Don’t look now but we’re about two thirds of the way through the summer of 2010! If you take into account that the start of school is only three weeks or so away, it seems like the end of the season is even more eminent. Despite the heat, busyness and stress that comes with it, I love the summer! But aside from the fact that it signals a return to the routine of school, fall is one of my favorite times of year. The cooling weather, a hot cup of Joe and a new book, the start of football, the height of the baseball season… I could go on describing the nostalgia of autumn, but I’ll wait until it rolls around and revel in it then. I only bring it up because one of the signs that summer is winding down, is the annual state and local fair. While they’re a little more than a month and a half away yet, I’ve started to notice the ad work beginning again.

The East Texas State Fair

The East Texas fair was always a big event when I was growing up. I remember getting passes from school every year. My buddies and I often spoke of attending like it was some kind obligation that we had, but preferred not to be bothered with it. The fact is though once there, I know we always had a good time. I don’t really remember what we did exactly except socialize over fair food and the like but we always managed to make it home tired out nonetheless.

This year the East Texas State Fair celebrates its ninety fifth season. It runs from September, twenty third to October, third. This year’s attractions include a series of concerts, all new rides, and of course a lot of vendors serving up that healthy and delicious fair food, (well it is delicious, that much is true). The event is always a big draw for our area and promises to bring in much needed dollars to Tyler. The event will be held at its usual location on West Front, in Tyler, while we in the community await the completion of the new facilities at The Park of East Texas. I looked around in a vain effort to establish the date of its completion but I couldn’t find one. If any readers know when the fair is expected to move into its new digs, please leave a comment.

General admission is eight dollars for adults, five for children six to twelve years old and free for children under that. Carnival ticket are separate however and cost a dollar twenty five per ticket or twenty five dollars for a book of twenty two tickets. Arm bands, are also available by the day, for twenty five dollars and allows the visitor unlimited rides for the day. For more information on the East Texas State Fair visit the web site at http://www.etstatefair.com/fair.php.

The State Fair of Texas

Located in Dallas Texas, The State Fair of Texas officially formed in 1887, and has a long and illustrious history. Since its formation it has played host to many notable guests, and participants. Over the generations it has grown into the premier state fair in the country and the fair’s mascot “Big Tex” is recognized all over the nation. This year the event will run from September the twenty seventh, through October seventeenth at Fair Park. Attractions include a double dose of the usual rides and concert entertainment, tons of fried fair food, auto shows and even a Few Texas Football games thrown in for good measure. Although I must admit that this description doesn’t really do justice to the proceedings! All of Texas is at this fair! There really is something for everyone there.

General admission is fifteen dollars, seniors and children eleven dollars and kids under two are free.  Fair admission on game days is free, with a game day ticket. (All football games are held in the Cotton Bowl Stadium, obviously). Parking at events like this can be a problem, but for those who choose to use the fairgrounds space, its only fifteen dollars. Visitors can also park off site and ride the Dart monorail to the park entrance. To see more specific information on this great Texas Event and its attractions, visit the website at http://www.bigtex.com/sft/index.asp.