Howdy from the Texas State Fair

If you’ve never been, the Texas State Fair isn’t a simple carnival. It’s a Texas-sized celebration of the Lone Star State. Along with the typical fair festivities of amusement rides, midway games, and prized livestock comes a barrage of other activities: unique food and drink, live shows and demonstrations, and plenty of shopping.

Each year, RWB provides entry tickets and food & drink coupons to our entire team. It’s just one of the many unique benefits of working on our team (psst- we’re hiring!). We love to see our employees enjoying local events with their family, friends, and colleagues.

With the fair closing on Sunday, October 20^th there’s only a few more days of fun to squeeze in. We asked around the office, and here are the activities you can’t miss at the 2019 Texas State Fair!

You can’t attend the Texas State Fair without seeing Big Tex! Big Tex stands 55 feet tall and he wears a size 96 boot. Be sure to snap a picture with the iconic Big Tex structure near Gate 1.  Or catch one of the hundreds of other Big Tex’s throughout the park, like the Neon Big Tex.

For all the gearheads out there, the Texas Auto Show showcases a broad spectrum of vehicles Whether you’re looking for the latest in-vehicle technology or shopping for your next ride, you’ll get your fill at the Fair. And don’t miss the Classic Corrall, where vintage rides are on display from local car clubs.

Just when you thought that deep-frying had reached its limits. One of our RWB engineers mentioned this snack as the yearly go-to. The signature drink of many DFW residents has manifested into a delicious sweet treat. The sweet tea is frozen into a custard, then coated in graham crackers before being dropped into the fryer.

The livestock show is what separates a simple carnival from a true state fair, so don’t miss out on what Texas farmers have to offer. Plus, the Livestock Show is a platform for impressive youngsters to put their agricultural skills to the test. An RWB employee gives this tip: “Get to the Fair at 7 am for the best parking spots – then head to the Livestock area to see kids compete!” This Saturday, don’t miss the Youth Sheep Skillathon Contest!

Sweeping the Big Tex Choice Awards, it’s no surprise that Ruth’s Stuff Fried Taco Cone was a hit with RWB employees. Ruth’s taco stand near Fletcher’s Corn Dogs has developed plenty of crowd-pleasers over the years, so it’s a sure bet for any fair year. However, the fried taco cone is particularly delicious, with tender barbacoa and fresh pico de gallo. But don’t let the cone format fool you; this dish is pretty messy to eat. Get plenty of napkins!

The big, blue Texas State Fair ferris wheel is one of the more iconic rides at the fair. Since the ride is visible throughout the year as commuters pass on nearby highways, this is a must-visit for many fair visitors. One spin on the wheel is hefty 20 tickets, so be sure you stock up before getting in line. And speaking of the queue, get there early. According to ride operators, the wait time can stretch to nearly two hours. Knock it out as the first ride of the day; get in line just before the Fair opens and you’ll only wait about fifteen minutes.

There’s plenty of beverages to sip on at the fair, but for those looking for an adult alternative, our team recommends the fair-themed beers. Highlights include beers from local breweries: the Community Funnel Cake Ale and the Revolver Corn Dog Ale. These specialty brews come paired with a themed addition. Funnel cake beers are rimmed with powdered sugar, while Corn Dog Ales are slathered with a healthy dose of mustard.

A new attraction this year, the “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” show is a great way to take a rest in the shade. The show’s theme and music is perfect for kids, but adults will appreciate the hand-painted puppets and skill of the puppeteers. Plus, attendees of all ages will learn more about the culture of Mexico.

The Texas State Fair is a fun tradition amongst Texans and all of us here at RWB. We hope you’ll take advantage of the few days left of the fair – and the cooler weather!