Everything really is bigger in Texas, and this year’s state fair was no exception.
Almost 2.5 million people visited the 2022 State Fair of Texas during its 24 days of operation, which ended on Sunday.
Among the millions who visited the fair were 20,000 first responders and 55,000 military members and their families.
Besides its remarkable count of visitors, making it the largest state fair in the nation, the Lone Star State’s annual fair boasted many other impressive numbers. For example, strongman Mighty Mike set a Guinness World Record when he juggled three 10-pound bowling balls for 20 seconds.
For its 80th anniversary at the world’s longest-running fair, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs sold over 580,000 corny dogs. The Pioneer Kettle Korn stand popped 12.7 million kernels, and State Fair Cotton Candy used 90,000 pounds of cane sugar to supply the crowds with as much of the sweet treat as they could eat.
Apart from selling food, the fair raised tons of donations for charities — literally. Over 280,000 pounds of canned food were collected for the North Texas Food Bank, as well as 13,500 pounds of fresh produce.
Fairgoers won more than 430,000 plush prizes, valuing over $1.47 million. The Texas Star Ferris Wheel was ridden over 166,000 times.
Over 200 Texas college students received scholarships from the fair, amounting to more than $1.2 million. DISD students received $468,000 in scholarships this year, and seasonal fair employees were awarded $12,000 in scholarship money.
The State Fair disbursed over $200,000 more in scholarships this year than last. High school seniors and state fair employees can already apply for the scholarships to be disbursed next year.
Fair celebrations closed with the Kroger Starlight Parade and the Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation, but Texans are already looking forward to next year, when the fair will open again from September 29 to October 22, 2023.
