OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Celebrating and supporting Texans since 1886
Mission Statement: The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
Agriculture is at the heart of Texas heritage, and at the core of our mission. Through hands-on experiences, youth programs, and competitive events, we connect generations of Texans to the land, livestock, and traditions that define our state.
Supporting Youth in Agriculture
Since 2017, more than 86,000 exhibitors across the state of Texas have participated in our youth livestock shows, leadership contests, and agricultural competitions, building skills, discipline, and confidence.
Innovating Through Agriculture
Initiatives like Big Tex Urban Farms connects agriculture with community impact. Founded in 2016, the Farms donates 100% of the produce grown, providing more than 2 million servings of fresh produce to community partners across South Dallas.
Scholarships & Opportunities
Through programs like the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, the Fair has awarded over $25.3 million in auction awards and scholarships since 2018.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
From livestock barns to interactive exhibits, the Fair offers immersive attractions that let visitors learn about farming, livestock, and food systems in engaging ways.
Education is one of the most powerful ways we create lasting impact. Through scholarships, programming, and immersive learning experiences, we help open doors for Texans of all ages.
The Big Tex Scholarship Program
Proceeds from the Fair help fund scholarships that support students across Texas, creating access to education and future opportunity. The Fair has donated more than $21.4 million in scholarships to over 3,850 students in Texas.
Learning Through Experience
The fairgrounds serve as a living classroom, offering exhibits and programs focused on science, agriculture, history, and culture for visitors of all ages. Since 2018, we have given out more than 14.2 million free admission tickets to students and teachers throughout North Texas.
Student & School Engagement
Programs like Big Tex’s Farm Day at the Fair, Big Tex Next Fest, educational curriculum partnerships, guided Farms tours, and field trips connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through these opportunities, students engage directly with the Fair, gaining hands-on exposure that brings learning beyond the classroom.
As a nonprofit, our impact extends far beyond the Fair season. We invest in communities across Texas through partnerships, programs, and year-round support.
Supporting Local Nonprofits
The State Fair of Texas’ Community Giving Program offers opportunities for local nonprofits to receive financial support during dedicated cycles throughout the year. In 2025, 142 organizations in the South Dallas/Fair Park area received more than $646,500 in project funding through grants and sponsorships.
Outreach & Programs
From business education programs to food donation initiatives and community events, we create meaningful impact beyond the fairgrounds throughout the year. Through initiatives like the “Feed the Need” discount day, fairgoers donate canned goods for reduced admission. In 2025, nearly 450 volunteers collected over 153,000 pounds of food, providing more than 127,000 meals for the North Texas Food Bank.
Big Tex Business Masterclass
This dynamic program, developed by the State Fair of Texas in collaboration with community and industry partners, provides targeted education, mentorship, and real-world exposure to help businesses strengthen their operations and scale sustainably. In 2025, the Masterclass included 27 participating vendors and 13 partners, with 19 of the vendors graduating from the program successfully.
How Your Visit Helps
The State Fair of Texas is more than a celebration; it’s our largest community program and fundraiser of the year.
When you visit the State Fair of Texas, you help make our nonprofit mission possible. Every ticket purchased helps fund scholarships, support nonprofits, and preserve the traditions that make Texas unique.
Just a few of the ways your visit helps give back include:
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$21.4M+ in scholarships awarded
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2M+ servings of fresh produce donated
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14.2M free admission tickets provided to students and teachers
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$680M annual economic impact
Driving Economic Impact Across Texas
The State Fair of Texas is not only a cultural tradition but also a powerful economic engine that supports jobs, small businesses, and local communities. Each year, the Fair generates up to $680 million in total economic impact across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Supporting Local Businesses
The Fair provides a platform for hundreds of small businesses, vendors, and concessionaires, many of them from Texas, to grow, thrive, and reach millions of visitors each year.
Creating Jobs & Opportunity
From seasonal employment to long-term vendor partnerships, the Fair creates more than 7,000 jobs and contributes an estimated $65–$90 million in wages to the North Texas economy each year.
Investing in Fair Park & South Dallas
As tenants of Fair Park, we contribute to the vitality of the surrounding community by driving tourism, supporting local infrastructure, and fostering sustained economic activity. Since 2015, the State Fair of Texas has committed more than $92 million to support projects in Fair Park and towards the improvement of State Fair operations.
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