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Photos of State Fair of Texas from when you were a kid, from Star-Telegram archive

Oct. 8, 1978: Visitors to the State Fair of Texas spinning around on a carnival ride.
Oct. 8, 1978: Visitors to the State Fair of Texas spinning around on a carnival ride. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

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The 2023 State Fair of Texas

Howdy, folks! This year’s State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 29-Oct.22, 2023. Here’s everything you need to know, from parking to food to all things Big Tex. Enjoy!

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The State Fair of Texas, which starts Friday, Sept. 29, has been a tradition since 1886. Generations of families have competed in the livestock events, ridden the carnival rides, posed by Big Tex and gobbled down deep-fried goodies.

Here’s a look back at historic photos from the fair in Dallas, which at 24 consecutive days is the nation’s longest-running. Most are from the Star-Telegram archive going back to the 1940s. How many of these scenes do you recognize?

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Oct. 8, 1978: Art Cunningham and his son, Mike, of Tyler riding the Ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas.
Oct. 8, 1978: Art Cunningham and his son, Mike, of Tyler riding the Ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas. David Breslauer Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 19, 1977: Big Tex, in patriotic Western garb, greets visitors to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Oct. 19, 1977: Big Tex, in patriotic Western garb, greets visitors to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 25, 1999: Tiffany Clay, left, Rosane Upshaw and Varencia Williams hold on in shear terror as they ride the Avalanche ride on the opening weekend day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Sept. 25, 1999: Tiffany Clay, left, Rosane Upshaw and Varencia Williams hold on in shear terror as they ride the Avalanche ride on the opening weekend day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Rick Moon STAR TELEGRAM
Oct. 24, 1953: Visitors during Fort Worth Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Among the 100 school students participating in the state baton twirling contest were four from Tarrant County. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Leathers of 5121 Kessler, are pictured here. Left to right, Barnett Sykes Leathers, 2, and his sister, Margaret Jo, 3, were not participants.
Oct. 24, 1953: Visitors during Fort Worth Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Among the 100 school students participating in the state baton twirling contest were four from Tarrant County. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Leathers of 5121 Kessler, are pictured here. Left to right, Barnett Sykes Leathers, 2, and his sister, Margaret Jo, 3, were not participants. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 8, 1978: Visitors to the State Fair of Texas spinning around on a carnival ride.
Oct. 8, 1978: Visitors to the State Fair of Texas spinning around on a carnival ride. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 12, 1976: A scene from the State Fair of Texas with the Dallas skyline visible in the background.
Oct. 12, 1976: A scene from the State Fair of Texas with the Dallas skyline visible in the background. Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 24, 1953: Fort Worth visitors performed during Fort Worth Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Among the 100 school students participating in the state baton twirling contest were four from Tarrant County. Left to right, front row, are Twila McCoy at 2916 Westbrook; Connie Anderson of Arlington, winner of the juvenile division; back row, Patsy Carleton of 1317 Kings Highway; Don Burkhart of 3908 Creech, and Barbara Haddock of 4800 Parrish Rd.
Oct. 24, 1953: Fort Worth visitors performed during Fort Worth Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Among the 100 school students participating in the state baton twirling contest were four from Tarrant County. Left to right, front row, are Twila McCoy at 2916 Westbrook; Connie Anderson of Arlington, winner of the juvenile division; back row, Patsy Carleton of 1317 Kings Highway; Don Burkhart of 3908 Creech, and Barbara Haddock of 4800 Parrish Rd. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 25, 1990: Workers fit Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall mascot of the State Fair of Texas, with new Justin boots ahead of the fair at Fair Park in Dallas.
Sept. 25, 1990: Workers fit Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall mascot of the State Fair of Texas, with new Justin boots ahead of the fair at Fair Park in Dallas. Jerry W. Hoefer Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 12, 1976: A couple relaxes next to Fair Park Esplanade reflecting pool during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Oct. 12, 1976: A couple relaxes next to Fair Park Esplanade reflecting pool during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 10, 1979: Neil Fletcher of Fletcher’s Corny Dogs shows off his creation at the State Fair of Texas.
Oct. 10, 1979: Neil Fletcher of Fletcher’s Corny Dogs shows off his creation at the State Fair of Texas. Tony Record Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 14, 1940: One of the outstanding sheep and lambs that took the eye of the Chuck Wagon Gossiper at the State Fair of Texas last week is shown here. Victor Lindley, 4-H Club boy of Big Lake, holding one of the group of lambs that came from Reagan County and ranked second in that division.
Oct. 14, 1940: One of the outstanding sheep and lambs that took the eye of the Chuck Wagon Gossiper at the State Fair of Texas last week is shown here. Victor Lindley, 4-H Club boy of Big Lake, holding one of the group of lambs that came from Reagan County and ranked second in that division. Frank Reeves Sr. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 25, 1990: Dallas preschoolers come face to face with Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall mascot of the State Fair of Texas, before his head is raised and assembled onto his shoulders at Fair Park in Dallas.
Sept. 25, 1990: Dallas preschoolers come face to face with Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall mascot of the State Fair of Texas, before his head is raised and assembled onto his shoulders at Fair Park in Dallas. Jerry W. Hoefer Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 27, 2001: The last day of preparation at the Texas State Fair in Dallas saw midway game booths, concessions, and fair talent busy making preparations and rehearsing for tomorrow’s opening day. Cosme Taturana, a member of Capoeira Brazil, a gymnastic group, rehearses on the Big Tex Circle Stage, with the fair’s most recognized symbol, Big Tex, behind him.
Sept. 27, 2001: The last day of preparation at the Texas State Fair in Dallas saw midway game booths, concessions, and fair talent busy making preparations and rehearsing for tomorrow’s opening day. Cosme Taturana, a member of Capoeira Brazil, a gymnastic group, rehearses on the Big Tex Circle Stage, with the fair’s most recognized symbol, Big Tex, behind him. PAUL MOSELEY STAR TELEGRAM
Oct. 8, 1978: A scene from the State Fair of Texas showing Big Tex greeting fairgoers.
Oct. 8, 1978: A scene from the State Fair of Texas showing Big Tex greeting fairgoers. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 28, 2001: State Fair of Texas officials have responded to the terrorists attacks with an increased police presence at the State Fair of Texas. Dallas police Senior Cpl. Joseph Desonier mans one of the midway booths. The fair began it’s 2001 season with great weather, plenty of entertainment and a heightened sense of security.
Sept. 28, 2001: State Fair of Texas officials have responded to the terrorists attacks with an increased police presence at the State Fair of Texas. Dallas police Senior Cpl. Joseph Desonier mans one of the midway booths. The fair began it’s 2001 season with great weather, plenty of entertainment and a heightened sense of security. PAUL MOSELEY STAR TELEGRAM
Oct. 17, 1940: Three of the Chester White hogs with which E.D. Heath & Sons of Hale Center practically swept the Chester White division of the State Fair of Texas hog show at Dallas last week. Blue Ribbon Girl, senior champion sow of the Chester White breed at the fair is pictured here. The man with the Blue Ribbon Girl is Aaron Gritzmaker, of Gritzmaker Brothers of Lahoma, Okla., new owners of the entire Heath show herd which was sold to them at the conclusion of the state fair judging.
Oct. 17, 1940: Three of the Chester White hogs with which E.D. Heath & Sons of Hale Center practically swept the Chester White division of the State Fair of Texas hog show at Dallas last week. Blue Ribbon Girl, senior champion sow of the Chester White breed at the fair is pictured here. The man with the Blue Ribbon Girl is Aaron Gritzmaker, of Gritzmaker Brothers of Lahoma, Okla., new owners of the entire Heath show herd which was sold to them at the conclusion of the state fair judging. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 29, 2000: Ron Lemley, left, is the Midway’s worst nightmare: a good eye, a love of the game challenge, and a pocketful of money snagged him and his wife Bobbie 11 of the biggest stuffed animals you could choose. The prizes were so big and so hard to carry, the Lemleys gave away two to passing children on the State Fair of Texas Midway. Last year they donated the 50 stuffed animals they won to charity. Here, the Dallas couple carry nine of the prizes back to their car. He threw softballs at milk jugs, pitched basketballs and footballs, any game on the Midway he tried and won, usually after only one try.
Sept. 29, 2000: Ron Lemley, left, is the Midway’s worst nightmare: a good eye, a love of the game challenge, and a pocketful of money snagged him and his wife Bobbie 11 of the biggest stuffed animals you could choose. The prizes were so big and so hard to carry, the Lemleys gave away two to passing children on the State Fair of Texas Midway. Last year they donated the 50 stuffed animals they won to charity. Here, the Dallas couple carry nine of the prizes back to their car. He threw softballs at milk jugs, pitched basketballs and footballs, any game on the Midway he tried and won, usually after only one try. Paul Moseley STAR TELEGRAM
Oct. 6, 2000: Kayla Luensmann of Marion cries as she stands in line to lead her charolais named Casper to the auction block at the Tom Thumb Sale Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Local and state FFA member youths bring the animals they have raised to the fair to be judged and sold at auction each year.
Oct. 6, 2000: Kayla Luensmann of Marion cries as she stands in line to lead her charolais named Casper to the auction block at the Tom Thumb Sale Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Local and state FFA member youths bring the animals they have raised to the fair to be judged and sold at auction each year. Willis Knight FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM
Oct. 8, 1978: A scene from the State Fair of Texas with the Cotton Bowl Stadium visible in the background.
Oct. 8, 1978: A scene from the State Fair of Texas with the Cotton Bowl Stadium visible in the background. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 19, 1997: Kenneth and Valarie Houston of Garland scream around a turn on the Trizzler at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Oct. 19, 1997: Kenneth and Valarie Houston of Garland scream around a turn on the Trizzler at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Kevin Fujii Star-Telegram
Oct. 12, 1976: Riders on the gondolas come eyes-to-eyes with Big Tex, the symbol of the State Fair of Texas.
Oct. 12, 1976: Riders on the gondolas come eyes-to-eyes with Big Tex, the symbol of the State Fair of Texas. Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 13, 1941: Paul Colbert, Wichita Falls, (left); W.L. Colbert, Oklahoma City (rear) and Frank Taggart, herdsman for Colbert Hereford Ranch, Mill Creek, Okla., shown with a young calf at the State Fair of Texas.
Oct. 13, 1941: Paul Colbert, Wichita Falls, (left); W.L. Colbert, Oklahoma City (rear) and Frank Taggart, herdsman for Colbert Hereford Ranch, Mill Creek, Okla., shown with a young calf at the State Fair of Texas. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jim Lowe, the voice of Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, died in June 2000.
Jim Lowe, the voice of Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, died in June 2000. HANDOUT
Sept. 22, 2003: The raising of Big Tex took place this morning on the grounds of The State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Amusements Inc. workers Eric Gassaway, left, and Nathan Williams lift the right boot.
Sept. 22, 2003: The raising of Big Tex took place this morning on the grounds of The State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Amusements Inc. workers Eric Gassaway, left, and Nathan Williams lift the right boot. PAUL MOSELEY STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 30, 2000: Pop star Christina Aguilera performs a free concert at on the main stage at the Texas State Fair in Dallas.
Sept. 30, 2000: Pop star Christina Aguilera performs a free concert at on the main stage at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Alison Woodworth Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Oct. 9, 2003: Earl Campbell, former University of Texas running back No. 20, shows off a newly redesigned $20 bill for the media and others as Trey Morse, right, waits to get Campbell’s autograph. Earlier, Campbell had taken a fresh $20 from Trey Morse’s dad, William C. Morse Jr., vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Campbell had taken the honor of making the first transaction in Dallas with newly redesigned bill at the Texas State Fair souvenir stand. After the event, the bills were put in circulation at the fair.
Oct. 9, 2003: Earl Campbell, former University of Texas running back No. 20, shows off a newly redesigned $20 bill for the media and others as Trey Morse, right, waits to get Campbell’s autograph. Earlier, Campbell had taken a fresh $20 from Trey Morse’s dad, William C. Morse Jr., vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Campbell had taken the honor of making the first transaction in Dallas with newly redesigned bill at the Texas State Fair souvenir stand. After the event, the bills were put in circulation at the fair. LAURIE L. WARD FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
Oct. 20, 1940: A mare and her colt took high honors in the horse show at the State Fair of Texas. Mare Fanny Elkins won second in her class for mares 4 years old and older at the fair. She belongs to Joe D. Johnson of Fort Worth. Fanny is shown here.
Oct. 20, 1940: A mare and her colt took high honors in the horse show at the State Fair of Texas. Mare Fanny Elkins won second in her class for mares 4 years old and older at the fair. She belongs to Joe D. Johnson of Fort Worth. Fanny is shown here. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 21, 2005: Sharon BuMann works in a refrigerated display case as she sculpts Elvis and three hound dogs out of 800 pounds of butter in the arts and crafts building at Fair Park in Dallas. The finished work will be on display throughout this year’s State Fair of Texas.
Sept. 21, 2005: Sharon BuMann works in a refrigerated display case as she sculpts Elvis and three hound dogs out of 800 pounds of butter in the arts and crafts building at Fair Park in Dallas. The finished work will be on display throughout this year’s State Fair of Texas. DARRELL BYERS STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 29, 2006: A few brave mud-slingers race through a giant pool of mud at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas during the Jeep Stick in the Mud challenge for the chance to win an all-new four-door 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Over 100 participants scoured the pool filled with 14,000 gallons of mud for hidden sticks to earn points. More than 2,600 people registered for a chance to compete.
Sept. 29, 2006: A few brave mud-slingers race through a giant pool of mud at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas during the Jeep Stick in the Mud challenge for the chance to win an all-new four-door 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Over 100 participants scoured the pool filled with 14,000 gallons of mud for hidden sticks to earn points. More than 2,600 people registered for a chance to compete. RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM
Oct. 5, 2005: Fair-goers walk the Midway at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Oct. 5, 2005: Fair-goers walk the Midway at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. DARRELL BYERS STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 30, 2005: Bill Bragg, a DFW airport screener, mimics Big Tex’s pose as he is the voice of Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Sept. 30, 2005: Bill Bragg, a DFW airport screener, mimics Big Tex’s pose as he is the voice of Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. LAURIE L. WARD STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 30, 2005: Narda Mendoza holds her nephew, Israel Reyna, 2, in her lap and her daughter, Natalie Mendoza, by her side as the State Fair of Texas parade makes its way up Main Street in Dallas. The Texas State Fair was in its 119th season.
Sept. 30, 2005: Narda Mendoza holds her nephew, Israel Reyna, 2, in her lap and her daughter, Natalie Mendoza, by her side as the State Fair of Texas parade makes its way up Main Street in Dallas. The Texas State Fair was in its 119th season. DARRELL BYERS Star-Telegram
Oct. 3, 1957: State Fair of Texas, Dallas, Big Tex at entrance.
Oct. 3, 1957: State Fair of Texas, Dallas, Big Tex at entrance. Squire Haskins Photography Collection/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 7, 2009: Mary Myers, left, Johnna McKee and Christi Erpillo react to being selected as the Best Taste at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards for Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream. The fifth annual Big Tex Choice Awards’ judges picked Best Taste: Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream and Most Creative: Deep Fried Butter as this year’s state fair favorite fried foods.
Sept. 7, 2009: Mary Myers, left, Johnna McKee and Christi Erpillo react to being selected as the Best Taste at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards for Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream. The fifth annual Big Tex Choice Awards’ judges picked Best Taste: Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream and Most Creative: Deep Fried Butter as this year’s state fair favorite fried foods. MAX FAULKNER STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 26, 2014: Mason Greenwood of Flatonia, Texas, rests near dairy goats on opening day of the State Fair of Texas.
Sept. 26, 2014: Mason Greenwood of Flatonia, Texas, rests near dairy goats on opening day of the State Fair of Texas. G.J. McCarthy Dallas Morning News
Sept. 23, 2016: Melissa Steed of Dallas makes a selfie with Lincoln Jones, 4, at the State Fair of Texas.
Sept. 23, 2016: Melissa Steed of Dallas makes a selfie with Lincoln Jones, 4, at the State Fair of Texas. Paul Moseley Star-Telegram
Aug. 28, 2016: Ruth Hauntz tears up after being awarded Best Tasting for her Fried Jell-O during the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex Awards food competition at Fair Park in Dallas. Isaac Rousso received Most Creative for his State Fair Cookie Fries.
Aug. 28, 2016: Ruth Hauntz tears up after being awarded Best Tasting for her Fried Jell-O during the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex Awards food competition at Fair Park in Dallas. Isaac Rousso received Most Creative for his State Fair Cookie Fries. Andrew Buckley Special to the Star-Telegram
Oct. 22, 2006: Cardstacker Bryan Berg stands in the middle of the Dallas skyline he constructed out of playing cards at the State Fair of Texas. Berg used a leaf blower to knock the cards down after the exhibit ended.
Oct. 22, 2006: Cardstacker Bryan Berg stands in the middle of the Dallas skyline he constructed out of playing cards at the State Fair of Texas. Berg used a leaf blower to knock the cards down after the exhibit ended. BRIAN LAWDERMILK Special to the Star-Telegram
Sept. 26, 2013: General Motors’ president for North America, Mark Reuss, introduces the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Sept. 26, 2013: General Motors’ president for North America, Mark Reuss, introduces the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Mike Stone
Sept. 6, 2010: Michael Levy of Dallas hands out a sample of the Deep Fried Frozen Margarita. His entry was one of the finalists of the Big Tex Choice Awards at the State Fair of Texas. The sweet and creamy funnel cake batter is coupled with margarita ingredients. It is fried and dusted with a tangy lemon/lime mixture.
Sept. 6, 2010: Michael Levy of Dallas hands out a sample of the Deep Fried Frozen Margarita. His entry was one of the finalists of the Big Tex Choice Awards at the State Fair of Texas. The sweet and creamy funnel cake batter is coupled with margarita ingredients. It is fried and dusted with a tangy lemon/lime mixture. DAVID WOO Dallas Morning News
Oct. 11, 1941: Some baby beeves caught the eye of the Chuck Wagon Gossiper at the Texas State Fair at Dallas. The grand champion steer of the show is pictured here. Left to right with the steer are shown John Burns and Joe Strauss. John Burns and Joe Strauss with grand champion steer at the State Fair of Texas.
Oct. 11, 1941: Some baby beeves caught the eye of the Chuck Wagon Gossiper at the Texas State Fair at Dallas. The grand champion steer of the show is pictured here. Left to right with the steer are shown John Burns and Joe Strauss. John Burns and Joe Strauss with grand champion steer at the State Fair of Texas. Frank Reeves Sr. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

This story was originally published September 26, 2023 at 12:22 PM.

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Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.
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The 2023 State Fair of Texas

Howdy, folks! This year’s State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 29-Oct.22, 2023. Here’s everything you need to know, from parking to food to all things Big Tex. Enjoy!

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