Park in Dallas.
About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve Fair Park and underwrite museum, community and scholarship programs for inner city youth and students pursuing agricultural careers. The 2017 exposition runs September 29 through October 22 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.