I love so many things about the fall...the change of weather and relief of cooler temperatures, college football, the World Series (especially this year; GO RANGERS!), hooded sweatshirts, Halloween...

One of my absolute favorite things about the fall, though, is that it means it's time for the State Fair of Texas! We try to go every year at The Old State, but somehow we missed last year. So, of course, we were extra excited to go this year. The combination of being outdoors, eating foods that you would never ever consider eating anywhere else (funnel cake is my personal favorite), the sounds of the rides and barkers in the Midway, and all the multitude of smells, both good and bad provide both a stress relief and a creative inspiration unlike any other. Thanks, Big Tex, for another great year!

A few fun facts about the State Fair of Texas...

?The State Fair of Texas opened its gates for the first time on October 26, 1886. Approximately 14,000 people attend the opening day.

?The fair was canceled in 1918 due to the US Army taking control of Fair Park to establish an aviation boot camp known as Camp Dick.

?In 1930, construction of Fair Park Stadium (now known as the Cotton Bowl) begins.

?In 1932, TX-OU play their Red River Rivalry for the first time at Fair Park Stadium.

?In 1937, the first Cotton Bowl Classic is played in Fair Park. ?Big Tex makes his first appearance in 1952.

?Elvis Presley performs in the Cotton Bowl during the fair in 1956.

?In 1985 the Texas Star attraction opens as the largest ferris wheel in North America.

?The corn dog was invented in 1942 at the Texas State Fair by Carl and Neil Fletcher. But yes, there's a debate! Pronto Pup vendors claim to have introduced it in 1941 at the Minnesota State Fair.


Curtis Hale CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER