The State Fair of Texas this year is introducing a weather alert system.
State Fair of Texas Senior Vice President of Operations Rusty Fitzgerald said, “The biggest risk that we have for an event here at the fair would be from the weather.”
Last year, on October 10, 2021, the fair had to close due to high winds and a “severe weather forecast.”
By using the emergency alert system, Alertus, Fitzgerald can send an alert from his phone that will be projected from the speakers at Fair Park.
In addition to warning attendees about weather incidents, Fitzgerald is in charge of games, rides, and safety.
He says he always watches for severe weather, especially high winds, hail, or tornados.
Alertus can send out the alert in both English and Spanish. The State Fair employees will be tracking the weather twice a day and have cameras set up to watch the current weather.
Fitzgerald said that they “tend to play towards the safe side.”
The State Fair started last Friday and will go until October 23. Luckily, the opening weekend weather forecast looks good.
Some featured foods this year at the fair are “Chicharron Explosion Nachos, the Deep-Fried BLT, a Deep-Fried Lasagna Roll, a Fried Charcuterie Board, and the Holy Biscuit.” As far as featured desserts, there is “Cha-Cha-Chata, Deep Fried Rocky Road, Peanut Butter Paradise, and the Ultimate Brookie Monster.”
Also featured is the Mav’s Vault, highlighting the past 42 years in Dallas Maverick’s history. There are also “interactive kiosks” that “allow visitors to play Mavs-themed trivia and games while a progression of the history of the Mavericks jersey is shown and exclusive merchandise is sold.” Additionally, a “short 30-minute historical film” plays on loop.