While the economy is in a downward spiral, thousands of North Texans opted to take a spin of a different kind at the State Fair of Texas.
The 24 days of fun and fried food came to an end Sunday, and fair officials said attendance did not dip despite the economy.
"We do believe that the 'staycation' was alive and well during this fall," said Sue Gooding, State Fair spokeswoman.
Families came out in droves, but many stuck to strict budgets this year.
"I mean, we're not doing as much as we would have last year," one woman said.
Fairgoers splurged on food such as fried cookie dough, one of the favorites.
"It was slow at first, but it started to pick up a little," one vendor said.
Chicken-fried bacon was one of the biggest attractions at this year's fair. It won the "best taste" award and was so popular, it sold out one day.
The 16,000 additional seats at the Cotton Bowl also brought in more Texas/OU fans.
"We lost about a day and half to rain, but this closing weekend has been beautiful, and we think we are going to be coming to close to the numbers we had last year," Gooding said.
A DART rail train will go directly to the fairgrounds next year, making it easier for fairgoers to get to the Fair Park.
