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State Fair of Texas

A selection of my earned media for the State Fair of Texas.

CBS News •

Visitors enjoy food, rides, and games on the final day of the State Fair of Texas

It may be hard to believe, but Sunday is the last day of the State Fair of Texas. People are checking out the food, attractions, and rides it offers, along with some deals for closing day.

"We lowered our prices at the gate. We lowered prices for parking. We've lowered the prices of the rides an average of about 17%," Rusty Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald manages midway operations and said there's something for everyone when it comes to games.

"We have 69 games out on the midway, and we're gettin...
CBS News •

State Fair of Texas' oldest Black-owned concessionaire celebrates 50 years in business

You've probably smelled the aroma of savory barbecue and turkey legs walking by Smokey John's at the State Fair of Texas. The oldest Black-owned concessionaire is celebrating half a century in business.

The year was 1976, and "Smokey" John Reaves founded one of the most iconic barbecue restaurants in North Texas.

"I was about five years old, and I'm looking at this building with a support beam in the middle, and I couldn't believe that that was going to be our restaurant," Juan Reaves said.

J...
CBS News •

Fire destroys gaming stands at State Fair of Texas, officials say

Dallas firefighters worked to put out hotspots after battling a blaze that destroyed at least two gaming stands at the State Fair of Texas early Tuesday morning, officials said.

According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, just before 7:10 a.m., crews were called to a reported fire at a balloon-pop stand on the Midway. When they arrived, large plumes of black smoke were visible.

Gordita's owner, Lupita Valerio, saw the fire start and went to grab a fire extinguisher.

"When I went back, the fire was even...
Houston Chronicle •

Montgomery County 4-H member wins top State Fair of Texas pig prize

Benson, 12, received $44,000 at the 78th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction Friday for the sale of her market barrow named "Red," according to an announcement from the State Fair of Texas.

Benson, 12, received $44,000 at the 78th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction Friday for the sale of her market barrow named "Red," according to an announcement from the State Fair of Texas.

The State Fair of Texas opened Sept. 25 and continues through Oct. 18 in Dallas' Fair Park. The 24-day event, da...
CBS News •

Blind artist shares inspiration behind her craft as she earns third State Fair of Texas creative arts honor

One knot at a time, Rita Tobianski turns thread into lace. She cannot see the finished piece, but her hands know the patterns by heart.

Tobianski, who is blind, has earned an honorable mention in the 2026 State Fair of Texas Creative Arts competition. It is her third year competing and her third recognition: she won first place in 2024 and received an honorable mention in 2025.

She learned to tat as a child, long before she began losing her sight at 23.

"I think that for me, the hardest part...
CBS News •

Opening weekend of State Fair of Texas brings thousands as new pricing takes effect: How and where to save

The State Fair of Texas is in full swing!

This year, fairgoers can expect lower prices in parking, admission, and food. Taylor Pulfer, Director of Communications for the fair, says they "listened to the fairgoers' feedback" and reduced prices.

Parking was reduced by $5, making it $25. Children ages 3 to 12 can get in for just $10, and Monday through Thursday, everyone gets in for $10 after 5 p.m.

When it comes to food, Pulfer says they worked with vendors to bring fairgoers lower prices, and...
CBS News •

Identical twin brothers bring a taste of vegan food to the State Fair of Texas

It's the opening weekend for the State Fair of Texas. The fair celebrates its 140th birthday with rides, exhibitions, live music, and fun for the whole family.

Fair organizers lowered prices on parking, tickets, and rides after lagging attendance last year, and it wouldn't be the fair without some good food.

The excitement is high for the opening weekend of the fair. Food is already sizzling, and you'll see double at the Vegan Vibrationz booth. Identical twins Jovan and Josh Cole are the owner...
CBS News •

From lost children to lost keys: How the State Fair of Texas Safety team protects visitors

The last thing fairgoers want to experience on opening day is losing a child, not knowing where to go in Fair Park or dealing with an unruly person. That's where the State Fair of Texas' safety team comes in.

Currently, 115 former law enforcement officers from a dozen agencies make up the team, which is separate from the security team that enforces rules during fair season. They wear neon green shirts to be easily spotted.

"They can see us. That was one of the reasons of going to the light gre...
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