State Fair of Texas attendance dropped in 2023

State Fair Shooting: How attendees can get a refund

Were you forced to evacuate the State Fair on Saturday? Here's how you can get your money back.

DALLAS - Fewer people attended the State Fair of Texas this year.

The final attendance came in right above 2.3 million people. That’s down about 200,000 visitors compared to last year.

"Each year the State Fair of Texas is centered around community," said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. "Despite the challenges we faced this Fair, our team has been resilient and remained steadfast in bringing the community together to celebrate at the Most Texan Place on Earth. After 137 years, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing folks from all walks of life embrace and uplift the time-honored tradition that is the State Fair of Texas."

While fair officials did not elaborate on the challenges they faced, one was almost certainly the Oct. 14 shooting that injured three people.

Fair Park was evacuated, and the State Fair of Texas closed early after police said 22-year-old Cameron Turner opened fire in the Tower Building, which houses the food court.

According to a police report, Turner said a group of men approached him, and he felt threatened. He said he went into "survival mode," firing three or four shots.

The shots hit one of the men Turner exchanged words with, as well as two other people who were not involved in the altercation.

The State Fair of Texas also closed early on Oct. 4 because of a threat of severe weather.

Proceeds from the fair help fund scholarship programs, Fair Park improvements, and museums at Fair Park.

The State Fair of Texas returns next year on Sept. 27.

State Fair of Texas Fair Park