State Fair of Texas - History

History

The State Fair of Texas was originally charted as a private corporation by local businessmen. It was an immediate success and attracted thousands of people. However, in 1904 a series of events led to a financial crisis and not enough income was available to keep the fair running. Therefore, the businessmen sold it to the city of Dallas with the agreement that 24 days during the fall would be set aside annually for the fair and exhibition.

Big Tex, a 52 ft (16 m) tall cowboy, has been its symbol since his introduction in 1952 until he caught on fire on October 19, 2012; in 1953, Big Tex's jaw was hinged, so that he appears to "speak" the announcements that promote fair events.

Its 212-foot (65 m) Texas Star Ferris wheel has been the largest in North America since it debuted in October 1985, just months before the Texas Sesquicentennial. As of 2003, the fair's marketing director estimated that it was bringing about US$350 million dollars into the Dallas economy.

DART's Fair Park Station and MLK Jr. Station opened in 2009 to serve Fair Park and the State Fair. In addition to regular service on the Green Line, the Red Line and Blue Line also run "special event" trains to Fair Park Station for major fair events.

Timeline
  • The State Fair of Texas opened its gates for the first time on October 26, 1886. Approximately 14,000 people attend the opening day.
  • On November 7, 1886, the fair closes and attracted over 100,000 people for the very first year.
  • In 1913, the fair introduces the first Automobile building which was filled with 175 vehicles for fairgoers to see.
  • The fair was canceled in 1918 due to the US Army taking control of Fair Park to establish an aviation boot camp known as Camp Dick.
  • In 1930, construction of Fair Park Stadium (now known as the Cotton Bowl) begins.
  • In 1932, TX-OU play their Red River Rivalry for the first time at Fair Park Stadium.
  • In 1937, the first Cotton Bowl Classic is played in Fair Park.
  • Big Tex makes his first appearance in 1952.
  • In 1956 the Trailblazer monorail began operation at Fair Park from 1956 to 1964. It was the first commercially operated monorail system in the United States
  • Elvis Presley performs in the Cotton Bowl during the fair in 1956.
  • The 1959 State Fair was opened by Vice President Richard Nixon who cut the ribbon to do so.
  • In 1960, The Dallas Texans (AFL) and the Dallas Cowboys(NFL) play their first season in the Cotton Bowl.
  • In 1964 the monorail closed and was replaced by the Swiss Sky Ride, a 64 car aerial ride that traveled over a 3,800 foot path (the longest ever built).
  • In 1979, a tragic Sky Ride accident occurred during the last day of the fair, prompting the removal of the attraction.
  • In 1983, an eighteen-year-old boy was killed and several bystanders were injured when a gondola fell off the Enterprise (ride).
  • In 1985 the Texas Star opens as the largest ferris wheel in North America.
  • In 1989, The Comet Roller Coaster, a Fair Park landmark since 1947, is torn down.
  • Big Tex receives a new look in 1999.
  • Following the 2001 September 11 attacks, Dallas police and State Fair officials announce the implementation of new security measures during the annual event.
  • In 2005, the Fried Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sandwich is introduced to the fair.
  • In 2007 the Texas Skyway aerial ride opens in Fair Park.
  • In 2010, the 8000 ft Greenhouse on the Midway is built to house 1000 hanging baskets, beehives, and Farmer Mike the Pumpkin Carver.
  • Fairgoers spent more than $37 million in 2010 which broke the fair's record.
  • On October 19, 2012, Big Tex caught on fire, burning it down to the skeletal frame, with only the right arm remaining.
  • In 2013 the State Fair will open up a brand new attraction which will be a 500 feet observation tower called "Top of Texas Tower", as part of a renovation of part of the midway to be called "Summer Adventures at Fair Park".
  • BBQ Cook-Off and Chili Cook-Off is also a pre-fair event for participants to compete in. http://www.bigtex.com/sft/CreativeArts/documents/BARBCOOK12.pdf

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