The State Fair of Texas is the home for many rides, games, delicious food, and livestock. Located in Fair Park at 3921 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, when you think about what most fairs consist of, this fair goes beyond the typical entertainment. For sixteen more days, with the final day landing on October 17, the fair that celebrates “all things Texas” provides a fun family outing.
Two more rodeo shows are going on for the final days of the fair. According to the Big Tex website, this is an all-new show for 2021 and is included with regular admission tickets. Bull Buckin’ Weekend is a show with intense bull riding and is scheduled for October 8th and 9th. State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo is scheduled for the following weekend on October 15th and 16th. This show consists of cowboys and cowgirls that work on a ranch where you can witness “wild cow milking, maverick branding, and bucking horses.”
The rodeos are included with the admission ticket, but you can also watch many more shows with admission. One of the shows called Country Round-Up “features animatronic and manual puppetry, and a vintage carousel-style stage to captivate its audience,” Big Tex mentions.
Fiestas de Marionettes is a colorful celebration of culture that is decorated with bright lights and gorgeous landscapes. Marionettes have a long history. They are puppets with strings attached that have moveable limbs. In this celebration at the State Fair, there are more than 85 completely handmade marionettes.
The Mighty Mike Show presents a man with a funny personality that proves his abilities in strength. He bends objects and has juggling skills. Another comedian, Midway Barker, can be found on the Midway. As part of his act, Barker likes to throw out jokes to visitors.
There is also a show called the Produce Carver. While showing his skills across the U.S., he carves shapes and designs on fruits and vegetables. Not only does he present his craft, but he also teaches the art of product design.
World of Birds Show shares information on the health, habitat, and conservation of the birds. Visitors can watch the birds soar from the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Another show that involves animals is the All-Star Stunt Dog Show. These pups show off their skills and love to entertain an audience proud to see their talents. All of the dogs in this show have been rescued from shelters.
Other special activities and events included with admission are Backyard Circus, Livestock Birthing Barn, Chainsaw Carver, Oncor Petting Zoo, Innovations in Agriculture, Milking Parlor, Pee Wee Stampede and Rodeo, Pig Races, World of Magic, and TX Stunt Jam. Visitors can also check out the Creative Arts Building.
At the State Fair of Texas, there are various stages around the grounds. Live bands provide free entertainment to those who are there. Adding on to entertainment, visitors can enjoy watching the Budweiser Clydesdales every night at 7:15 in the Starlight Parade. At 8:00 in the evening, fireworks, water that dances, music, and acrobats can be seen at the Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation.
As part of your experience at the State Fair of Texas, tickets to college football can be purchased by contacting the university’s athletic office. The Cotton Bowl Stadium stands right in Fair Park, and on October 9, the University of Texas will be playing the University of Oklahoma.
Pictures of visitors with Big Tex are scattered all over the Facebook page, State Fair of Texas, showing proof of his value among Texans. According to Texas Monthly, Big Tex is 55 feet tall and contains animatronics with a human voice. The person behind the voice must stay unidentified, leaving Texans to wonder who does the job. The massive greeter of the State Fair has been at that location ever since 1952. Although the cowboy greeter burned down in 2012 due to an electrical fire, SRO Associates from San Antonio rebuilt Big Tex in time for the following fair of 2013.
For more information on the State Fair of Texas, visit www.bigtex.com.
