Building Capacity of Nonprofits
Big Tex COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY
Several times a year, Big Tex Community Engagement Day brings together over 100 organizations to connect and collaborate in partnership with the University of North Texas at Dallas. Participating nonprofits focus on building support and gathering funds for local gardening groups and neighborhood associations.
The next Community Engagement Day will take place on July 10, 2024.
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State Fair Cares
A tradition since 2015, following the close of the State Fair of Texas, food and beverage concessionaires donate unused and leftover food items to local Fair Park–area food pantries and shelters as part of the State Fair Cares initiative. Each year, the Fair partners with more than 80 of its concessionaires and Big Tex Urban Farms
Community Partner Events
Information coming soon!
Economic Developments
Big Tex Masterclass
The Big Tex Business Masterclass series was created to help increase the number of small business entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. This project is a dynamic educational series for entrepreneurs created through partnerships with the State Fair of Texas. The goal of the program is to take existing businesses and educate them on how to implement successful business operations and disciplines while creating a collaboration of networking and providing opportunities for growth and exposure. Completion of the program is not an automatic acceptance to the State Fair of Texas, but it allows a behind-the-scenes view and insight into what it takes to be a Food and Beverage Vendor for the State Fair of Texas.
This five-month cohort comprised of 10-20 businesses will have a classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the industry. Interested applicants must complete an application, apply for the taste test of their product, and commit to attending sessions and mentoring.
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Prosperity Bank Master Class
The Prosperity Bank Business Masterclass Series is a professional/financial education initiative created specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking for new strategies while developing an effective plan for successful business growth.
Educational Support
Farm Day at the Fair
The State Fair’s mission is built upon agriculture, education, and community. Farm Day at the Fair aims to engage students for a day with a hands-on experience of the extensive contribution agriculture has in our lives, families, communities, and economy. In interactive learning stations, students will learn about farming, natural resources, food, nutrition, and animals. Stay Tuned!
NEXT Fest
This State Fair of Texas event is a one-day student conference that offers resources for local DISD high school students who are interested in attending trade schools and/or vocational training. This event promotes the belief that students are more than just the leaders of tomorrow; they’re the leaders of today. NEXT Fest aims to empower high school juniors and seniors to build the future they want while addressing their current needs.
Big Tex Urban Farms
In 2016, the State Fair of Texas introduced Big Tex Urban Farms, a revolutionary, horticulture-based community initiative in the heart of Fair Park. Since its inception, the project has proved itself to be a successful experiment by investing financial and human capital into immediate Fair Park neighborhoods and companies, connecting like-minded agriculture entities, and providing fresh, organic produce to organizations focused on hunger and healthy lifestyle programs.
Big Thought Curriculum
The State Fair of Texas provides teacher training for specialized curriculums created in partnership with Big Thought. Each curriculum connects classroom learning with experiences at the State Fair of Texas.
Community Partner Events
Information coming soon!