Final Weekend at State Fair Offers Last Chance for Deep-Fried Traditions

The State Fair of Texas will close its gates on Sunday at 10 p.m., signaling the conclusion of a season characterized by rising food prices and unprecedented crowds gathering at Fair Park.

Vendors are experiencing significant rises in ingredient costs, leading to notable increases in the prices of their signature items. Turkey prices have surged from $0.78 per pound last year to $1.72 per pound in 2024, prompting vendors to increase the cost of turkey legs to $24-25. Corndogs have reached a price of $8, leading to a flurry of complaints on social media from those attending the fair.

"Last year, the cost of turkey stood at $0.78 per pound." Currently, the price stands at $1.72 per pound," vendors noted, highlighting the widespread cost hikes impacting all food vendors at the fair.

Even with the high prices, the expansive fairgrounds, equivalent to 200 football fields, continue to draw in large crowds eager to partake in the yearly Texas tradition. 

Officials have put in place safety protocols mandating that individuals aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. each day, with a restriction of one chaperone for every six minors.

Visitors looking to save can discover affordable options at certain spots. The Beer Barn in Cotton Bowl Plaza boasts the most affordable alcoholic drinks, while the Magnolia Beer Garden and Texas Beer & Wine Garden serve as incredible, shaded escapes from the sweltering Texas heat. Trio on the Green offers a unique experience with food and drink flights presented in threes, perfect for those who find it difficult to choose.

Fair management enforces straightforward bag policies akin to those at major sporting events, banning large totes and backpacks. Authorities advise opting for comfortable walking shoes instead of stylish cowboy boots, highlighting that a one-way trip on the Skyway gondola requires 14 coupons to traverse the extensive grounds.

The guide for navigating the fair highlights the importance of staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and maintaining patience as key essentials. Even with October upon us, the fall weather in Texas continues to pose challenges, making air conditioning outages and water stations essential for the safety of visitors.

Dickel's Smokehouse remains a favorite, luring in visitors with its distinctive barbecue scents, while classic attractions such as livestock exhibitions and the Midway continue to thrive, even with rising expenses.

The State Fair of Texas, characterized as both a "rite of passage" and a "logistical nightmare," wraps up another successful season Sunday evening, leaving attendees with unforgettable experiences and lighter wallets until it returns next year.

‍