State Fair of Texas opens with new attractions for 2022
DALLAS - Big Tex is ready to say "Howdy, folks!" for another year. The State Fair of Texas opened Friday morning for its 24-day run.
Along with traditional favorites like fried foods, midway rides and free concerts, there are some new exhibits and new events at the fair this year
State Fair of Texas: Where to find the best food
State Fair of Texas parade to wow visitors nightly
Opening day at the fair is the only day to see a new parade with colorful floats at noon.
"Today at noon we're going to unveil our brand-new parade that we've been working about 18 months on," said Jason Hayes, the State Fair of Texas' senior vice president of brand experience. "It's built by Kern Studios out of New Orleans who creates all the Mardi Gras floats that you see down there. This is Disney-style, Universal. It's the best of the best. We're so excited to have it for our fair fans."
The spectacular floats are Texas-themed. They include a giant steer, a three-car train, an animatronic Big Tex and more.
The illuminated parade will also roll through the fairgrounds at 8 p.m. nightly with life-sized puppets and animated characters in costumes.
State Fair of Texas exhibits are always free
State Fair of Texas: See the NBA Finals trophy at the 'Mavs Vault'
This year's State Fair of Texas includes an exhibit for all the MFFLs. The 'Mavs Vault' in the Hall of State includes artifacts from the Mavs 42-year history including the NBA Finals trophy and the championship banner that hangs at the AAC.
The Mavs Vault in the Hall of State takes basketball fans through 42 years of Dallas Mavericks history. It features interactive exhibits, old jerseys, the 2011 Championship trophy and some never-before-seen historical artifacts.
It's a walk down memory lane for former Mavs player Rolando Blackman.
"I feel so proud. I mean, I can't tell you that I don't because it's a time since I got here since '81 and look at all the history, all the players that have been here and all the things that have happened. We were here and built the pier and beam and put that down on the ground to make sure to put this whole thing together," Blackman said.
In the African American Museum, a new exhibit will display photos, objects and documents related to Freedman's Town. The area is that now known as Uptown was once home to a community of freed slaves.
Ever wondered why the American flag has thirteen stripes alternating red and white with stars on a blue field? The Stars and Strips Forever exhibit in the Continental DAR House celebrates the 245th anniversary of the June 14, 1777 Flag Resolution and features flags designs throughout the years.
State Fair of Texas Midway features 70+ rides
There are some new rides for thrill-seekers to try out at the State Fair of Texas this year including the Cliff Hanger. It's a ride that lets people feel like they are soaring through the sky.
"It's a family ride. It goes up, it goes around, and it's not too adrenaline pushing. So, it's a good family ride," said Rusty Fitzgerald, the State Fair of Texas' senior vice president of operations.
Even though it's not too intense, Cliff Hanger does pick up enough speed to get the heart pumping.
There are 76 other rides on the Midway this year including a classic carousel from 1923 with hand-carved horses, the Texas Star Ferris wheel, Texas skyway, Texas tower, the love bug and the pirate ship.
State Fair of Texas shows include new circus stunt duo
Every year the State Fair of Texas brings some new excitement because there are new shows and performers.
Allez-Oops with Rob and Miss Jane is a new show that showcases a married duo with fun and entertaining circus stunts.
"This is Miss Jane from the Ukraine, and we're the Allez-Oops. We are a balancing show," said her husband, Rob. "Miss Jane spent 10 years of her life learning how to balance on real glass bottles. I spent 10 years of my life helping her drink those bottles. It was hard job, but someone had to do it."
The Oontz Kids DJ Dance Party is a new pumped up party for kids. It's conveniently located near the Children's Aquarium and shade trees, so parents can rest while their children dance.
Fair favorites like Mighty Mike, the Country Round-Up animatronic show, Fiestas de Marionetas puppet show, All-Star Stunt Dog Show, bird show and pig races are also returning.
State Fair of Texas discounts and deals for 2022
Admission on opening day is only $10 for visitors who bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank.
LINK: bigtex.com
When does the State Fair of Texas close?
The State Fair of Texas closes at 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (final entry will be at 9 p.m.).
The park opens at 10 a.m.
State Fair of Texas Ticket Prices
Monday through Thursday one-day admission tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors.
That’s compared to $25 for adults and $18 for kids and seniors on the weekends.
If you are looking to save, all adults pay child's prices after 5 p.m.