DALLAS, TEXAS – May 27, 2016 – With Memorial Day just a few days away, there is no better time to honor those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. The State Fair of Texas would like to thank all the brave men and women of the military for their dedication to serving our great nation. As a special salute to our country’s troops, the State Fair is kicking off its 2016 event with Military Appreciation Day, in partnership with OneMain Financial. On Opening Day of the Fair – Friday, September 30, 2016 – all active military, retired military and veterans receive FREE admission when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive FREE admission.*
“Although small in comparison to the enormous sacrifices made by the members of our military, the State Fair sees this day as an expression of gratitude for all the men and women who serve our country,” says State Fair President Mitchell Glieber of the Fair’s Military Appreciation Day. “We are honored to host all active military, retired military, veterans and military family members and hope to show them a day of Texas-sized fun.”
With a wide variety of discounts available throughout the run of the Fair, there are endless ways to save. In addition to Military Appreciation Day, Opening Day offers discount opportunities for non-military guests as well. On Friday, September 30 fairgoers can bring a full 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water, or any 20 oz. Coca-Cola product, for donation to the North Texas Food Bank and receive HALF PRICE admission. Every Tuesday of the Fair, guests have the chance to bring an empty Dr Pepper can and receive $5 admission. Discounts even extend to the Midway, with most rides offered at a reduced price on Tuesdays. When visitors bring four canned food items on any Wednesday of the Fair, they get in for just $4. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community. Last year, more than 300,000 pounds of food were donated through this program. Thursdays at the Fair mean big savings, with multiple discounts offered on a weekly basis. In partnership with Seniorific News, the State Fair offers senior citizens 60 years and older FREE admission every Thursday. Fairgoers of all ages can receive $6 admission on Thursdays by bringing an empty 20 oz. bottle of any Coca-Cola product. After a successful start in 2015, Thrifty Thursdays are returning for the 2016 Fair with even more delicious ways to save. Guests can save while snacking during Thrifty Thursdays, where participating food vendors offer one of their signature menu items at a reduced price, ranging from mini versions to regular-size items. On KISS-FM Fridays, visitors can get $5 off general admission tickets any Friday of the Fair by downloading and printing a coupon from the KISS-FM website (1061kissfm.com).
In addition to the discounts offered on specific days of the week, guests can take advantage of discount opportunities that can be used ANY day of the Fair. On any night of the week, visitors receive HALF PRICE admission when they bring an empty Dr Pepper can after 5 p.m. Discount coupons are available at McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas on tray liners and bag stuffers, redeemable on any day of the Fair. With this coupon, any fairgoer can save $5 off a general admission ticket, or get HALF OFF a children’s ticket with the purchase of a regular-priced general admission ticket. Guests can receive discounted tickets by simply downloading the free DART GoPass app on their mobile devices. When purchased through the app, tickets are $16 for general admission and $12 for children and seniors. The GoPass app allows users to purchase tickets and download them right to their phones, which will then be scanned at the gate. To make a trip to the Fair even more convenient, users can purchase a DART pass on the app and take the DART to one of two stations, both located right next to fairground entrances.
Ticket prices for the 2016 Fair remain the same as last year. Priced at $18, general admission to the Fair includes hundreds of daily shows, concerts, activities and exhibits, all at no extra cost. The Fair offers $14 admission for children under 48 inches in height and seniors age 60 and older, with free admission for children age two and under. State Fair of Texas Season Passes will be available for purchase online this summer for only $39.95, which include 24-day admission as well as a variety of special pass holder benefits.
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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 2016 exposition runs September 30 through October 23 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.