An Af-FAIR to Remember
Tips from a first-time fair-goer and a former State Fair of Texas PR pro
We all know the State Fair of Texas means big business for Dallasites, and we quickly realized not everyone understands the extent of Dallas’ love and craziness when it comes to the Fair. This became evident when one of Dala’s employees, who is a native Californian, announced she was making her first trip to the Fair this past weekend – we all gave her a look and said, “During Texas/OU weekend? You’re crazy!” We tried to explain the chaos that ensues, coupled with amazing food and entertainment options, in addition to giving her our advice for logistics tips and must-do things, but in the end, she had to experience it for herself. So, this blog comes to you with tips from a first-time Fair-goer as well as insider tips from another Dala employee who used to do PR for the State Fair, so she knows her stuff. Without “fried” adieu…
Gone to Texas, First-Timer Tips …
1. Wear comfortable shoes
I get people want to look cute in photos for Instagram in their cowboy boots, but you’re going to be standing most of the day and walking at least 5 miles or more. It’s not possible or comfortable to be walking around in shoes that don’t offer support. I saw many girls wearing cowboy boots and some walking around in their socks carrying their boots around. Wear comfortable sneakers instead. You can still look cute in sneakers and will thank yourself later.
2. Bring a portable battery
My experience going to Disneyland throughout the years taught me to always bring a portable battery when visiting the park. You never know if your phone will die from taking photos, posting on social media, making calls, and sending texts throughout the day. You don’t want to spend the rest of the day with your phone dead and miss out on capturing fun moments with your friends and family.
3. Bring a water bottle
The State Fair of Texas lets you bring in your own food and drinks. Although the point is to eat and drink things at the Fair you can’t normally get; you don’t want to spend your money on essentials like water. I brought in a water bottle and saved some coupons. Although there are no water refill stations, I was able to hydrate and spend my coupons on other drinks in the park. Also, you help to produce less waste on plastic water bottles.
4. Don’t be intimidated
My co-workers scared me when I told them I was going to the Fair during Texas-OU weekend because of the number of people there. But after going there for the first time, it wasn’t so bad and felt like a day at a SoCal amusement park. If you’re also a Californian native (or from anywhere but Texas) and it’s your first time going to the Fair, don’t be intimidated by the size. The Fair isn’t as big as people make it out to be; it’s only 277 acres. Disneyland is double the Fair’s size at 500 acres, and so is the L.A. County Fair at 543 acres. If you’ve spent the whole day walking around Disneyland or the L.A. County Fair, you’ll be fine.
5. Eat This! Do This!
My favorite thing that I ate was the Cajun lobster bisque croquettes, which are lightly seasoned potato balls filled with chunks of rich lobster meat, creamy brie cheese, and fried golden brown served with lobster bisque. They were delicious, not greasy and the ladies working at the stand were lovely.
I also loved the World of Birds show: SOAR! I’m afraid of birds, and I always will be, but I liked seeing how smart the birds were and learning about habitat information and conservation efforts in the U.S.
Fan First, Employee Second
1. Plan ahead
There is a lot to do at the State Fair of Texas. I recommend you look at a map online before you leave. You don’t have to schedule everything, but sometimes events, concerts, and food you’re interested in are scattered across the park. Taking a few minutes to plan can ensure you get the experience you want.
2. Take DART
Parking at the Fair is crowded and expensive. You’re going to walk a lot at the Fair, but it’s a lot more fun once you get inside the gate. If you take DART, they will drop you off at the front door. You can exit at Fair Par or MLK stations, and you’re just a few steps away from major entry points. (Another fun fact, I worked in DART’s External Communications dept. for many years before doing PR for the Fair!)
Howdy folks! Big Tex is a larger-than-life symbol for one of the biggest fairs in the country. The original Big Tex started out as a Santa Claus. Then, he went up in flames in 2012, only to reemerge the next year better than ever. You can’t keep a Texan down – he's worth a look.
4. Bonus Tip – Eat This!
I was a long-time fan of the Fair before working there. For walking around, I almost have to insist you grab some fries from Jack’s fries. They’re delicious and come in a fun cone! For something different, try the Cuban Roll. It won best taste in the Bix Tex Choice Awards (the new food competition) in 2013 and remains popular.