The 2020 State Fair of Texas may be canceled, but there's an alternative that will allow fairgoers to enjoy fair food and get a picture with Big Tex with the "Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru."
"With the COVID crisis going on we had to do something," Jack Pyland IV of Jack's French Fries said. "My family has been doing this for 75-years, and I don't know anything except October and September setting up, getting ready for a fair."
Up to 50,000 vehicles will be allowed to drive through Fair Park and pick up fair food, including a Fletcher's Corny Dog, followed by a stop at Big Tex for a photo op. As an icon of the Lone Star State and a true Texan, Big Tex will do his part to keep the community safe by wearing a Big Tex-sized face mask.
"It's definitely different, but I guess it's been a different year, ya know," W.C. Fletcher of Fletcher's Corny Dogs said, noting food is part of people's State Fair of Texas memories. "I think taste and smell, you know, I think those bring back strong memories for people. I know they do for me."
"It just didn't seem possible not to have a fair," Jim Conaster, the 'cotton candy guy', said as he set up his stand. "I just hope they remember we're still here, and that we'll be here next year."
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Tickets are limited and will be presold in three entry windows - entry between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., entry between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and entry between 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Fair officials anticipate the drive-thru to take no longer than 90 minutes once entering the gate. Tickets for the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru go on sale starting September 2 at 10:00 a.m. Click here for ticket information.
After selecting a specific date and time, each customer will be able to choose one of two different packages, in addition to special add-on items:
Big Tex Photo Package - $25
Only available September 19 and 20
Includes:
Admission (in one vehicle) for up to eight people
One downloadable professional photo with Big Tex
Fair Food & Photo Package A - $65
(Feeds 1-2 people)
Includes:
Admission (in one vehicle) for up to eight people
One downloadable professional photo with Big Tex
Two Soft Drinks or Bottled Waters provided by Haworth Concessions
Two Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs
One order of Jack's French Fries
One order of Stiffler's Fried Oreos®
One bag of State Fair Cotton Candy
One bag of Pioneer Kettle Corn
One Midway Prize
Fair Food & Photo Package B - $99
(Feeds 3-4 people)
Includes:
Admission (in one vehicle) for up to eight people
One downloadable professional photo with Big Tex
Four Soft Drinks or Bottled Waters provided by Haworth Concessions
Four Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs
Two orders of Jack's French Fries
Two orders of Stiffler's Fried Oreos
Two bags of State Fair Cotton Candy
Two bags of Pioneer Kettle Corn
Two Midway Prizes
Additional Add-on Items
Two Sweet Connie's Corn on the Cob, $10
Two Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs, $15
Two Smokey John's Sausage on a Stick, $12
Two Smokey John's Turkey Legs, $24
Click here for a full list of health and safety protocols for the event.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the North Texas Food Bank.
The Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru will take place between Sept. 25 through Oct. 18.
