One of the greatest joys of the State Fair of Texas is its unapologetic dedication to deep-frying anything and calling it food.
Every year, the fair rolls out a new lineup of culinary Frankenstein’s monsters, daring you to test the limits of your arteries. From deep-fried butter to pickle-flavored cotton candy, there’s always something more absurd to try. It’s like a culinary Hunger Games where the goal is to survive both the flavor and the calories.
Prospective fairgoers now have an idea of what might be in store for them, with the State Fair announcing some of the goodies that will be on offer when it kicks off on September 27.
Here is some of what CultureMap Dallas reported on the smorgasbord:
The State Fair of Texas will introduce a lucky 13 new food concessions for the 2024 event: According to a release, the 13 will include six new food vendors and seven new food stands.
Some of these newcomers are familar brand names like Rita’s Italian Ice. Others are concepts from State Fair veterans like Nevins Concessions. Some are just plain newbies.
These new food options are in addition to the finalists and winners from the recent Big Tex Awards, the annual concession competition wherein a strip of bacon wrapped in cotton candy won first prize.
There’s also a new seating area for 2024: Called the Cavalcade, it’s located on Gateway, with a live DJ, a wall showcasing vintage movies, and a neon Big Tex selfie stand. Dishes include candied pork belly bacon bites, funnel cake with brisket or spicy chicken, bacon-wrapped turkey legs, and a cool down sundae. Also: drones and a biergarten.