Fall is just around the corner, which means that State Fair season can’t be far behind. The East Texas State Fair is gearing up for its 106th edition to be held September 23 through October 2 in Tyler.
The East Texas State Fair has been held at the Park of East Texas fairgrounds since its inception in 1912. The fair has only been canceled four times over the past century — three years during World War II and again in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
“The East Texas State Fair is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes through the operation of an annual event promoting education, entertainment, and the spirit of competition,” the fair website states.
“Our mission is also to create commerce for Tyler and Smith County by providing venues for others to utilize and by drawing participants to the complex. Since 1992 the East Texas State Fair has offered $877,000 in scholarships,” the website says.
Each year, around 250,000 guests attend the fair, making it one of the biggest events in the region.
“As far as fairs across the country, this fair is highly respected and has a major economic impact on our community. We’re proud of it,” said John Sykes, East Texas State Fair President.
As was the case during last year’s fair, participants will have to maneuver around ongoing construction at the adjacent W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, which shares the grounds with the State Fair. This year, the fair has lost more than five acres of its usual space, but this has not deterred Sykes.
“With all the construction and whatnot, we keep figuring out a way to make it happen, and it works,” he told the Tyler Telegraph.
Livestock for the fair will not be able to come down Houston Street as they usually do, according to Sykes. This year Houston Street will be part of the grounds.
Sykes shared that he is confident the fair can still be a big and fun event, even with less space than usual.
“I don’t ever tend to focus on the negative. We are always trying to figure out how to turn everything into a positive and make it work,” he told the Tyler Telegraph, adding that “we have high expectations.”
As always, there will be plenty of live music, live animals, food, games, rides, and more.
The Optimum Community Stage will feature live musical performances every night of the fair, according to the event’s website. There will be performances by the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble, Ashmore, Braxton Keith, Darin Morris Band, and Cody Wayne.
Other attractions at this year’s East Texas State Fair include a Sea Lion Splash show, a hypnosis show by Dale K, and a Butterfly Encounter. Attendees can also stop by Food Row, partake in face painting, and see horticulture exhibits.
Fair tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 can get in for free.
