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  4. Why the Allure of Texas's State Fair Will Never Die

Why the Allure of Texas's State Fair Will Never Die

By Mariah Tyler
October 23, 2015
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Texas State Fair
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©
The state fair defines the autumn season in Texas. On the grounds of Fair Park you can milk a cow, eat a deep fried carrot cake, play carnival games until you win a life-size unicorn, and ride the largest Ferris wheel in the United States.

On October 18 the State Fair of Texas closed its gates for the 129th year. It was the most popular in its history; ticket sales were up 10 million from last year. So how does something as old school as a state fair keep drawing in the masses? A combination of deep-seated nostalgia, community pride, and, well, corn dogs.

Mariah Tyler is a digital photo editor at Travel+Leisure. You can follow her on Instagram at @mphbox.
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Esplanade Fountain

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Fairgoers, from cowboys to urban dwellers, hail from all corners of the state. Pictured: the esplanade, which hosts a sensational light show nightly.

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Architecture

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Proceeds from coupon sales contribute to the improvements and upkeep of the historic Fair Park. Many of the structures are Art Deco gems.

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Texans Gather

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Texas craftsmen haul their goods to sell.

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Future Farmers

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

The Future Farmers of America bring their best lot to be judged in the Swine Barn.

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Livestock Love

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Texas State Fair officials judge the best-sheared sheep in the state.

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Texas Wine

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Up for tasting: wine grown in the Lone Star State.

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Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

The spirit of Texas is everywhere.

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Texas Skies

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

The Texas Skyway, a gondola ride that takes you above and through the Midway, offers a view of downtown Dallas and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel.

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All About Corn Dogs

State Fair of Texas Food Award Finalists
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

If it’s not a Fletcher’s corn dog, it’s the wrong corn dog.

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Deep-Fried Delicacies

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Arguably the most beloved fair offering is the array of deep-fried food creations. Pictured: a 2014 Big Tex Award Finalist, dubbed Fried Sweet Texas. Within this funnel cake pocket is a heavenly mix of pecan and apple pie.

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Midway Dining

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

The sun begins to set as people linger for dinner near the Midway.

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Hall of State

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

At the Hall of State: an exhibit of the great musicians that have hailed from the Lone Star State, including country stars and unexpected born Texans like Usher and Nelly.

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Classic Carousel

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

It wouldn’t be a state fair without a carousel.

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Nighttime Thrills

Why the Allure of State Fair of Texas Will Never Die
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

Once the sun sets, the crowds flock to the Midway for carnival rides.

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Midway Mania

Texas State Fair
Credit: Mariah Tyler ©

The Midway is the most popular section of the fair. Think of it as Texas’s Coney Island: bright lights, cheap thrills, and funnel cakes. It’s also pretty much the perfect place to find love.

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    1 of 15 Esplanade Fountain
    2 of 15 Architecture
    3 of 15 Texans Gather
    4 of 15 Future Farmers
    5 of 15 Livestock Love
    6 of 15 Texas Wine
    7 of 15
    8 of 15 Texas Skies
    9 of 15 All About Corn Dogs
    10 of 15 Deep-Fried Delicacies
    11 of 15 Midway Dining
    12 of 15 Hall of State
    13 of 15 Classic Carousel
    14 of 15 Nighttime Thrills
    15 of 15 Midway Mania

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